Unlocking Self-Compassion: Insights and Practices for Daily Life

Written By Julie Entwistle MBA, BSc (OT), BSc.

Exploring Mindful Self-Compassion

I previously took a course in Mindfulness Self-Compassion. Taught through the Program for Faculty Development at McMaster University, the course was for health professionals, but the strategies and teachings are very relatable to all of us in our daily lives. I wanted to share some of the main concepts I found most helpful.

The Power of Self-Compassion: Reacting to Crisis

Here is the scenario: you are heading home from work, and you get a panicked call from a close friend or family member. They are upset and really need your help. How do you react? Maybe you listen calmly and compassionately, offer support, show up with a meal, ask how you can help, give them permission to feel angry, sad, confused.

But what if the crisis was happening to you? How would you talk to yourself? If you are like me, you might think that you don’t have time for a crisis, suggest you “get over it” or minimize it by reflecting on the much larger problems of others. Maybe you would see your own name on the call display roll your eyes, hit “decline” and wonder “ergh, her again!” Wow, what a difference! Self-compassion then can be as simple as affording yourself the same compassion, love and respect that you afford to those around you. Try it!

Embracing the Inner Critic: Understanding and Softening Its Voice

The course also addressed the “inner critic”. This is the internal voice we all have that bully’s us into thinking we are not “good enough, smart enough, fit enough, competent enough” etc. In truth, part of the reason I wanted to take the course in the first place was to try and sucker punch that bully and get her (mine is female) to leave me alone. But the course helped me realize that my critic actually motivates me to complete my goals and by acknowledging that she exists and being open to her presence actually diffused her, softened her approach, and now I find her voice more loving and supportive. Go figure!

Embracing Grace: Allowing Life's Challenges

To close, here is one of my favorite poems from the course:


Julie Entwistle MBA, BSc (OT), BSc.

Julie Entwistle is a Certified FocalPoint Business Coach and works with business owners and professional service providers.

Julie helps her clients by building their business confidence so they can run, grow, and develop legacy practices that are focused and optimally successful. Julie knows that when professional service businesses do better, their clients also benefit. She knows this because she was one! Prior to joining FocalPoint, Julie was an independent owner of her own healthcare business before successfully merging, growing, and selling the practice. As an owner Julie had her own business coach, and this was a key element in her success.

Academically, Julie has degrees in Health Studies and Gerontology and Health Science (Occupational Therapy) from the University of Waterloo and McMaster, respectively, and an MBA from Wilfrid Laurier. She attended Queens University as a part-time Doctorate student prior to discontinuing her studies in 2023. Julie is also a Chartered Director and has Board and governance experience.

Julie grew up in a franchise family, so business is in her DNA. She has raised four daughters who are off writing their own stories as young adults. Julie is active and fit with a black belt in Karate, a competitive golf game, and enjoys many other sports. She believes in authenticity, showing kindness to all living things, and is happiest when helping others to build their own wealth and wellness.

Find Julie on LinkedIn at: linkedin.com/in/julieentwistle

https://www.businessyou.ca
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