Gentle vs. Fierce Self-Compassion: The Secret to Honouring Your Needs and Values

When you hear the term self-compassion, what comes to mind?

Being kind to yourself?
Resting more?
Maybe dropping into a gentle yoga class or a guided meditation?

That’s definitely part of it—but here’s something I want you to be aware of – there are two types of self-compassion.

Gentle self-compassion and fierce self-compassion.

Gentle self-compassion is about:

  • Being kind and nurturing to yourself
  • Holding space for yourself
  • Acknowledging what you’re feeling & your needs
  • Soothing and nourishing your soul

When life feels heavy & chaotic, gentle self-compassion helps you rest, heal, and care for your heart

Fierce self-compassion means:

  • Setting boundaries and saying ‘NO’
  • Advocating for your needs
  • Standing up against injustice
  • Making bold decisions that align with your values

It’s about prioritising yourself and actively responding to your needs with strength and clarity.

The truth is, self-compassion isn’t just about being kind—it’s also about standing up for yourself when it matters most.

We need both:

The warmth of gentle self-compassion.

And the strength of fierce self-compassion.

At times, we may lean more toward gentle self-compassion, while at other times, fierce self-compassion takes centre stage.

True self-compassion is knowing when to soften with grace and when to rise with strength.

If you’re new to Ayurveda or even you have taken a Dosha quiz before this one will reveal something new – I promise 😊 Take this quiz and discover your Ayurvedic Dosha (mind-body type), uncover your strengths and weaknesses, and find out what might be holding you back from living your best life.

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