In my work with Mari, the challenges of Self Compassion, and how important it is to find it inside yourself, was a topic of discussion recently.
She mentioned the self compassion researcher and clinician Chris Germer and the ‘Backdraft Phenomenon’ when people are doing a lot of transformational work on themselves.
Germer uses this scenario as an example:
“When firefighters go to a house on fire, they feel the door to see if it’s hot. If the fire is too close to the door, and they open it, the oxygen rushes in and flame rushes out.”
So many people have spent a lifetime feeling a lack of confidence in some area, feeling not enough, a sense of inadequacy, feelings of shame (for whatever reason) then, also the doors to the heart are closed and protected.
Mari was on a roll of clarity with beautiful insights and wisdom saying, “When we start opening the doors of our heart (self compassion, self value, self love) sometimes the air (compassion, love, value, esteem) rushes in and the suffering rushes out.”
Germer’s research shows: “Self-compassion is related to psychological flourishing.”
Opening into self compassion during difficult times, while not always easy — is key!
I was reflecting on this discussion as I was getting ready to film an update to the Creative Soul Collage Journaling Method I’ve developed over the last 25 years and use in with animal communication.
I know self judgement and lack of self trust are key issues in people developing their skills in Animal Communication. Self Compassion is Key.
With so much going on in the world, and in everyone’s lives, there is much fear, uncertainty, emotional triggers, outrage.
It can be easy to slip down the road into a rabbit hole of fear.
It can be easy to criticize and judge yourself.
It can make you want to go and hide – or lash out.
Find a different route!
I asked which of my animals wanted to talk to you and share with you their perspective about self compassion. Haley spoke up.
Haley was the queen of compassion when she was in her body, so this made sense she piped up right away! (Haley is also part of the Group of Guides who call themselves the Magic Love Guides!)
Haley simply said, “Kindness, Gentle Thoughts, Soft Contact. Towards yourself, and others.”
Awesome sauce! In sharing her wisdom, Haley supports what research evidence demonstrates: self-compassion is related to psychological flourishing.
I made a collage using her wisdom…
The world needs Kindness.
The world needs Soft Contact, Gentle Thoughts, Self Compassion.
Haley and I invite you to join us….
- ….to Deepen your Kindness, Soft Contact, Gentle Thoughts and Self Compassion… in every interaction and in every conversation
- with your family
- with your friends
- with your clients, co-workers
- of course, with your animals
- and, WITH YOURSELF.
Click here for a high-resolution copy of Haley’s Compassion Collage. Use it as a screensaver, or for something to remind you of Haley’s message when you feel judegement, critiscism, doubt, lack of trust, feel isolated – or just want an extra boost!
Thank you for your kindness, soft contact, gentle thoughts and self compassion!
Thank you for courageously bringing this light of compassion into yourself, and then out into the world around you…
This message of Compassion is being read, and lighting the way, inside selves, and all around the globe, right now…
Remember, You, and Your Thoughts Matter.
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