About that time I wrestled a bear

Or, how I discovered the storytelling mind's true nature and learned to see beyond the waterfall of thoughts.

12 hrs ago • 

Heron Payne

September 2025

Easing Anxiety with Mindfulness

A four-week online journey toward presence, steadiness, and self-compassion

Sep 18 • 

Heron Payne

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The Medicine of Self-Compassion

Reflections on Gabor Maté’s Five Compassions, chronic illness, and the healing journey

Sep 11 • 

Heron Payne

Guided Meditation: Tolerating the Inner Critic

A practice for learning to sit with shame, see beyond it and cultivate a deeper understanding of your inner critic.

Sep 5 • 

Heron Payne

August 2025

Eco-Grief & the Practice of Self-Compassion

On wildfires, non-separation, Paleolithic emotions, and learning to meet ourselves with kindness on a suffering planet

Aug 29 • 

Heron Payne

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On My First Podcast Appearance

In which the writer speaks and experiences another opportunity for self-compassion.

Aug 21 • 

Heron Payne

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Embodied Self-Compassion: The What, Why & How (Part I)

What a retreat, a Velcro suit, and a scared child taught me about embodied self-compassion

Aug 14 • 

Heron Payne

How Mindfulness & Self-Compassion Revolutionized My Inner Life

What happened when I stopped fighting my bodymind and started befriending it with curiosity.

Aug 7 • 

Heron Payne

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July 2025

The Quiet Power: Why Self-Compassion Equals Strength

“Self-compassion is the foundation of courage. It allows us to see ourselves clearly and act anyway.” — Kristin Neff

Jul 31 • 

Heron Payne

Self-Compassion for Parents

Parenting can awaken our deepest love. And our oldest wounds. What happens when we meet ourselves with compassion in those messy moments?

Jul 24 • 

Heron Payne

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The Inner Critic’s Origin Story, Part III: A Kinder Way Forward

Why that inner judgemental voice is trying to protect you, and how to respond with curiosity instead of fear.

Jul 17 • 

Heron Payne

The Inner Critic’s Origin Story, Part II: How the Inner Critic Learns Its Voice

Tracing the roots of the inner critic to early connection, confusion, and the need to belong.

Jul 10 • 

Heron Payne

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