Guided contemplation: self-compassion across time

One theme that has come up across several episodes of the podcast is about how to think about the different versions of ourselves across time. When you think back to an earlier version of yourself who perhaps has a very different faith to the one you have now, how do you feel? Do you cringe? Do you feel shame? Do you long for or miss those days? The reality is, you can’t go back to earlier days in your life — whether you miss them or wish you could erase them. But, perhaps, learning to see them as part of your unfolding story is a part of spiritual maturity. I often think, that if we cannot extend kindness to earlier versions of ourselves, we will be unable to extend that kindness to people who believe now, what we believed then. Maybe the opposite is true also.So, this guided reflection is intended to help you exercise self-compassion to these different versions of yourself across time. And, to look back attempting to see what was good, beautiful and true, even in very different stages of life.The exercise invites you to revisit memories from childhood through to today. For some of us, there may be great pain, loss or discomfort between those points, perhaps particularly regarding religious beliefs or spaces. And if that’s the case, and you don’t feel comfortable revisiting those memories now, please know you are welcome to leave this one if it’s not for you. Or to come back at a time when you are around people or a place that feels safe for you. Want to reach out and let us know your thoughts or suggestions for the show? Send us a message here; we’d love to hear from you.The Spiritual Misfits Survival Guide (FREE): https://www.spiritualmisfits.com.au/survivalguideSign up to our mailing list:https://spiritualmisfits.com.au/Join our online Facebook community: https://www.facebook.com/groups/spiritualmisfitspodcastSupport the pod:https://spiritualmisfits.com.au/support-us/View all episodes at: https://spiritualmisfits.buzzsprout.com