Wellspring of Compassion: Self-Care for Sensitive People Healing from Trauma

by Sonia Connolly

In Wellspring of Compassion, Sonia Connolly offers supportive, body-centered information and practical exercises for sensitive people healing from childhood abuse, domestic violence, and other traumatic events. Each topic invites survivors to drop a different aspect of self-judgment and allow self-compassion to emerge instead. Examples are intentionally mild to avoid additional triggering. The overall tone is warm, inclusive, and reassuring.Topics are grouped into seven vital SupportCelebrate Your Survival ToolsConnect with Your SelfRecognize AbuseUnderstand Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)Heal Your BoundariesLearn to ThriveAlso Introduction, Glossary, and Resources.The latest PTSD research results from Dr. John Briere and Dr. Bessel van der Kolk are discussed in clear, easily understood language, including tips for how to reframe symptoms and heal the nervous system.Trauma and abuse are epidemic, shadowing too many lives for too many years. This book helps trauma survivors reconnect with their bodies and create the lives they want from a place of centered awareness.

177 pages, Kindle Edition

First published January 1, 2011

Reviews

[Lynnea · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book that deserves more exposure, especially for those that are highly-sensitive & on a healing path. I learned about it a while ago but didn’t purchase right away. Recently it showed again on my radar & chose to get it. I AM SO GLAD I DID.

It’s really amazing for myriad reasons & it was good buying further along the path than when 1st learning of it. Speaking only for myself, its content is relatable, having many “yes that’s it!” moments & feeling validated & grateful at the same time. There were also concrete examples & new idea toolbox suggestions. A powerful reminder that what we need to heal the tender parts within us, really is within us. And that might mean seeking outside resources to gather tools to get there. I won’t sugar coat it- sometimes the work is sometimes slow, lonely & feels impossibly hard, yet (for me) so worth it getting through the messy middle & move on to the next part of my work. I’ve loved the quote from Siddhartha “We are not going in circles, we are going upwards. The path is a spiral; we have already climbed many steps” & a very similar message was conveyed in the book.

Like any advice/self help book, take what works & leave the rest behind. T/trauma is deeply individual/personal & how events in our lives impact everyone differently. One size does not fit all. Sending love to those who need it. 🌀❤️

[Jenny Davidow · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wellspring of Compassion is a refreshingly personal, practical and compassionate guide to the difficult inner landscape of trauma and recovery. Each chapter invites the reader to start from where they are as they identify and work through difficult emotions and memories.

Written for anyone who has suffered trauma in the recent or distant past, the book gives support and practical guidance to those who are ready to begin their own recovery, or to deepen their recovery by neutralizing old triggers. I was surprised that the book touched on all the areas I've studied over the years, and it answered lingering questions about: a harsh inner critic, anxiety, flashbacks, dissociation, anger, shame, and why boundaries are so difficult for people who have suffered trauma.

The author, Sonia Connolly, is personally acquainted with all the facets of trauma and is also trained in Somatic Experiencing, based on Peter Levine's work with trauma. Her topics and suggestions create a thread that ties together the different manifestations of trauma, with insight and information drawn from both personal experience and many experts in the field.

Wellspring of Compassion provides a masterful view of the many facets of trauma, while at the same time offering kindness, compassion and warmth. Non-judgmental and non-clinical, Wellspring of Compassion will give you the tools and resources to shift from mere survival to being able to compassionately reconnect with yourself, your body, and your life.

Jenny Davidow
Author, Embracing Your Subconscious

[Mandi · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great book for anyone especially those who have gone through child abuse and are looking for ways to heal yourself and create a better life than the past.

[Megan · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book seems like an excellent "lay-person's" resource about trauma/self-criticism/sensitivity. I found it really accessible and useful and just bought two copies to lend out to clients.

[Mandi · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great resource for healthy coping skills.