May 31, 2024

Breathwork for Self-Compassion

The words Self Acceptance written on two pink blocks, on a pink background, promoting self-love.

Do you ever find yourself being your own harshest critic?

"I’m not smart enough. I didn’t say the right thing. I haven’t finished this task. I should do more. I’m always late..."

Negative self-evaluation affects most of us to varying degrees, weakening our mental health, fueling anxiety, and disrupting our harmony with ourselves and the world around us. Often, we engage in this negative self-talk without even realising it. How can we break this autopilot mode and shift towards a more positive narrative to strengthen our self-esteem, uplift our spirits, and protect our mental health?

It starts with intention. Intend to notice these negative thoughts. Spot them while driving, eating, finishing a call, looking in the mirror, or reviewing your diary. Notice them before you sleep or as you wake up in the morning.

Once you catch a negative thought, close your eyes and place a hand on your chest. Focus on your breath. Inhale, acknowledge the thought by tensing your entire body, and as you exhale, relax and 'blow the thought away.' Repeat if necessary. Then, replace the thought with a positive affirmation as you consciously inhale and exhale. It could be "I am calm," "I am strong," "I am beautiful," "I am capable," "I love myself as I am." Find what resonates with you.

Sophrology: Embrace Self-Love

Sophrology combines breathwork with movement, visualisation, and relaxation. This stress-management and self-development tool is immensely popular in France and other European countries. In Switzerland, it is covered by health insurance and used in hospitals, sports, corporate, and educational settings.

Sophrology teaches us to experience things as if for the first time, remaining open and limiting judgment. In our busy, challenge-filled lives, accessing this state can be difficult. Sophrology’s simple, step-by-step approach supports individuals in experiencing new ways of being and living, helping them feel in control and empowered every day.

During a Sophrology session, the first step is to connect with your current state. Close your eyes and follow guided exercises that include:

  • Relaxation
  • Body Awareness
  • Breathing
  • Gentle Movement

These exercises help you become aware of your feelings and balance your body and mind. Session after session, you may find it easier to let go of your thoughts and become more grounded in a new place within.

Become a Non-Judgmental Observer

With regular practice, Sophrology teaches us to become non-judgmental observers of ourselves and others. We learn to observe our sensations and perceptions during practice. Over time, people often notice changes not only during their practice but also in their daily life experiences. For example, one client noticed significant changes in his interactions with his family after just three weeks of daily practice. He felt calmer, more patient, and less overwhelmed.

By connecting more with our bodies, learning to deeply relax, and addressing tensions, Sophrology helps us to THINK LESS and BE MORE. This shift allows us to develop clarity, acceptance, and compassion towards ourselves and others.

Sophrology: A New Way of Living

Sophrology comprises 12 Degrees, each offering new depths of consciousness. Beyond a practice, Sophrology can become a way of living, providing tools to address specific challenges such as:

  • Exam Preparation
  • Surgery Fears
  • Birth Preparation
  • Sleep Difficulties

It also helps in discovering a more authentic self, developing personal strength, and living in alignment with our values.

Experience Sophrology through individual sessions, group & corporate sessions, or our exclusive free taster Online Sophrology ‘Reach Your Goals’ course. Learn super tools that apply to every situation in your daily life—whether you feel stressed, anxious, lack confidence, or want to feel more empowered. These short, effective Sophrology exercises are perfect for practicing on the go, anytime, anywhere, helping you reach your full potential.

Do you ever find yourself being your own harshest critic?

"I’m not smart enough. I didn’t say the right thing. I haven’t finished this task. I should do more. I’m always late..."

Negative self-evaluation affects most of us to varying degrees, weakening our mental health, fueling anxiety, and disrupting our harmony with ourselves and the world around us. Often, we engage in this negative self-talk without even realising it. How can we break this autopilot mode and shift towards a more positive narrative to strengthen our self-esteem, uplift our spirits, and protect our mental health?

It starts with intention. Intend to notice these negative thoughts. Spot them while driving, eating, finishing a call, looking in the mirror, or reviewing your diary. Notice them before you sleep or as you wake up in the morning.

Once you catch a negative thought, close your eyes and place a hand on your chest. Focus on your breath. Inhale, acknowledge the thought by tensing your entire body, and as you exhale, relax and 'blow the thought away.' Repeat if necessary. Then, replace the thought with a positive affirmation as you consciously inhale and exhale. It could be "I am calm," "I am strong," "I am beautiful," "I am capable," "I love myself as I am." Find what resonates with you.

Sophrology: Embrace Self-Love

Sophrology combines breathwork with movement, visualisation, and relaxation. This stress-management and self-development tool is immensely popular in France and other European countries. In Switzerland, it is covered by health insurance and used in hospitals, sports, corporate, and educational settings.

Sophrology teaches us to experience things as if for the first time, remaining open and limiting judgment. In our busy, challenge-filled lives, accessing this state can be difficult. Sophrology’s simple, step-by-step approach supports individuals in experiencing new ways of being and living, helping them feel in control and empowered every day.

During a Sophrology session, the first step is to connect with your current state. Close your eyes and follow guided exercises that include:

  • Relaxation
  • Body Awareness
  • Breathing
  • Gentle Movement

These exercises help you become aware of your feelings and balance your body and mind. Session after session, you may find it easier to let go of your thoughts and become more grounded in a new place within.

Become a Non-Judgmental Observer

With regular practice, Sophrology teaches us to become non-judgmental observers of ourselves and others. We learn to observe our sensations and perceptions during practice. Over time, people often notice changes not only during their practice but also in their daily life experiences. For example, one client noticed significant changes in his interactions with his family after just three weeks of daily practice. He felt calmer, more patient, and less overwhelmed.

By connecting more with our bodies, learning to deeply relax, and addressing tensions, Sophrology helps us to THINK LESS and BE MORE. This shift allows us to develop clarity, acceptance, and compassion towards ourselves and others.

Sophrology: A New Way of Living

Sophrology comprises 12 Degrees, each offering new depths of consciousness. Beyond a practice, Sophrology can become a way of living, providing tools to address specific challenges such as:

  • Exam Preparation
  • Surgery Fears
  • Birth Preparation
  • Sleep Difficulties

It also helps in discovering a more authentic self, developing personal strength, and living in alignment with our values.

Experience Sophrology through individual sessions, group & corporate sessions, or our exclusive free taster Online Sophrology ‘Reach Your Goals’ course. Learn super tools that apply to every situation in your daily life—whether you feel stressed, anxious, lack confidence, or want to feel more empowered. These short, effective Sophrology exercises are perfect for practicing on the go, anytime, anywhere, helping you reach your full potential.

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