Deep within all beings is the wish to be happy and free from suffering. Therefore self-compassion is the most natural thing in the world. Yet when we suffer emotionally, instead of responding compassionately to our own failings and imperfections, more often than not, we hear a harsh inner critic or what we call a heckler, calling out insults and bashing us. Having compassion for oneself is really no different from having compassion for others. With self-compassion, we embrace ourselves with kindness and care in response to pain, recognising that imperfection is part of the shared human experience. By holding ourselves in love and connection, we give ourselves the support and comfort needed to bear life difficulties, while providing the optimal conditions for growth and transformation.