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.
Please feel free to forward this to a friend, colleague or family member who you feel could benefit.