Forgiveness & Self-Compassion - The Looking Glass Foundation

"It's easy to forget that it’s actually okay if we are not okay." - Jamie Maquire, Looking Glass Volunteer

For more insight into learning to show yourself more kindness, or supporting others in doing the same, check out the resources below!

Looking Glass Resources

Resilience Through Self-Compassion: This LGF blog post talks about the importance of being kind to yourself and honoring what you need in recovery. This can be developed through such things as having a mental health day, engaging in self-care, allowing yourself to feel your feelings, and learning to forgive yourself.

Notes to Self: The Same Lesson Twice is Never the Same and You Are Not Alone: This LGF blog talks about the growth and insights that can come from relapses and struggles, and how important it is to rebuild a “relationship with your body and connect to the part of your Self that has always been there fighting for you.”

External Resources

The Power of Self Compassion by Krithika Muthukumaran: "In this day and age when we are quick to judge, talk often about our success stories, and compare our performance against others, we do not have a culture that looks at failure as part of life. So we immediately drown in shame and self-judgment. We become anxious, sad and lose motivation. What if we practice self-compassion during this difficult time?"

Article by Margaret Wehrenberg, Psy.D. on Getting Rid of Shame-Based Self-Image: This article does a nice job of explaining how some of our shame based core beliefs develop, persist, and nicely introduces how actively engaging in self-compassion is an effective way to challenge them.

Self-Compassion Meditations and Exercises : This web page contains audio files of meditations including a compassionate body scan, loving kindness meditation, affectionate breathing, etc. There are also links to self-compassion exercises including self-compassion journaling and changing your critical self-talk.

You Are Enough: This Project Heal blog post talks about the importance of letting go of ‘perfection’ in recovery, and recognizing that it’s okay to struggle, to need help, and to be you - just as you are.

Effective Coping Skills: Eating Disorder Self-Soothing : This blog highlights the importance of learning to self soothe in eating disorder recovery.

Self-Compassion by Kristen Neff (Book)

Tips for Practicing Self-Compassion by Kristin Neff

Healing Your Shame and Guilt Through Self-Forgiveness by Beverly Engel L.M.F.T.

“Forgiveness – 5 steps through mindful self-compassion” by Annette Boden, MSc

Centre for Mindful Self-Compassion Facebook Page