Deb Dana draws from Polyvagal Theory in observing that compassion emerges from a ventral vagal state in which we are open and grounded, and which enables our capacity for social interaction and connection.
It can be difficult when living with complex trauma to know what you need or to be kind to yourself. Developing self-compassion in small moments can open the door to being better able to reach out to others.
Kristen Neff (2017) speaks about the core elements of compassion as Self Kindness, Common Humanity and Mindfulness read more in our post below.
