Orri Campassionate Thinking Workbook

CompassionateThinkingWorksheet

Nurturing Hope in Recovery

[email protected] 918 6340

www.orri-uk.com14 Hallam Street, W1W 6JG

OrriCompassionate Thinking //

About compassion.

When we're thinking about compassion in thecontext of mental health and recovery, weoften think of Dr Paul Gilbert, who says thefollowing:

"When people hear the word compassion, theytend to think of kindness. But scientific studyhas found the core of compassion to becourage...The courage to be compassionatelies in the willingness to see into the natureand causes of suffering - be that in ourselves,in others and the human condition. Thechallenge is to acquire the wisdom we need toaddress the causes of suffering in ourselvesand others." - The Compassionate MindFoundation

Nurturing compassionatethinking.

Admitting we need more compassion andkindness is an act of strength, and ademonstration of the trust we have towardsourselves that we can hold this difficultfeeling but respond accordingly to it.

Kindness doesn’t always have to involve bigactions or gestures (“doing” things), it mayjust be taking a few moments to check in andnotice what’s happening for ourselves. Take a few moments today to check in withthis 4 step activity, and find that internalplace that needs a little more self-compassion right now.

0 1

‘One of the key messages Iencourage our clients is torecognise that kindness andcompassion requires compassionatewisdom. With this courageouswisdom and knowledge we are ablethen to nourish ourselves withcompassion, responding to thatpart of ourselves as if we were to adear friend who might be struggling– helping us soften into our storieswith gentleness and courage tohelp us move through and out ofwhatever we are finding as difficultor unmanageable.’ - Kendra Neethling, SeniorOccupational Therapist


Compassionate Wisdom

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Choose an aspect of yourself or your lifethat you dislike and criticise.It can be something that makes you feelashamed, unworthy, inadequate, or self-conscious. You will write in detail about how thisperceived inadequacy makes you feel.What thoughts, images, emotions, orstories arise when you think about it?

Now, imagine someone who isunconditionally loving, accepting, andsupportive. Gently and lovingly, thisfriend sees your strengths andopportunities for growth, including thenegative aspects of you. The friendaccepts and forgives, embracing youkindly just as you are. Now write a letterto yourself from the perspective of thiskind friend.

Writing a compassionate letter


Step 1

Step 2

0 3

What does this friend say toyou?

How is compassiondemonstrated?

How does this friendencourage and support you in

taking steps to change?



0 4

Now, it’s your time to write.

Let the words flow from you: do not thinktoo hard about phrasing or structure. Justwrite from the perspective of deepkindness, understanding, and non-judgmental acceptance.



Step 3

0 5

After fully drafting the letter, put it asidefor some time.

When some time has passed, return to theletter and reread it.

Let the words fully sink in.

Feel the encouragement, support,compassion, and acceptance, and letevery positive word rush into you.



Step 4

Compassionate Thinking //

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Orri Campassionate Thinking Workbook

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