The Power of Being Gentle

Being gentle towards yourself and others is critical to mental and emotional well-being. Cultivating gentleness is about treating yourself and others with kindness and compassion rather than harshness and criticism. Here are a few reasons why it is essential to be gentle:

First, being gentle can assist in reducing stress and anxiety. We are less likely to be self-critical or judgmental when we are gentle with ourselves. This can help reduce negative self-talk, contributing to anxiety and other mental health issues. Similarly, when we are gentle with others, we are more likely to be understanding and patient, which can help to diffuse conflict and reduce stress in our relationships.

Next, being gentle can help us to develop a more positive and compassionate outlook on life. When we are kind and gentle with ourselves, we are more likely to see ourselves positively, which can boost our self-esteem and sense of self-worth. Similarly, when gentle with others, we are more likely to develop positive and meaningful relationships, enhancing our understanding of connection and belonging.

Lastly, being gentle can cultivate greater resilience and emotional strength. When we are gentle with ourselves, we can better cope with the challenges and setbacks that life throws us. Similarly, when we are gentle with others, we can better support them through their struggles and help them build their resilience and improve their well-being. 

Being gentle with yourself and others is essential to mental and emotional well-being. By cultivating gentleness, we can reduce stress and anxiety, develop a more positive outlook on life, and build greater resilience and emotional strength. 

Being gentle can:

-cultivate greater resilience and emotional strength

-develop a more positive and compassionate outlook on life

- reduce stress and anxiety

Reminder: It is brave to be gentle in such a harsh world.

How to invite gentleness into your life?

Practice self-compassion: Instead of being overly critical or hard on yourself, try to practice self-compassion. This means treating yourself with kindness, understanding, and forgiveness, just as you would a close friend. When you make a mistake, try to be gentle with yourself and acknowledge that everyone makes mistakes.

Listen actively: When someone is talking to you, try to be fully present and listen actively. This means giving them your full attention, asking questions to clarify what they are saying, and avoiding interrupting or judging them. By doing so, you are showing them that you value and respect their thoughts and feelings.

Show empathy: Empathy is the ability to understand and share the feelings of others. When someone is going through a difficult time, try to put yourself in their shoes and imagine how they might be feeling. Doing so can show them that you care and are there to support them.

Practice self-care: Caring for yourself is essential to being gentle with yourself and others. This means getting enough sleep, eating well, exercising regularly, and engaging in activities that bring you joy and relaxation. By caring for yourself, you will be better equipped to show kindness, gentleness,  and compassion to those around you.

Remember, being gentle with yourself, and others is an ongoing process that takes time and practice. But by trying to be kind, understanding, and compassionate, you can create more meaningful and fulfilling relationships.

Wrap-Up: How to invite gentleness into your life?

  1. Practice self-compassion

  2. Listen actively

  3. Show empathy

  4. Practice self-care

Remember: Being gentle in a world that encourages us to be ‘tough’ is healing and what the world needs. 🌏

Journal Prompt to Practice Gentleness:

-Write yourself and forgive yourself for times when you were not kind/gentle to yourself. Tell yourself how you will move forward and be more gentle with yourself. (Hot Tip: Write the four tips from above 😉)

Affirmations to embrace Gentleness:

-I am gentle. 

-I heal myself and others by choosing gentleness.

References:

American Psychological Association. (2013, April 1). What makes kids care? Teaching gentleness in a violent world. https://www.apa.org/topics/parenting/teaching-kids-gentleness 


STANSFIELD, J., & CHESELDINE, S. E. (1995). Research to practice: An evaluation of Gentle Teaching behaviour descriptions. International Journal of Language & Communication Disorders, 30(S1), 516-525.
https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1460-6984.1995.tb01748.x

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