Frantz Fanon, was a West Indian psychoanalyst and social philosopher known for his theory that some neuroses are socially generated and for his writings on behalf of the national liberation of colonized peoples. His critiques influenced subsequent generations of thinkers and activists. Not only was he a psychoanalyst but he was also a revolutionary who wrote about the impact of colonialism, violence and the psychological pathologies that arise as a result of being oppressed under colonialism as well as being a colonizer oppressor; read Wretched of The Earth.
He states about Cognitive Dissonance:
“Sometimes people hold a core belief that is very strong. When they are presented with evidence that works against that belief, the new evidence cannot be accepted. It would create a feeling that is extremely uncomfortable, called cognitive dissonance. And because it is so important to protect the core belief, they will rationalize, ignore and even deny anything that doesn’t fit in with the core belief.”
— Frantz Fanon
Benefits of Self Compassion
1. Practice Self-Kindness:
Treat yourself as you would a friend:
When facing difficulties or mistakes, ask yourself what you would say to a close friend in the same situation. Offer yourself that same level of support and understanding, according to Psychology Today.
Offer encouragement:
Replace self-criticism with positive self-talk. Instead of focusing on perceived flaws, highlight strengths and accomplishments.
Take care of your physical needs:
Engaging in activities that promote well-being, like getting enough sleep, eating healthy meals, or taking a relaxing walk, can boost self-compassion.
2. Acknowledge Imperfection and Common Humanity:
Accept that everyone makes mistakes:
Recognize that setbacks and imperfections are a normal part of the human experience.
Practice mindfulness:
Being aware of your thoughts and feelings without judgment allows you to observe your struggles with greater acceptance.
Remember that you’re not alone:
Suffering and imperfections are shared experiences. Remind yourself that others have likely faced similar challenges.
3. Engage in Self-Compassion Practices:
Take a self-compassion break:
Find a quiet space to breathe deeply, offer yourself a comforting touch, or repeat a calming mantra.
Write a compassionate letter:
Write a letter to yourself, acknowledging your struggles and offering words of encouragement and support.
Practice loving-kindness meditation:
This meditation focuses on extending compassion to yourself and others.
Journal:
Reflect on your experiences and express your feelings in a journal. This can help you identify negative thought patterns and cultivate more positive self-talk.
4. Seek Support When Needed:
Talk to friends or family:
Share your struggles with trusted individuals who can offer support and encouragement.
As you move toward the midpoint of the article, this paragraph provides an opportunity to connect earlier ideas with new insights. Use this space to present alternative perspectives or address potential questions readers might have. Strike a balance between depth and readability, ensuring the information remains digestible. This section can also serve as a transition to the closing points, maintaining momentum as you steer the discussion to its final stages.
Wrapping Up with Key Insights
In this concluding paragraph, summarize the key takeaways from your article, reinforcing the most important ideas discussed. Encourage readers to reflect on the insights shared, or offer actionable advice they can apply in their own lives. This is your chance to leave a lasting impression, so make sure your closing thoughts are impactful and memorable. A strong conclusion not only ties the article together but also inspires readers to engage further.
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