Compassion can be defined in many ways, but its essence is a basic kindness, with a deep awareness of the suffering all humans experience, coupled with the wish and effort to relieve it. Everyone deserves compassion.
Self-compassion is being able to apply all of this toward oneself. There are many benefits that can come from self-compassion, including:
Click here for leaflet on self-compassion
CFT can help people to overcome shame, self-loathing and self-criticism. It draws upon the science of human nature, evolution and attachment
Evolution and the brain
CFT builds upon the science of human nature. This means understanding that our brains are the product of evolution, and that we live with the legacy of brains that were not designed with our happiness and well-being in mind. Different parts of our brains have different motivations, abilities, and interests. The way our brains are built, and the context in which they have developed, affects our experiences and how we can live our lives.
The CFT model
CFT proposes that human beings have three systems for managing their emotional states. Each system has different motivations, foci of attention, thoughts, emotions, and body feelings. Each system is associated with different parts of the brain, and with different neurochemistry:
Soothing Breathing Rythm
Addressing Self-Criticism
Building Compassionate Self
Compassionate Image and Compassionate Community