02:36

Self-Compassion Break For Difficult Moments

by Dr Clayton Micallef PhD

Rated
4.7
Type
guided
Activity
Meditation
Suitable for
Everyone
Plays
5.8k

The self-compassion break is a short practice that we can be used throughout the day whenever we encounter difficult moments. The practice goes through the 3 elements of self-compassion 1) mindfulness - acknowledging our experience this is a difficult moment; 2) common humanity - that we all suffer and wish to be free from suffering, and 3) kindness - being kinder less harsh towards ourselves in difficult moments.

Self CompassionDifficult MomentsMindfulnessCommon HumanityKindnessSoothingGroundingSufferingUnderstanding SufferingSuffering AwarenessKindness IntentionsSoothing Touch

Transcript

Self-compassion break.

So to begin this practice,

Just pausing for a moment and grounding ourselves within the body and gently recognizing what's happening at this moment.

So whatever is presenting itself in our experience right now.

So just noticing whatever is presenting itself to us right now.

And then gently doing a self-soothing gesture,

Like putting our hands on our heart or gently hugging ourselves.

And gently acknowledging that this might be a difficult moment right now,

Gently saying to ourselves,

This is a difficult moment,

This is a moment of suffering.

So gently acknowledging whatever the difficulty is and how it might make us feel.

And then gently considering that we all experience difficulties.

So gently saying to ourselves,

Suffering is part of everyone's life,

Everyone experiences difficulties.

Or maybe this is how it feels when others experience difficulty.

And then gently saying to ourselves,

May I respond with kindness in this moment?

May I be kind to myself in such moments?

And then gently releasing the hands resting on our heart and continuing with our day with the intention to carry kindness with us throughout our day.

Meet your Teacher

Dr Clayton Micallef PhDSan Gwann, Malta

4.7 (723)

Recent Reviews

Jill

January 28, 2026

So helpful! A brief pause and invitation for self compassion may be what you need.

Matt

July 27, 2025

Compassion for myself. Such a gentle and compassionate talk for a day when it’s needed.

Kate

June 8, 2025

Liked the gentleness of this and it was nice to be reminded to give myself a hug πŸ™βœ¨βœ¨

9Doves

December 9, 2024

I liked the sentiment that we should always carry kindness with us-even when we are having a difficult time.

Kate

November 16, 2023

Very soft and gentle. Putting my hand on my chest area really helped πŸ™

FọlÑrànmí

June 16, 2023

Beautiful meditation practice! A much needed reminder on self compassion. Thank you πŸ™πŸΎβœ¨

Ilva

March 18, 2023

Clear recoding, wonderful message, perfect for any time of day. Very relieved to hear you say this. The bell is beautiful too. Thank you very much

jesse

November 28, 2022

I'm thankful grateful humble amen thank u for this

Catherine

November 25, 2022

Thank you for your kindness when I don’t have any towards myself.

James

October 15, 2022

Perfect!

Sara

September 3, 2022

Very nice reminder

Stefi

June 12, 2022

Thank you. This is soothing personally and a good reminder to always hold compassion for myself and others.

MysterB

May 31, 2022

Simple and affective

Sunny

May 29, 2022

Short & sweet & a perfect reminder!!! Thank you !

Purple

May 23, 2022

Thank you Clayton, that was beautiful. You have a very soothing voice.

SibShanti

April 9, 2022

Thank you!!! Much appreciated πŸ˜‡πŸ˜‡πŸ˜πŸ˜πŸ³οΈβ€πŸŒˆ

Lisa

March 28, 2022

Encouraging, thank you πŸ™

Petah-Brooke

March 5, 2022

So powerful & beautiful a reminder & shift, for such a short meditation. πŸ’ Thanks πŸ™πŸ» so much !

Kai

March 4, 2022

Loved this. Love you, brother. Thank you for your gift of upliftment! πŸ™πŸΎ

Susan

January 17, 2022

Wonderful, gentle encouragement. Thank you so much.

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Β© 2026 Dr Clayton Micallef PhD. All rights reserved. All copyright in this work remains with the original creator. No part of this material may be reproduced, distributed, or transmitted in any form or by any means, without the prior written permission of the copyright owner.

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