Self-Compassion

We are often our own toughest critic. Practicing self-compassion, which involves treating ourselves with kindness, accepting our imperfections, and reducing self-criticism can lessen the emotional and cognitive consequences of stressors.

Please see below a collection of resources for general Self-Compassion Practice, including a self-assessment scale, as well as more specific exercise and meditation resources to practice compassion with yourself. This information is also reproduced and sub-categorized in menus to the left.

 

Resources for Self-Compassion Stress Management Strategy Practice

 

  1. A self-assessment scale: https://self-compassion.org/wp-content/uploads/2015/06/Self_Compassion_Scale_for_researchers.pdf
  2. Web-based Resources
    1. https://self-compassion.org
    2. Kristen Neff’s tips for practice: https://self-compassion.org/tips-for-practice/
    3. Tich Nhat Hanh on self-compassion: https://tricycle.org/magazine/cultivating-compassion/
  3. Videos with Information on Self-Compassion
    1. Self-Compassion vs Self-Esteem: https://mindfulnessexercises.com/self-compassion-vs-self-esteem/
    2. Kristen Neff Ted Talk on Self-Compassion: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IvtZBUSplr4
    3. Overcoming objections to self-compassion: https://mindfulnessexercises.com/kristin-neff-overcoming-objections-to-self-compassion-video/
  4. Self-Compassion Exercises:
    1. Self-compassion break: https://self-compassion.org/exercise-2-self-compassion-break/
    2. Exploring self-compassion through writing: https://self-compassion.org/exercise-3-exploring-self-compassion-writing/
    3. Supportive touch: https://self-compassion.org/exercise-4-supportive-touch/
    4. Changing your critical self-talk: https://self-compassion.org/exercise-5-changing-critical-self-talk/
    5. Start a self-compassion journal: https://self-compassion.org/exercise-6-self-compassion-journal/
    6. Identifying what we really need: https://self-compassion.org/exercise-7-identifying-really-want/
    7. For those who work or plan to work in a caregiving profession or who care for children or family members - Taking care of the caregiver: https://self-compassion.org/exercise-8-taking-care-caregiver/
    8. Self-compassion pause (worksheet): https://mindfulnessexercises.com/self-compassion-pause/
  5. Self-Compassion Meditations
    1. Self-compassion break [5 min]: https://self-compassion.org/wp-content/uploads/2015/12/self-compassion.break_.mp3
    2. Loving kindness meditation [15 min]: https://www.mindful.org/a-loving-kindness-meditation-to-boost-compassion/
    3. Compassionate friend [18 min]: https://centerformsorg/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/CompassionateFriend_Neff.mp3
    4. Giving and Receiving Compassion [20 min]: https://center4msc-wpengine.netdna-ssl.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/GivingandReceivingCompassion_Neff.mp3
    5. Compassion with equanimity [18 min]: https://chrisgermer.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/09/Compassion-with-Equan...
    6. Affectionate breathing [18 min]: https://chrisgermer.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/01/AffectionateBreathing...
    7. Self-compassion / loving kindness meditation [20 min]: https://self-compassion.org/wp-content/uploads/2016/11/LKM.self-compassi...
    8. Self-Compassion meditation [60 min]: https://mindfulnessexercises.com/downloads/self-compassion/
    9. For those who work or plan to work in a caregiving profession or who care for children or family members - Self-Compassion for Caregivers [9 min]: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jJ9wGfwE-YE&feature=youtu.be