Self-Compassion

We all have the capacity to develop self-critical thinking, and so often fall in to criticising, blaming or doubting ourselves. This can particularly be the case when we hit our most difficult times in our lives, times when in fact we need the most support. Sometimes helping others can come very easily to us, but the thought of being caring and compassionate towards ourselves can feel too self-indulgent or feel like we are letting ourselves off the hook. These patterns of relating to ourselves rather than helping us when we need it, can in fact contribute to keeping us stuck. Compassion Focused Therapy (CFT) is an approach to soothe our own hurts and to motivate us to make changes that we inherently know would enrich our lives and those around us. Building our own source of support can be both liberating and empowering and is at the heart of much of my work with people. For further resources, please see below.

Audio Recordings

Self-compassionate Break by Dr Matt Wardley
Self-compassionate Break

LovingKindness Meditation – towards others and ourself by Dr Matt Wardley
LovingKindness Meditation

Compassionate Body Scan by Dr Matt Wardley
Compassionate Body Scan

Compassionate Friend by Dr Matt Wardley
Compassionate Friend

Working with Difficult Emotions by Dr Matt Wardley
Working with Difficult Emotions

Affectionate Breathing by Dr Matt Wardley
Affectionate Breathing

Books

Self Compassion by Kristin Neff (see www.selfcompassion.org and YouTube “Kristine Neff”)

The Gifts of Imperfection – Brene Brown (also see YouTube “Brene Brown”)

ACT with Compassion – see here for a range of free self-compassion resources

Radical Acceptance: Awakening the Love that Heals Fear and Shame by Tara Brach

Loving What Is: Four Questions That Can Change Your Life by Byron Katie

Articles

Why We Should Stop Chasing Self-Esteem and Start Developing Self-Compassion by Kristine Neff

Is it self-indulgent to be self-compassionate? Motivate yourself with love not fear by Kristine Neff