Traumatic Experiences Community Daily Check-in Thursday 24th August 2017

Welcome!

And glad you have joined us here. I don't know whether its the recent passing of Glen Campbell, but the words of "Try a little kindness" are playing over and over in my head... "You got to try a lttle kindness...Yes show a little kindness... Just shine your light for everyone to see... and if you try a little kindness..." and on it goes. Kindness to others along the way, and that led to kindness to oneself, usually called self-compassion.Which we hear alot about.Its said that self compassion is giving ourselves the same kindness and care that we would give a good friend. Easier said than done you may say. Or is it possible to gradually learn how to give self-compassion to oneself at times of perceived inadequacy or failure and suffering.

The quote for today comes from Sharon Salzberg : "Self -compassion is like a muscle. The more we practice flexing it, especially when life doesn't go exactly to plan (a frequent scenario for most of us) the stronger and more resilient our compassion muscle becomes."

How can we develop this muscle? One idea from Dr Kristin Neff Phd., a researcher and author, is to keep a daily journal in which you process the difficult events of the day through the lens of self- compassion. Think about how you would treat someone else and watch your words.. we can be so harsh to ourselves. Comfort yourself with a physical gesture, like hands over heart or holding onto your arm.Have a set of compassionate phrases at the ready like .. "May I be kind to myself in this moment." Practice guided meditiation and mindfulness.Let's take a moment today to practice self-compassion!

How is your day going? When did you notice some self-compassion? How does this affect you? Or pop in to say hi! Love to hear from you. This is your space and a safe place. x