[{"data":1,"prerenderedAt":-1},["ShallowReactive",2],{"$f7O69eO4UDwigyTx7qvVY3Qhs_08WVzJ1kyXh5Ggftas":3,"$fvCMcccuAzEL5qvoM0BiGbhsNHfrDErFPAyhFXRUczlA":12},{"author":4,"tags":11},{"author_id":5,"author_name":6,"author_name_first_letter":7,"article_count":8,"bio":9,"short_bio":9,"bio_jsonld":9,"slug":10,"image_url":9},34347,"Mare Chapman","M",2,null,"mare-chapman",[],{"quotes":13,"pagination":71},[14,41],{"id":15,"quote_text":16,"author_id":5,"source_id":8,"has_image":17,"author":18,"source":19,"quote_tag":20,"commentary":9},550135,"We have nothing to fear from others because approval and acceptance lies within ourselves.from Chapter 4",false,{"id":5,"author_name":6,"slug":10,"author_name_first_letter":7,"article_count":8,"image_url":9},{},[21,26,31,36],{"id":22,"tag":23},2983101,{"id":24,"tag_name":25},115,"women",{"id":27,"tag":28},2983100,{"id":29,"tag_name":30},2795,"self-confidence",{"id":32,"tag":33},2983098,{"id":34,"tag_name":35},5400,"mindfulness-meditation",{"id":37,"tag":38},2983099,{"id":39,"tag_name":40},5402,"mindfulness-practice",{"id":42,"quote_text":43,"author_id":5,"source_id":8,"has_image":17,"author":44,"source":45,"quote_tag":46,"commentary":70},172529,"Mindfulness develops the ability to be a real friend to ourselves.",{"id":5,"author_name":6,"slug":10,"author_name_first_letter":7,"article_count":8,"image_url":9},{},[47,52,57,62,67],{"id":48,"tag":49},1111369,{"id":50,"tag_name":51},89,"friendship",{"id":53,"tag":54},1111370,{"id":55,"tag_name":56},136,"kindness",{"id":58,"tag":59},1111368,{"id":60,"tag_name":61},821,"confidence",{"id":63,"tag":64},1111371,{"id":65,"tag_name":66},2629,"mindfulness",{"id":68,"tag":69},1111372,{"id":39,"tag_name":40},"**The Backstory**\n\nThis quote is reminiscent of the teachings of Buddhism, particularly those of Marcus Aurelius, a Roman Emperor and philosopher who lived from 121 AD to 180 AD. During his reign, he grappled with the weight of imperial responsibility while seeking solace in Stoic philosophy. The idea that mindfulness can cultivate self-friendliness was likely influenced by the Buddhist concept of metta (loving-kindness), which emphasizes cultivating compassion and understanding towards oneself and others.\n\n**The Hidden Insight**\n\nWhile it might seem obvious to equate mindfulness with self-friendliness, the counter-intuitive truth lies in the tension between these two concepts. Traditionally, self-criticism has been seen as a necessary step for personal growth, but this quote suggests that such an approach can be detrimental if taken too far. The true power of mindfulness lies not in its ability to coddle our ego, but rather to transform us into kinder, more compassionate friends to ourselves.\n\n**How to Use This**\n\nBy embracing the idea that mindfulness cultivates self-friendliness, modern professionals and creatives can shift their approach from self-criticism to self-compassion. This means acknowledging and accepting your own vulnerabilities, insecurities, and mistakes, rather than constantly trying to overcome or hide them, allowing for greater creativity, resilience, and overall well-being.",{"currentPage":72,"totalPages":72,"totalItems":8,"itemsPerPage":73},1,10]