Self-care and self-compassion – two terms that we often use in everyday therapeutic practice and frequently consider interchangeable.
«We can only give what we have within ourselves»
Self-care and self-compassion – two terms that we often use in everyday therapeutic practice and frequently consider interchangeable. But it is important to take a closer look, because self-care can only flourish on the foundation of self-compassion. Only when we treat ourselves with kindness, understanding and compassion can true self-care emerge – a form of care that is much more than a wellness weekend or a self-improvement seminar. Rather, genuine self-care is a wonderful resource that truly nourishes us. And it gives us the strength to be there for others – with kindness, mindfulness and ALOHA. The beginning lies in our willingness to treat ourselves with the same gentleness and humanity that we wish to bring into the world.
What you can expect in this newsletter:
1. Main topic: Self-compassion & Self-care
2. Dates at AlohaSpirit: September to December 20255
3. Special event: Guided night Lomilomi
4. Hawaiian proverb – Queen Kapi’olani
Self-compassion &Self-care
The key to a noticeable difference
Self-compassion is a natural ability that is inherent in all of us. The Dalai Lama introduced this originally religious concept into the secular world. Today, scientific studies* prove that self-compassion leads to a noticeable difference – including in terms of stress, anxiety, burnout, and exhaustion.
Self-compassion is therefore neither a technique nor a trend, nor does it have any tendency towards narcissism, as some may think. Rather, it is based on a conscious decision to treat ourselves with the same care and clarity that we treat our loved ones. It is about being mindful of our true feelings, our joys, our own suffering, our mistakes, weaknesses and needs – without judging.
„We can only give what we have“ – words with which Kumu Keala expresses this life wisdom.
The good news is that we can all learn self-compassion. How strong our ‘self-compassion muscle’ becomes depends on how regularly we devote ourselves to it and train it – just like building physical muscle.
What each and every one of us truly needs
Increase efficiency, stay healthy and beautiful, enjoy life – this is how self-care is often understood in a Western context. This can be useful, but only if self-care is based on understanding: what do I truly need? The answer grows out of self-compassion. This allows self-care to unfold in a way that not only benefits us, but also radiates out into our environment.
Reconnecting with Joy
Especially in care professions, exhaustion and burnout are ever-present. Those who dedicate themselves to others want to do good, be part of a solution, and serve the community. But good intentions alone are not enough in the long run. When our strength wanes, our drive diminishes, and our inner fire dies out, we need to reconnect with the source of our original joy in what we do.
- Connection – We are social beings. Deep, genuine relationships nourish us.
- Meaning – The feeling of doing something meaningful sustains and fulfils us.
ALOHA – A meaningful life
A meaningful life begins with compassion for ourselves and for those around us. When we choose ALOHA, kindness and compassion, connectedness and meaning go hand in hand.
Today we know: Our brain rewards lived generosity and altruistic behaviour with feelings of happiness. Compassion therefore not only means doing good for others – it also strengthens our own well-being, our inner balance and our resilience.
The Dalai Lama speaks about «a wise pursuit of self-interest».
With this in mind, we wish you many moments of kindness and compassion for yourself and, in turn, for those around you.
Mahalo nui loa! Thank you very much.
PS: On a personal note: In challenging times, we often lose touch with our bodies and our inner self. Lomilomi invites us to return to our body, opening the way to inner strength and trust – a deep touch that not only speaks to self-compassion and self-care, but also allows us to experience it directly.
Appointments can be booked online via the website www.AlohaSpirit.ch.
We are here for you – and look forward to seeing you.
* Studies and research show that selfless actions improve our health and quality of life (Brown et al., University of Michigan / Tanja Singer Research / Mind & Life Institute).
Top of Mauna Kea, 2024
Dates September to December 2025
HULA
Hula-Training:
Every Tuesday from 6pm to 9pm
All are welcome. No previous experience necessary.
Monthly Hula Dance Day:
Whether beginner or advanced: Come to our Hula Day. We dance hula together in ALOHA, learn more about Hawaiian culture, gain strength and flexibility and immerse ourselves in the fascinating world of Hawaiʻi. Hula is the heartbeat of the Hawaiian people. LET’S HULA!
At a glance
- 23 August
- 27 September
- 11 October
- 15 November
- 13 December
All are welcome. No previous experience necessary.
Hula Training, Paradise Park, Puna, 2024
ZOOM INFO EVENING
Once a month, from 7 to 8 pm, you can find out everything about AlohaSpirit via Zoom. Do you have questions about Lomilomi massage, our Lomilomi training courses, hula dance, the fascinating Hawaiian philosophy of life Hoʻoponopono and the unique workshops with Kumu Keala in Zurich? Then join us and become part of the AlohaSpirit 'Ohana (AlohaSpirit family).
At a glance
- 10 September
- 22 October
- 26 November
- 10 December
LOMILOMI
Lomilomi introductory course: 10 – 13 September – ONLY A FEW PLACES LEFT
Have you ever wanted to go to Hawaiʻi? Or have you already been there and would like to go again? Maybe it is too far, too expensive? You no longer fly or simply don't have the time?
Our Lomilomi introductory course is like a journey to Hawaiʻi and back. In just four days, you will experience and learn a lot about Hawaiʻi. You will gain the necessary knowledge to be able to independently apply the basic techniques of traditional Lomilomi massage.
The four-day introductory workshop is the basis for all further courses; it corresponds to module 1 of our Lomilomi therapy training.
All are welcome. No previous experience necessary.
SPECIAL EVENT: Guided Night Lomilomi – 7th of December
In the special night of the «Lā‘aukālua»-moon – the second night after the last full moon – according to the Hawaiian lunar calendar, powerful spaces for healing, transformation and integration open up.
If you have the AlohaSpirit Lomilomi diploma, we warmly invite you to a sensual and nourishing night ritual. In a safe, guided setting, you will both give and receive – a Lomilomi massage in the middle of the night.
Cornelia and Noëlle will guide you through this profound, healing experience in the darkness.
Maximum 12 participants – first come, first served.
Hale AlohaSpirit, Alderstrasse 28, Zürich
Registration by E-Mail to: info@alohaspirit.ch
Cost: CHF 250.–
We are looking forward to seeing you!
Noëlle and Cornelia
Hawaiian proverb:
«Kūlia i ka nuʻu»
«Strive for the highest»
Motto of Queen Kapiʻolani, (1834-1899)
With these few words, Queen Kapiʻolani calls upon us to strive for excellence – a motto reflected in her own life and actions. She was known for her kindness and compassion, dedicating herself wholeheartedly to the health and well-being of the Hawaiian people.
We look forward to welcoming you to AlohaSpirit soon, be it at our school, in the practice or at the next info evening via Zoom.
Sincerely
Noëlle and Team
Noëlle, Hawai’i
Hawaiʻi very close – since 1996!
You, me, us and more and more of us: Live ALOHA!
