When the Going Gets Tough

Hello Students,

As we wrap up this semester, I want to give a shout out to everyone who is embracing self-compassion. In Spiritual Life’s Awakened Awareness, an 8-session mindfulness, spirituality, and meditation-based workshop, we engage in a lot of journaling, conversations, and guided visualizations to strengthen that muscle of self-compassion. As we wrap up our final cohort this Thursday, I invite you all to consider Awakened Awareness next semester. Talk to your friends and classmates who have done it - it really does add skills to your personal toolbox. Look for upcoming advertising and email me (hmhiman@lclark.edu) if you’re interested!

As Katherine Morgan Schafler writes, “We think of self-compassion as a sweet thing we can do for ourselves while we’re putting lotion on our legs, not as a primary source of power. We think of self-compassion as optional, but there’s nothing optional about it. You can’t heal or grow without self-compassion.” As you finish your papers, projects, and prepare for finals, I invite self-compassion to be your north star. Life is already full of enough pain. Let’s usher in some compassion.

Best wishes,

Hilary Martin Himan

Chaplain and Director of the Center for Spiritual Life

P.S. Idea for a Finals Study Break! For those who want to celebrate Christmas or see what a Christmas Service is like, come to our Christmas Service on Sunday, Dec. 15 at 6:30pm in Flanagan Chapel. All are welcome and invited! Organized by student staff of the Center for Spiritual Life and the Pioneer Christian Fellowship. Treats to follow.