Problems with self-compassion

[Guest guest]

HiI have been practicing and practicing Russ's exercise from the Reality Slap which he posted here towards the end of November, which is an exercise in the present moment, expansion and self-compassion.I have a lot of difficulty at these stages:

Now slowly and deeply

breathe into the pain, do so with an attitude

of kindness. Infuse this breath with

caring and contribution; see it as an act of comfort and support

·

Infuse this gentle

action with caring and warmth, as if you are reaching out to someone you care

about

·

Let the kindness flow

from your fingers

·

Now, use both of your

hands Place one of them upon your chest and the other upon your stomach, and

let them gently rest there.

·

Hold yourself kindly

and gently, connecting with yourself, caring for yourself, and contributing

comfort and support

Does anyone else have problems with woolly and warm words? I don't know if it is because I wasn't hugged enough as a kid, but I just cringe at sentimentality, and I get turned-off during the exercise when it comes to these

actions. I guess it is important in succeeding with these sorts of exercises, so this is something I need to address.Has anyone else come across this problem, and how have you become more comfortable with self-compassion and expressions of warmth,

kindness and caring (even writing those words is unnatural for me). It makes me squirm, when I think it is meant to make me feel scure.(Sorry about the weird formatting in this email, I don't know how to turn if

off!!!)Best wishes x