An essential part of developing self-compassion, is the practice of commonalities.
The purpose of this practice is to focus on similarities between ourselves and others, rather than differences. As a way to practice compassion, we can say the 5 phrases silently to ourselves whenever we find ourselves triggered by another person. When we feel judging and annoyed by others.
We can use Commonalities Practice to de-escalate our thoughts and replace them with compassion. In this way we are cultivating compassion in ourselves and in our world.
Silently repeat these 5 phrases to yourself:
1. Just like me, this person is seeking happiness in his/her life.
2. Just like me, this person is trying to avoid suffering in his/her life.
3. Just like me, this person has known sadness, loneliness and despair.
4. Just like me, this person is seeking to fill his/her needs.
5. Just like me, this person is learning about life.
Repeat these five phrases (or others that feel right to you) over and over until you feel your attention has returned to your own centre and you feel softer and more compassionate about ‘the other’.
