Austin, Texas Compassion focused somatic therapy for stressed, tired, anxious humans

Today's thoughts

Here's where I post my latest thoughts, books I'm reading and things that are inspiring me--that will hopefully inspire you too!

Dan Siegel

This is short and sweet. I think Dan Siegel is the best.

His website has some great audio meditations.

He calls his practice the Wheel of Awareness.

I love it and I love him.

If you found your way here, click on his link and give his Wheel of Awareness Practice a try.

It’s good stuff.

Sally Bennett
What I'm Reading Wednesday: Fierce Self-Compassion by Kristin Neff:

BamBam demo-ing fierceness

Why Inner Kindness Needs Inner Strength

Those who know me, know that I’m ALWAYS reading something! I’ve decided to write about my readings, both for myself and maybe for you too!! For me, it will help capture and summarize what I’m reading. And hopefully slow my hungry mind down a bit, so I can digest some of what I’m reading. And full disclosure, AI is helping me a bit with this endeavor. Why not make the most of technology that is available in this moment of history?

So on to this week’s pick. Fierce Self Compassion: How Women can Harness Kindness to Speak up, Claim their Power, and Thrive by Kristin Neff, PH. D.

What I love about this book (so far—I’m not finished yet!) is that Dr. Neff expands the typical understanding of Self Compassion from being more than “soft and gentle”, and allows the readers to consider Self Compassion to also look like “being bold, protective, and powerful”.

She also broadens the definition of what it really means to care for ourselves. She introduces two vital forms of self-compassion:

  • Tender self-compassion: Soothing, nurturing, and validating

  • Fierce self-compassion: Protective, boundary-setting, and action-oriented

Both are essential. Without tenderness, fierceness can become harsh or reactive. Without fierceness, tenderness can lead to passivity or burnout.

I personally have a daily self compassion journaling practice, in which I practice meeting myself with Tender Self Compassion. This has been an incredible tool for me that I discovered many years ago, but I put in practice in earnest in 2020 when the pandemic was in full swing. I credit this daily practice for keeping my nervous system regulated in the midst of all the cues of danger that my nervous system was picking up on during that time. Tender Self Compassion applied daily, gave me space for many many tears to be shed, and a felt sense of support to be felt from within. Tender Self Compassion feels REALLY good!

So this other side: Fierce Self Compassion is a super fun addition for me! in this book, she offers the idea that Standing firm when necessary and/ or taking deliberate protective actions that align with my values is ALSO a facet of self compassion. She gives lots of examples (so far) of how that has manifested in her life, especially as a mom and a professional in academia.

So, this book is especially empowering for those socialized to put others first (hello, people-pleasers!). She offers tools to help us:

  • Set clear boundaries with love

  • Say no without guilt

  • Recognize and process anger

  • Take meaningful action based on our values

Through those stories, research, meditations, and practices, she shows us how to reclaim our strength—without losing our softness.

My take Away so far, which I love, especially in the tricky times that we are living in:
Self-compassion isn’t just about giving yourself a break—it’s also about standing up for yourself with courage and care.'


Which side of self-compassion do you want to strengthen—your fierce voice or your tender one?

And how do you feel about my little BamBam Demonstrating fierceness in the photo above?

As a 9 pounder, He’s working on embodying fierce self compassion too!

Sally Bennett
Winter Solstice is tomorrow!

WOW! 2024 is almost over already! I don’t know about you, but this year has flown by! December 21 is one of my favorite days….I think of it as the day before the light starts to return… And as the calendar year draws to a close, I often take some time on or around the solstice, to step back from the energy of the Holidays, on the DARKEST night of the year, to reflect, celebrate achievements, and set intentions for the new year. Here are some of the journaling prompts I use, if you’d like to join me, to guide you through this reflective process.

Reflecting on the Past Year

  1. Highlights and Achievements

    • What were the most memorable moments of this year?

    • Which goals did you accomplish, and what are you most proud of?

    • What new skills or knowledge did you gain?

  2. Challenges and Growth

    • What were the biggest challenges you faced this year?

    • How did you overcome them, and what did you learn from these experiences?

    • How have you grown personally or professionally over the past year?

  3. Gratitude and Appreciation

    • What are three things you are grateful for this year?

    • Who are the people that supported and inspired you, and how did they impact your life?

    • What simple pleasures brought you joy throughout the year?

Looking Forward to the New Year

  1. Setting New Goals

    • What are your top three goals for the coming year?

    • What steps will you take to achieve these goals?

    • How will you measure your progress and success?

  2. Personal Development

    • What habits or routines would you like to start, stop, or continue in the new year?

    • What areas of your life would you like to focus on for personal growth?

    • How will you ensure you prioritize self-care and well-being?

  3. Vision and Intentions

    • What is your vision for the next year?

    • How do you want to feel and what experiences do you wish to have?

    • What word or phrase will guide your actions and decisions in the coming year?

Creative Exploration

  1. Dream Big

    • If there were no limits, what would you want to accomplish next year?

    • What creative projects or hobbies would you like to explore?

  2. Bucket List

    • What are three things you want to add to your bucket list for next year?

    • How can you start planning to make these dreams a reality?

I hope this is helpful for you to “digest” all that has happened in your life in 2024 and welcome in 2025 with intention!

Sally Bennett