Self-Soothing is Self-Love in Action

Create a Self-Soothe Kit

I have been making great use of a self-soothe kit I made last year and I would love to share that with you. I was guided to make my kit by Vanya Garabedian, LCSW who uses it with her clients who are in recovery from addiction. 

First, let’s explore why self-soothing matters.

• Soothing ourselves in healthy ways can keep us from leaning on unhealthy patterns of soothing when we are stressed, agitated, triggered or even just mindlessly going about our day. 
• It is grounding and calms our nervous system.
• It is a mindfulness practice which in turn helps us to find gratitude.
• Life can be hard sometimes and it is a beautiful reminder of our resilience to be able to sooth ourselves.
• Self-soothing isn’t about changing ourselves. It is about accepting what is in that moment.
• It feels good.
• We are worth it.

Next, let’s create this thing. All you have to do is gather some materials and a small bag/case that everything can fit in. The bag/case should easily fit in your pocket, bag or car. You will gather five things, one for each of your senses.

• Something that is soothing to look at.
• Something that is soothing to listen to.
• Something that is soothing to touch.
• Something that is soothing to smell.
• Something that is soothing to taste.

Finally, the ritual. A ritual is anything that we do with intention and reverence.

1. Take out your self-soothe kit.
2. With your bag/case in your hand close your eyes and take a couple of deep breaths.
3. In your mind state your intention.
4. Then one by one take out the items in your kit and fully immerse yourself in that sense.
5. Put everything back in the kit. Close your eyes. Hold the kit to your heart and whisper, “thank you”.

Whatever you are doing, love yourself for doing it. Whatever you are feeling, love yourself for feeling it.
~Thaddeus Golas

In what ways does gratitude emerge when you soothe yourself?

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[su_note note_color=”#e7e7e7″ text_color=”#686767″ radius=”0″] My gratitude journey started in May 2011 and continues to this day. Thank you for being a part of it! A daily gratitude practice is simple. Write down three things you are grateful for each day. Download your free GratitudeGuide. My clients focus on gratitude and learn from their successes to make the positive changes they want in their lives. You can too. Call me to set up our first meeting 505.333.9336. [/su_note]