How to Deal with Childhood Trauma and Be Gentle with Yourself
Healing from childhood trauma starts with kindness. When we’ve been hurt, it’s easy to be hard on ourselves, but offering ourselves compassion is the key to recovery. By being gentle with yourself, you can begin to heal the emotional wounds that trauma leaves behind.
Why Kindness is Healing
Trauma can create an inner voice that criticizes, shames, or blames us, making it harder to heal. Showing yourself kindness softens that voice and helps create emotional safety. Kindness calms the nervous system and supports healing by allowing you to feel safe and cared for, just like you needed to as a child.
A Simple Daily Exercise: The Kindness Pause
Here’s a simple way to practice self-kindness every day:
Pause and Breathe: Stop for a moment, take a deep breath, and place a hand over your heart.
Speak Softly to Yourself: In this moment of stillness, say something kind to yourself like, “It’s okay, I’m okay now,” or “I’m safe now,” or “I’m doing the best I can, and that’s good.” Say it gently, as if you were speaking to a child who needs comfort.
Breathe and Let Go: Take another deep breath. As you breathe in, imagine filling your body with warmth. As you breathe out, let go of any tension or self-criticism.
Conclusion
Being gentle with yourself is an essential part of healing. By practicing the “Kindness Pause” each day, you create a space for emotional healing and self-compassion. Remember, you’re doing the best you can, and that’s good. Kindness is your home inside.
