November 18

REFLECTION FOR TODAY
Usually as we face and deal with shameful experiences we begin to understand why we responded the way we did. Compassion for ourselves increases, and it feels so comforting. Finally we can talk to ourselves about the experiences with gentleness rather than criticism. Our gentle ways draw others to us. Through these relationships we realize even more, no matter how devastating an experience might have been in our past, once we share it, it becomes a help to someone in the present.

MEDITATION FOR TODAY
May I remember I need no longer be alone with my pain.

TODAY I WILL REMEMBER
Acceptance of my experience gives me compassion for myself and then for others.

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October 16

REFLECTION FOR TODAY
Because I was so impatient and critical of myself, gaining compassion was not an easy task. Now as I talk kindly to myself instead of critically, I gain more and more compassion for myself. When I am gentle with myself, I feel peace inside, even in the midst of turmoil. When I am gentle with myself, I become more gentle with others. It is this gentleness and caring, not impatience and criticism, which brings about continued growth and healing.

MEDITATION FOR TODAY
When I resist being kind to myself, may I recall that compassion precedes growth.

TODAY I WILL REMEMBER
I no longer need to hate me.

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