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Self Compassion When Life Is Hard: Mindful Hiking with Sean

In this episode, Sean takes listeners on a mindful hike while reflecting on the importance of self-compassion during difficult times. He shares personal insights and practical guidance on how to navigate life's challenges with kindness and presence.

This episode is sponsored by the Mindfulness Exercises Mindfulness Meditation Teacher Certification. Learn more about this unique, online, self-paced program at mindfulnessexercises.com/certify

What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

  • Self-compassion helps us meet our struggles with kindness rather than criticism
  • Nature and mindful walking can provide grounding during emotional turbulence
  • It's okay to slow down and offer yourself care in the same way you'd care for a friend
  • Mindfulness practices like noticing the breath and tuning into the senses can ease emotional pain

Show Notes:

Self-compassion helps us meet our struggles with kindness rather than criticism

When life feels overwhelming, it’s easy to fall into patterns of self-judgment or harsh inner dialogue. This episode reminds us that self-compassion is about recognizing our pain without adding layers of blame or criticism. It’s about becoming a gentle friend to ourselves in moments when we need support the most.

Nature and mindful walking can provide grounding during emotional turbulence

Being in nature — whether on a mindful hike or a simple walk — offers an opportunity to reconnect with the present moment. The sounds, sights, and sensations of the natural world can anchor us when our minds feel scattered. Sean highlights how mindful walking is a powerful tool to calm the nervous system and restore clarity.

It's okay to slow down and offer yourself care in the same way you'd care for a friend

Many of us are quick to offer kindness to others but struggle to extend that same compassion inward. This episode encourages listeners to pause and reflect on what it would look like to treat themselves with the same patience, warmth, and understanding they would naturally offer someone they love.

Mindfulness practices like noticing the breath and tuning into the senses can ease emotional pain

Simple mindfulness techniques — such as observing your breath, feeling your feet on the ground, or noticing the sounds around you — can create moments of relief amidst difficulty. Sean guides listeners through practices that foster presence, helping them stay grounded without needing to force away discomfort or change what they feel.

Notable Quotes

“When life is hard, sometimes the kindest thing we can do is just be gentle with ourselves.”

“You don’t have to fix everything — you just have to be present with what’s happening.”

Additional Resources:

Related Episodes

Gentle Awareness and Mindful Presence, A Guided Meditation
How to Cultivate Inner Peace – Lessons from a Former Buddhist Monk with Stephen Schettini
Nurturing Yourself While Serving Others, A Guided Meditation
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