SelfKind: Conversations in self-care, kindness and compassion for highly sensitive people

Ep 257: Shedding Shame: Rules and self-care beyond the good and bad

Erica Episode 257

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0:00 | 28:56

Welcome to this episode of Self Kind with me, Erica Webb. Today I’m sharing some personal stories around the impact of rules-driven thinking on self-care. I’m tying this topic into last week’s episode with guest Sam Sellers, who joined us to talk about religious trauma. 

I’m sharing:

- my own experiences of guilt and shame that stemmed, at least in part, from my early experiences with religion and fear (and why I left that world in my early 20s)

- why I was nick-named the Fun Police in high school

- the value that lay in moving beyond the black-and-white thinking of good and bad, especially in terms of self-care practices

- the role of values in navigating outside of rule-based thinking.


Mentioned in this episode:

SelfKind with Erica Webb Ep 256: Religious trauma with Sam Sellers: https://www.ericawebbyoga.com.au/podcast/episode/7bd670d7/ep-256-religious-trauma-with-sam-sellers

Counselling with Erica: https://www.ericawebb.com.au/work-with-me


Time Stamps:

00:00 Welcome to Self Kind with Erica Webb

00:05 Exploring the Impact of Rules-Driven Thinking on Self-Care

00:43 Personal Journey: From Religious Trauma to Self-Compassion

04:44 The Lingering Effects of Religious Upbringing

13:34 Breaking Up with Religion and Embracing Self-Care

16:24 The Pseudo Safety of Rules and the Power of Values

24:35 Reflections and Closing Thoughts


The content I share on this platform is for informational and educational purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for professional advice, diagnosis, or treatment. While I am a qualified counsellor, yoga teacher, and somatic coach, the information provided here does not constitute personal counselling, therapy, or a therapeutic relationship.

If you're struggling with your mental health or need personalised support, I encourage you to reach out to a registered professional in your area.

Always take what resonates, leave what doesn’t, and prioritise your wellbeing.