As we settle into the new year, it’s time to get grounded in our bodies and cultivate a deeper sense of self compassion. Last month, we explored healing the inner child and building safety for intimacy. This month, we’re taking it a step further – tuning into our bodies and letting embodied practises guide us toward greater self-kindness and connection.
A Quick Recap
> Self compassion is more than a thought; it’s a felt experience in the body.
> Embodied practises help us release stored stress and tension, making space for kindness and connection.
> By befriending our bodies, we build a foundation for authentic intimacy with ourselves and others.
What is Self-Compassion?
According to Kristin Neff, self-compassion involves treating yourself with kindness, understanding, and acceptance – just as you’d treat a close friend. It’s about recognising that struggles are part of the human experience (we all suffer, we all make mistakes) and being mindful of our emotions without getting caught up in them. Self-compassion isn’t about self-pity or self-indulgence; it’s about being gentle with yourself in the midst of life’s challenges.
Embodied Self Compassion: Practises to Try
> Body Scan with Kindness:
Lie down, close your eyes, and slowly scan your body. Notice areas of tension or comfort. Offer a gentle phrase like “May I be kind to this part of me.”
> Somatic Breathing:
Breathe into a part of your body that feels tight or tender. Imagine breath softening that area. Exhale any tension or self-criticism
> Self-Compassion Gesture:
Place a hand on your heart or belly. Feel the warmth and pressure. Say, “I am here for me.”
> Self-Compassion Break (Kristin Neff):
When stressed, say to yourself: “This is a moment of suffering. Suffering is part of life. May I be kind to myself.”
Practical Steps to Move Forward
1. Daily Body Check-In:
Take 2 minutes each morning to notice how your body feels. Ask, “What does my body need today?”
2. Move with Kindness:
Try gentle movement like yoga or walking. Focus on sensations in your body rather than achieving a goal.
3. Somatic Journaling:
Write about a time you felt safe in your body. What sensations did you notice? How can you recreate that feeling?
Resources to Deepen Your Practise
– Book: Self-Compassion: The Proven Power of Being Kind to Yourself by Kristin Neff
– Practise: Try a guided self-compassion meditation on Insight Timer or Headspace.
– EFT Tapping: Explore Emotional Freedom Techniques with Nick Ortner’s work – tap into releasing emotional blocks and cultivating self-compassion.
Closing Thought
Embodied self-compassion isn’t about perfection; it’s about presence. By tuning into our bodies with kindness, we open the door to deeper self-connection and, in turn, more authentic connections with others.
I am honoured to walk this path with you. May this month bring you gentle awareness, a softer body, and the warmth of self-kindness.
You can find more about Kati Ludwig HERE.