This Valentine’s Day, Give Yourself a Gift… Self-Compassion

Take a Self-Compassion Break Learn more Think of a situation in your life that is difficult, that is causing you stress. Call the situation to mind, and see if you can actually feel the stress and emotional discomfort in your body. Now, say to yourself: 1. This is a moment of sufferingThat’s mindfulness. Other options include: 2.Continue reading “This Valentine’s Day, Give Yourself a Gift… Self-Compassion”

Feelings wheel

Codependents often have difficulty identifying what they are feeling. In recovery, I am aware of my feelings and identify them, often in the moment. I know the difference between my thoughts and feelings. There are many tools to help as we learn to identify, honor and express our feelings. Here is one some of usContinue reading “Feelings wheel”

Self-compassion toward our bodies by Dr Kristin Neff

It’s common for us to feel uncomfortable about our bodies, especially after the holiday season. We may judge them as not thin enough or attractive enough or strong enough or young enough or healthy enough. An important part of self-compassion is extending kindness and care to the physical form we inhabit, appreciating its gifts ratherContinue reading “Self-compassion toward our bodies by Dr Kristin Neff”

Accepting all parts of ourselves

The Self is who I truly am. I know I’m in Self when I am compassionate, curious and connected. I know I am in Self when I accept, without judgment, all my parts…even those that may create problems in my life. I know ALL my parts are trying to help and protect me in theirContinue reading “Accepting all parts of ourselves”

What you are feeling is probably grief

Someone sent me this article the other day and then a different person sent me an amazing podcast by Brene Brown where she is talking with the same author, David Kessler. He is the world’s foremost expert on grief and co-wrote with Elisabeth Kübler-Ross On Grief and Grieving: Finding the Meaning of Grief through theContinue reading “What you are feeling is probably grief”

Life is teaching us

Staying calm in the midst of chaos and uncertainty has not been easy for me in my life. I feel triggered by the circumstances relating to this COVID 19 pandemic. The craziness of it. The isolation. The paranoia. The feeling of scarcity. The confusing and ever-changing information. It reminds me of my childhood. Of myContinue reading “Life is teaching us”

Meditation practice in difficult days…

Thanks to Tara Brach for providing this beautiful resource, an at home retreat. When the crowded Vietnamese refugee boats met with storms or pirates, if everyone panicked all would be lost. But if even one person on the boat remained calm and centered, it was enough. It showed the way for everyone to survive. ZenContinue reading “Meditation practice in difficult days…”

Feeling my feelings

by CM (compassionate mess) 😉 “Our emotions drive us to recreate situations in which we will feel the feelings we need to face. We do not have to do anything except allow ourselves to feel them.” My work history is full of losses. I look back and see how I’ve repeated a pattern of hangingContinue reading “Feeling my feelings”

Drop the Mask

Have you ever had someone tell you to “be aware of your face”? Have you ever worried that showing your feelings would make someone else feel bad? Have you ever smiled in agreement while silently screaming inside? Have you ever listened to the song, “Put on a Happy Face” and wanted to pull your hairContinue reading “Drop the Mask”