James and I were always so very physical with one another, and since he died, I don’t have that from anymore. My dogs love to be loved on, so they get lots of hugs and nuzzles from me. At some point, I was desperate to feel James’ arms around me, so I hugged myself and discovered I could close my eyes and pretend it was James. While it’s not what I really want, I was surprised at how comforting it was to receive a hug. Good to know I’m not the only one who has tried this.
An excellent re-blog. Some of the simplest components of self-compassion–getting sufficient sleep, drinking enough water, eating healthfully–can make such a difference in health and wellness.
What an excellent article! Since my marital breakup, I’ve had to give myself lots of love and touch, with a centering prayer of “Peace Be Still.” My nerves calm down considerably and I can feel my heart beat slow down. While, as Brenda says, it’s not the same as having a loving partner hug and cuddle with you, it’s soothing nonetheless, and worth every minute. Thanks so much for alerting us to this wonderful exercise. xox
An interesting contrast between self-compassion and self-criticism. I would have said, “go and write online” to achieve that compassionate release, but the idea of soothing touch is very interesting – very core. Great article. Thanks for sharing this!
". . .and the world cannot be discovered by a journey of miles, no matter how long, but only by a spiritual journey, a journey of one inch, very arduous and humbling and JOYFUL, by which we arrive at the ground at our own feet, and learn to be at home."
Wendell Berry
James and I were always so very physical with one another, and since he died, I don’t have that from anymore. My dogs love to be loved on, so they get lots of hugs and nuzzles from me. At some point, I was desperate to feel James’ arms around me, so I hugged myself and discovered I could close my eyes and pretend it was James. While it’s not what I really want, I was surprised at how comforting it was to receive a hug. Good to know I’m not the only one who has tried this.
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Oh Brenda, my heart aches when I read your words. Sending you a virtual hug across the miles right now xxxx
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An excellent re-blog. Some of the simplest components of self-compassion–getting sufficient sleep, drinking enough water, eating healthfully–can make such a difference in health and wellness.
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This is so true – we need to remind each other and ourselves of this often!
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What an excellent article! Since my marital breakup, I’ve had to give myself lots of love and touch, with a centering prayer of “Peace Be Still.” My nerves calm down considerably and I can feel my heart beat slow down. While, as Brenda says, it’s not the same as having a loving partner hug and cuddle with you, it’s soothing nonetheless, and worth every minute. Thanks so much for alerting us to this wonderful exercise. xox
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Thank you Jan for sharing your personal view point on this. I thought it such a valuable article i had to share it x
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An interesting contrast between self-compassion and self-criticism. I would have said, “go and write online” to achieve that compassionate release, but the idea of soothing touch is very interesting – very core. Great article. Thanks for sharing this!
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Thanks for your observations – much appreciated, as always.
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