Here we are \u2018STAYING ALERT!\u2019 and (yes still) in \u2018Lockdown\u2019 with all the stressors that this can bring!<\/p>\n
It may help us if we remind ourselves that it\u2019s Mental Health Awareness Week \u2013 18-24th<\/sup><\/strong> and we\u2019d like to introduce you to \u2018Compassion Focus Therapy\u2019 which is a proven evidence based therapeutic approach<\/em> that includes some simple exercises that we can use to help rebalance our mental and emotional states. This includes the following:<\/p>\n Building A Compassionate Image<\/strong>. This is to help you build up a compassionate image for yourself to work with and develop (you can have more than one if your wish, and they can change over time).\u00a0 Whatever image comes to mind, or you choose to work with. Please note that it is your creation and therefore your own personal ideal to represent what you would really like from feeling cared for and cared about.<\/strong><\/p>\n However, in this practice it is important that you try to give your image certain qualities.<\/p>\n These will include:<\/p>\n Wisdom<\/strong>, Strength<\/strong>, Warmth <\/strong>and Non-Judgement<\/strong><\/p>\n So in each box below think of these qualities (wisdom, strength, warmth and non-judgement) and imagine what they would look, sound or feel like.<\/p>\n If possible we begin by focusing on our breathing, finding our calming rhythm and making a half smile of our face.<\/p>\n Then we can let images emerge in the mind – as best you can \u2013 don\u2019t try\u00a0 too hard\u00a0 and if nothing comes to the mind, or the mind\u00a0 wanders, just gently bring it back to the breathing and practice compassionately accepting.<\/p>\n Here are some questions that might\u00a0 help\u00a0 you build an image:\u00a0 would\u00a0 you want\u00a0 your caring\/nurturing image to feel\/look\/seem old or young; male or female (or non-human looking e.g., an animal, sea or light). Would your \u2018image\u2019 have gone through similar experiences to you?<\/p>\n Would they be like a friend or even part of a team that welcomes you to belong? What colours and sounds are associated with the qualities of wisdom, strength, warmth and non-judgement. Remember your image brings true\/real compassion to you and for you.<\/strong><\/p>\n https:\/\/www.compassionatemind.co.uk\/<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n\n