Emotional Safety and Self-Compassion

Self-compassion enhances wellbeing primarily because it

deactivates the threat system
(associated with self-criticism, insecure attachment, and defensiveness)

and activates the self-soothing system
(associated with secure attachment, safety, and the oxytocin-opiate system).

By increasing feelings of safety and interconnectedness
and reducing feelings of threat and isolation

self-compassion fosters greater emotional balance.