Self-compassion Letter

This is essentially a re-framing exercise, which also works with mental dynamism – our ability to notice and shift our attention and the nature of our thoughts. This is a Positive Psychology Intervention that is shown to lead to long-term benefits when practised repeatedly. Writing exercises are also great because they help occupy and stimulate our brains in different ways than just thinking about something can. Seeing your words on paper can also help strengthen new resolves/perspectives. How to practise it: Take 5 to 15 minutes every day for a few days to reflect on a recent challenging event (nothing too big to start with) in which you were hard on yourself or felt particularly upset by. Then write a kind and understanding letter to yourself about it bringing in different insights. The key qualities you want to bring out in your writing are around: • Kindness: be kind to yourself. None of us are perfect. • Shared Humanity: you are not alone in what you are experiencing. • Mindfulness: it helps to name the emotions you were/are feeling. Tips for practising and personalising. o Don’t turn it into a backwards and forwards conversation between your critical and less critical self. So, if necessary, keep it short. o It might help to start sentences with ‘It’s OK to feel this way because…’.