Part 1 offered tips on how to be more kind and caring toward yourself. These tips were suggested by the researcher, Kristin Neff PhD. In particular, Neff confirms that by cultivating self-compassion and self-kindness, one’s motivation to live more fully increases. In addition, positive changes happen in the physiology of the body and mind. Below is another self-guided therapy for anxiety, depression, and negativity that Neff suggests for cultivating self-compassion.
The Self-Compassion letter
- First, think of a situation in which you are criticizing yourself.
- Next, write a letter to yourself at least 1 paragraph in length.
- Finally, write the letter to yourself with kind and loving support about the situation, as if you are writing it to your best friend.
Here are some more suggestions. Remind yourself
- That you are not alone, this is a universal human experience. (For example, relationships change and grow, and sometimes this can be painful. Furthermore, every person has times where they do not feel or act 100%….)
- Of your past successes.
- Of all of your gifts and talents.
- About all of the people who support and love you.
Read the letter out loud to yourself in front of a mirror. (You may want to have a box of kleenex on hand.)
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“Big dreams. Small Steps.”