🌑 Soft Steps Through the Dark – Part 7
- Root & Rising
- Sep 10
- 3 min read
The Healing Balm: Choosing Self-Compassion Over Shame
Once we begin to uncover our shadows—the hidden fears, old wounds, unhealed memories—it’s easy to slip into shame. Why did I do that? Why am I like this? I should’ve known better.
But shame keeps the wound open.
To truly heal, we must meet ourselves with what we always needed and rarely received: compassion.
Self-compassion is not the same as letting ourselves off the hook or avoiding accountability. It’s about holding our pain with tenderness instead of criticism. It’s about offering ourselves the grace we often extend to others. It’s whispering, “Even this part of me is worthy of love.”
When we bring compassion to our shadow, we stop retraumatizing ourselves. We create safety inside. We soften. We repair. And slowly, we learn that we don’t have to be perfect to be lovable. We only have to be present.
This is the work of becoming your own inner sanctuary. Of learning to cradle yourself in the dark.
🕯️ Mini Ritual: “A Soft Place to Land”
This ritual offers a moment of deep, nourishing self-compassion. You’ll need:
A warm drink or bowl of water
A soft blanket or shawl
A mirror or a journal
A quiet space
1. Nest In:
Wrap yourself in the blanket or shawl. Hold the warm drink or place your hands over the bowl of warm water. Let your body feel comforted and supported.
2. Speak Softly:
If using a mirror, look into your eyes. If not, place your hand on your heart. Say:
“Even in my messiness, I am worthy of gentleness.
”“Even with my wounds, I deserve love.”
“Even when I struggle, I am still growing.”
Repeat as many times as needed. You can change the words or simply breathe them in.
3. Sip Slowly / Rest Hands:
Let this be a moment of presence, comfort, and kindness. Imagine yourself as your own loving caretaker.
🖋️ Journal Prompts
When have I spoken to myself with shame or harshness during this journey? What did I most need to hear instead?
What does self-compassion look like in my daily life? What does it feel like in my body?
Where do I still withhold kindness from myself—and why? What fear or belief lives there?
What would it mean to be on my own side, even when I stumble or regress?
What gentle words or practices can I offer myself regularly as I continue to heal?
🌿 Closing Reflection
Place your hands together or over your heart. Breathe into the space you’ve created. Whisper:
“I am still learning. I am still healing. I am still worthy.”
Blow a kiss toward your reflection, or simply close your eyes in gratitude. This is what softness in the dark looks like.
🌸Blessed Be,
and may your heart meet its reflection with compassion.
— Bobbi Ann
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🌿 If today’s post spoke to you, the Soft Steps Companion Workbook offers more prompts, guided reflections, and creative exercises that pair with each part of this series. Learn more here.
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