Freedom from the thoughts that keep you stuck
Guided meditations to help you rest, pause and sleep – created by Dr Paul Ogilvie.
Dr Paul Ogilvie
MBChB 1994, UK
The heart of LiberationInMind:
Self-kindness
Self-kindness means treating yourself with the same care, warmth, empathy and understanding you would offer to a good friend, especially during difficult times.
Self-kindness is not about avoiding responsibility, self-indulgence, self-pity, weakness, or making excuses.
When things go wrong, or there is something about yourself or the situation that you don’t like, self-kindness helps you see things clearly, stay present with the discomfort, and move forward gently – supporting yourself through the challenge.
It takes great courage and strength to be truly kind to yourself.
Instead of harsh self-criticism, self-kindness invites you to accept your imperfections, support yourself, and find the strength to keep going.
Why it matters
Self-kindness helps you become mentally stronger, happier, more self-confident and more motivated. It improves the relationship you have with yourself and with others.
It can be deeply therapeutic and supports both physical and emotional wellbeing.
Self-kindness is the voice that responds with care and encouragement – the foundation of self-compassion.
In everyday life
Self-kindness is a practical tool for inner growth. Whether you’re aiming to eat healthier, lose weight, break a bad habit, or achieve a goal, challenges are part of the journey.
When setbacks arise and feelings of failure, guilt, or shame appear, often accompanied by a harsh inner critic – this is when self-kindness can make a real difference.
Instead of spiralling into negativity or unhelpful coping strategies, pause, take a breath, and choose self-kindness.
This prevents setbacks from becoming derailments. It brings clarity, helps you realign with your goals, and keeps you moving forward.
A way to see life
Self-kindness gives you the strength to move through feelings of stress and struggle, and rediscover moments of beauty in your life.
Best wishes,
Paul
P.S. From 2026 onward, every guided meditation here will carry a gentle thread of self-kindness.