Psychologist Kristin Neff says there are three elements to self-compassion:
- self-kindness vs. self-judgment
- common humanity vs. isolation
- mindfulness vs. overidentification
Here are some journaling prompts designed to help you explore and practice those elements.
Bring to mind a time when you were in physical or emotional pain. Make two lists. First, right what you typically say to yourself. If those messages are unkind in any way, make a second list of spectacularly mind and tender messages.
Write a love letter to yourself.
Write a dialogue between two friends who are discussing what they most like about you.
Make a mind map of people who support you.
Make a list of people with whom you can connect. Put some connection reminders on your calendar.
“I feel less alone when…” Free write]
“People like me are…” [In which groups do you consider yourself included? You might think about age, gender, hobby or Occupation, life experiences, philosophical outlook,]etc.]
My pain looks like… [Drawing]
“the kindest things I could do in this situation would be…”“Going forward, I want to…”
Write a dialogue between two friends who are discussing what they most like about you.
Make a mind map of people who support you.
Make a list of people with whom you can connect. Put some connection reminders on your calendar.
“I feel less alone when…” Free write]
“People like me are…” [In which groups do you consider yourself included? You might think about age, gender, hobby or Occupation, life experiences, philosophical outlook,]etc.]
My pain looks like… [Drawing]
“the kindest things I could do in this situation would be…”
“Going forward, I want to…”