Mindful Self-Compassion

In short, mindful self-compassion teaches us how to treat ourselves like we would treat a good friend.

So many of us are harder and meaner to ourselves than we would ever dare to be to another person.

This isn’t good for us, mentally or emotionally. Over time, mentally and emotionally bullying or abusing ourselves puts us at higher risks for physical illnesses, as well.

The good news, though, is that self-compassion is a skill that can be acquired. With repeated practice, it becomes a habit that supports well-being and satisfaction in life. You may even begin to notice immediate impacts on mood and cognition after just a single guided practice.

Although the exercises in this 4-part series are designed to build sequentially on one another, please start wherever your curiosity naturally draws you. That’s perfectly okay, too.

PART 1:

Affectionate Breathing Guided Meditation

A twist on an old classic. In this short guided meditation, we invite you to bring not only awareness to your breathing, but affectionate awareness. You can return to this warm anchor any time.

PART 2:

Awakening Our Hearts Guided Meditation

Kindness and compassion are already deep within you as part of your human birthright. Here, we walk through a practice to awaken and stir these living treasures.

PART 3:

Loving-Kindness for Ourselves Guided Meditation

Many of us can easily treat a good friend with love and kindness, yet we encounter resistance to treating ourselves with these same qualities. This guided practice moves through common barriers to self-compassion.

PART 4:

Compassionate Friend Guided Meditation

In this guided practice, we suggest ways of connecting to our hidden sources of wisdom.

Interested in learning more?

This program was created by Dr. Michael Ferguson, Ph.D. Resources for more information or to get in touch can be found below.