Mindful self compassion

How to Ride the Storm of Social Distancing with Mindful Self-Compassion

ByTristessa Moore

Humans are hard-wired for connection and during social distancing we feel separated from a sense of safety or love. This rupture, akin to the feeling of abandonment, or ‘disenfranchised grief’ makes us yearn for our reality to be different, or as it was before, such as in a loss of freedom and a sense of belonging with friends, family, groups, and/or institutions.

In response to this, it’s useful to harness the power of physical touch by experimenting with different gestures, for example, placing one hand or two over the heart or belly, gently stroking or hugging the arms, tenderly holding the other hand, or cradling your cheeks or face softly.

This releases the feel good hormones that increase a sense of safety, connection, and security. Coupled with a Mindful Compassion-Based practice this can be a powerful and emotionally-supportive tool.

Here’s How:

In an aware, but relaxed seated position, with eyes closed or with a soft gaze, drop your attention down into your body, noticing the rise and fall of the breath. When you are ready, begin to notice what emotion arises. You may feel it in some part of the body as an area of tension.

In this place you can offer the gesture of soothing touch, imagining warmth flowing into your body. If it helps, talk to yourself with words of supportive kindness by imagining you are speaking to a dear friend who is having the same challenge.

When you’re ready, release the practice.

Want to find out how Yoga Therapy can help you? Tristessa Moore, is a registered Yoga Therapist at www.yogatherapyhull.co.uk who teaches well-being in schools: www.yoyogasoul.co.uk

Tristessa Moore is a registered Yoga Therapist (CNHC) accredited by the British Council for Yoga Therapists and a Mindfulness Educator with the international charity, Mind with Heart. She is trained in evidence-based, adjunctive Yoga treatments for trauma-sensitive, complex trauma, and complex post-traumatic stress disorder for teens and adults.

As well as Yoga Therapy, Tristessa delivers Yoga for well-being in primaries, schools, colleges, prisons, the NHS, and businesses. She works as an English Teacher (BA Hons, MA, PGCE, SEN), and previously as a Coach and University PGCE Lecturer.

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