Practicing Self-Compassion
22x22.5in, quilter’s cotton (machine-pieced) & hand-quilted (pearle cotton/floss),, created in 2021, NFS
This quilt is meant to represent practicing self-compassion. Researcher Kristin Neff has committed her professional career to researching this topic.
“Self-compassion simply involves doing a U-turn and giving yourself the same compassion you’d naturally show a friend when you’re struggling or feeling badly about yourself. It means being supportive when you’re facing a life challenge, feel inadequate, or make a mistake. Instead of just ignoring your pain with a “stiff upper lip” mentality or getting carried away by your negative thoughts and emotions, you stop to tell yourself “this is really difficult right now,” how can I comfort and care for myself in this moment?” – Kristin Neff
What to look for: The improvisationally pieced and hand-quilted nature of this quilt is an artistic interpretation of what it means to soften towards yourself, to recognize the ups and downs (the gold & blue koi swimming in a pool). This quilt hung in my therapy office for a few years and has since been replaced with a larger version.
Learn more: https://self-compassion.org/what-is-self-compassion/#what-is-self-compassion *Dr. Neff has so many free resources on her website that I encourage you to start there!
Book recommendation(s): These books are not meant to replace medical intervention and/or skilled therapy.
Self-Compassion: The Proven Power of Being Kind to Yourself https://a.co/d/bh4LEdx