Ep #174: Why Being Hard on Yourself Isn’t Helping with Michael Henri

Do you speak to yourself the way you speak to a friend?

In this episode, you'll be invited to gently explore the way you treat yourself—especially during moments of failure, doubt, or pressure. It’s a powerful reminder that self-compassion is not weakness; it’s wisdom in action.

The conversation centers around the contrast between self-criticism and self-kindness, especially for teachers, facilitators, or anyone in a leadership role. You’ll learn how the voice of the inner critic often disguises itself as motivation, but usually leads to burnout, disconnection, or shame. Instead, the episode highlights self-kindness as a skill—a grounded, conscious act that fuels resilience and real presence.

From a yogic lens, this is the practice of Ahimsa (non-violence) and Svadhyaya (self-study). From a neuroscience view, it’s about regulating your nervous system to create safety and clarity. And from a practical level, it’s about building a relationship with yourself that is rooted in respect, care, and steady truth.

This episode will leave you reflecting on how you lead, love, and live—from within.

Episode Chapters:

00:00:00 Introduction

00:01:44 Self-Criticism vs Self-Kindness

00:04:16 Ahimsa and the Inner Voice

00:06:48 Inner Punishment vs Inner Presence

00:08:58 Leadership Through Self-Compassion

00:11:07 Svadhyaya and Regulating the Nervous System

00:13:35 Presence Over Perfection

00:16:07 Leading from Self-Kindness

00:18:44 Breath and Mantra Practice

00:21:04 Reflective Prompts and Closing

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📌 Mentions & Resources

Yogic Concepts:

• Ahimsa (non-violence)

• Svadhyaya (self-study)
  

Reflective Prompts (shared in episode):

• When I notice self-criticism arise, what could I say instead?

• What small act of kindness could I offer myself today?

• How does self-compassion strengthen my ability to hold space for others?

• When have I extended compassion to others—and how can I offer that to myself?

• What parts of me are asking for understanding, not judgment?

• I choose presence over perfection—what does that feel like in my body?

• Michael Henri’s Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/michaelyoga.pt/ 

• Going Pro Yoga’s Instagram: https://www.instagram/com/goingproyoga/

  
  

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Tags: self-compassion, leadership, yoga philosophy, ahimsa, svadhyaya, personal growth, nervous system, mindfulness, emotional intelligence, authenticity, presence