Life is a struggle. As a teenager, I lived with perceived pressure from my parents, and real pressure from myself to perform well. I did what was expected without ever asking myself if this is what I really wanted – losing touch with my true self.
When I first met my husband, he planted a seed that children help us grow. As a parent of young children, I was lost at how to support my children’s emotional needs and the conflicts they had with each other. I read parenting books, attended talks, and would apply what I had just learned to the situation at hand. It didn’t work because these teachings did not take into account who my children were and who I truly am.
I was very fortunate to be part of spaces that were nurturing and healing – enabling me to accept myself just as I am. I was then able to build the internal resources to meet the challenges of parenthood in an empathetic and compassionate way. I began to loosen the hold on the negative assumptions I had about each child. As my communication shifted from a tone of judgment and blame to one of just wanting to understand and connect, the conflicts in our family became fewer and fewer.
I went from a parent that was always searching for techniques and solutions to a parent who is grounded – knowing what is needed in the moment to meet my children with empathy and compassion. Coming home to the parent I was meant to be.
When my children became young adults, I came to know Kristin Neff & Chris Germer’s Mindful Self-Compassion. Self-compassion would have been there as an antidote to my harsh inner critic. It would also have helped me recognize I did not need to keep searching for techniques and solutions. The answer to the parent I wanted to be lay within.
Before we can accept the misfortunes of our past, we need time to mourn what we have lost.
“Marina is highly knowledgeable about self-compassion. She has shared valuable resources that have enhanced my understanding and practice of self-compassion. If you’re looking for a Coach who is a skilled listener, guide, and an expert in self-compassion, I highly recommend her.”
Stuart – California, USA
“The best part about working with Marina is her kindness, willingness to explore, and the meditations she shared with me. I was able to add more tools to my toolkit.”
Heather – California, USA