Skip to content

When I tried this morning, after an hour or so of unhappy…

“When I tried this morning, after an hour or so of unhappy thinking, to dip back into my meditation, I took a new idea with me: compassion. I asked my heart if it could please infuse my soul with a more generous perspective on my mind's workings. Instead of thinking that I was a failure, could I…” quote by Elizabeth Gilbert
Download Open image
“When I tried this morning, after an hour or so of unhappy thinking, to dip back into my meditation, I took a new idea with me: compassion. I asked my heart if it could please infuse my soul with a more generous perspective on my mind's workings. Instead of thinking that I was a failure, could I perhaps accept that I am only a human being--and a normal one, at that?”

Elizabeth Gilbert

About This Quote

This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.

The speaker suggests using compassion to reframe self‑criticism, seeing oneself as a normal human rather than a failure.

In simple terms: Compassion can replace self‑judgment with acceptance.

Key Takeaway

Practice self‑compassion when negative thoughts arise.

Themes

self‑acceptance mindfulness compassion humanity

Mood

reflective calm encouraging

Type

advice motivational philosophical

When to use this quote

  • daily meditation
  • stressful workday
  • after a setback
  • during conflict

Key Concepts

psychology self‑compassion cognitive reframing

Questions to Reflect On

  • How can you cultivate genuine compassion for yourself?
  • What triggers your self‑criticism?
A Different Perspective

Compassion may feel forced if not deeply cultivated.

★ ★ ★ ★ ★ No ratings yet

More by Elizabeth Gilbert

Explore all 1,156 Elizabeth Gilbert quotes

More Accepting quotes

Browse all 6,788 Accepting quotes