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Pillar 3: You’re Not the Only One on This Trail
Start Pillar 3: Common Humanity Our final pillar of self-compassion is common humanity —recognizing that pain, imperfection, and struggle are part of the shared human experience. When...
Start Pillar 3: Common Humanity
Our final pillar of self-compassion is common humanity—recognizing that pain, imperfection, and struggle are part of the shared human experience.
When things get hard—injury, setbacks, fear, or uncertainty—we often feel like we’re the only ones dealing with it. Like we’re off trail, totally alone. But we’re not.
Last summer, I was five miles into a solo backpacking trip, camped under a tarp near a river. As it got dark, the trickling water started playing tricks on my brain. My heart raced, and my mind ran wild. I felt the fear of the dark setting in, and I felt very alone.
My mindfulness kicked in and I became aware of my thoughts, emotions, and physiological sensations.
And then something else: common humanity.
I reminded myself that this fear is ancient, human, and most people have felt something like this. Just acknowledging that shifted something in me. My body settled, and I slept soundly.
The next morning, I woke to the sound of elk hooves just 10 yards from my camp. Two massive cow elk were walking right next to me. A moment I’ll never forget.
That’s the power of common humanity.
You’re not the first to walk this trail. And you’re not walking it alone.
👉 In this part of the series, you’ll find:
A few short practices to help build common humanity
A gentle reminder that others have felt what you’re feeling
An invitation to reach out and connect—if not to me, then to others who get it
It might not take the weight off your back.
But it might shift how you carry the load.
Explore Common Humanity Practices
See you out there,
Jeff