#  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](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-writin…](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](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-compassio…](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](https://centerformsc.org/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](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-Equa…](https://chrisgermer.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/09/Compassion-with-Equanimity-Germer.m4a)
    6. Affectionate breathing \[18 min\]: [https://chrisgermer.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/01/AffectionateBreathin…](https://chrisgermer.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/01/AffectionateBreathing18.24ckgamplified12-14-14.mp3)
    7. Self-compassion / loving kindness meditation \[20 min\]: [https://self-compassion.org/wp-content/uploads/2016/11/LKM.self-compass…](https://self-compassion.org/wp-content/uploads/2016/11/LKM.self-compassion_cleaned.mp3)
    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&amp;feature=youtu.be](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jJ9wGfwE-YE&feature=youtu.be)