8d • General discussion
Self-compassion & Softening the Inner Critic
The Healing Circle – Day 5
Theme: Self-Compassion & Softening the Inner Critic
Day 5 focuses on how we speak to ourselves internally. Many people who have experienced trauma learned to survive by being hard on themselves. Today is about softening, not fixing — and beginning to relate to yourself with kindness.
Opening Reflection
🩷 Get comfortable and take a few slow breaths.
🩷 Place a hand over your heart
✨ Reflect:
👉 “Notice the tone you use with yourself.”
👉 "What if kindness could also be protective?”
See The Inner Critic as Protection
The inner critic often developed as a way to stay safe — to prevent mistakes, rejection, or pain. While it may have once helped, it can now keep us stuck in shame or pressure.
Self-compassion doesn’t mean letting go of responsibility. It means meeting yourself with understanding instead of judgment.
✨ Self-Compassion (10 minutes)
- Think of a recent moment where you were hard on yourself
- Notice what you said internally
- Now imagine speaking to a close friend in the same situation
- What words would you use instead?
- Gently offer those same words to yourself
Repeat silently:
“I am allowed to be human.”
Journaling Prompts (10 minutes)
✨ Explore one or more through journaling:
- What does my inner critic sound like?
- When do I notice it the most?
- How has it tried to protect me?
- What would a compassionate voice say instead?
- What does kindness toward myself feel like in my body?
Closing Grounding Practice (5 minutes)
👉 Take 3 slow breaths
👉 Place a hand on the heart again
👉 Say silently or aloud:
✨ Closing affirmation:
“I am learning to treat myself with the same compassion I give others.”
✨ Optional Daily Reflection
🩵 Notice moments when self-judgment shows up today. Instead of pushing it away, gently ask:
“What do I need right now?
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Self-compassion & Softening the Inner Critic
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