I have enjoyed increased time for continuing education study this summer and am particularly excited to continue to share Mindful Self-Compassion Therapy practices with you. These are indeed practices. Just like any new exercise program or other wellness strategy we might add to our lives, it takes consistent, patient practice to gain continued benefit from these skills. I hope the following resources will add increased presence, connectedness and ease to you at this time.

First, take the Self-Compassion Assessment by Dr. Neff: https://self-compassion.org/test-how-self-compassionate-you-are and find out where you are currently in terms of being kind to yourself and noticing the areas you could gain awareness. Be kind to yourself about your score. I just took a Zoom training in learning the clinical applications of these practices with about 200 other professionals and came away with this conclusion: Self-Compassion is tough for everyone!

I like using guided imagery audios when I can’t get my thoughts and feelings to shift in a positive directions myself. I find these to be a wonderful way to receive support and guidance. Here are some of my favorites:

Self-Compassion for Creatives: check out my guided imagery audio “Creative Fire: Energize and Renew Your Creative Confidence and Flow” which focuses on inviting self-compassion and self-acceptance into your creative life.

“Metta” or Loving Kindness Meditations can also be a way to reinforce self-compassion practice. Metta mediation practice asks you to repeat kind phrases, first for yourself, then working out to include “all beings”. Here are some of my favorites:

Tara Brach “Developing Self Compassion” (18 mins)

Loving-Kindness Meditation (15 mins) or for those of you who utilize therapeutic journaling try the Self-Compassion Letter from Greater Good in Action: Science Based Practices for a Meaningful Life at Berkeley University.

There are some big barriers to embracing Self-Compassion Practices: fear of being weak, of not be motivated to change or becoming complacent, etc. Read about the 5 myths of Self-Compassion.

See my blog post Self-Compassion & Mindfulness: Key Elements in Better Performance for more information on how self-compassion increases our effectiveness in our lives.

May you care for yourself.

May you be protected.

May you be connected.

May you find ease.

With care,

Renee