One of the things I learned about myself early on in adulthood is that appreciation is a high emotional need of mine. According to the love languages it is “words of affirmation.” Therefore, words of affirmation and also encouragement are something I value and give to others.
But what intrigues me is how awkward it feels at times to compliment, encourage, or affirm someone. Even when those positive feelings are overflowing naturally from my heart, it feels unnatural being vocalized.
If anyone else has experienced this, you may be asking yourself the same question, Why is this kindness difficult?
Compliments, though seemingly simple, require a degree of honesty and vulnerability.
I have noticed you. I have needed you.
And yet, if we press through the awkwardness, we will find that it is worth it. In my classes, I have found it is so important to let students know when they are achieving a proper alignment in a pose.
Unless they are practicing with a mirror, they cannot see themselves. But to hear someone say, “That’s beautiful” helps them to then connect mentally with how the correct position should feel. I also value encouragement in my classes because my students deserve it. When they have been attending loyally and practicing hard, they deserve to know they are achieving results.
