Center for the Advancement of Well-Being

Thriving Together Series: Sophrology Promotes Kindness for Well-Being

Thriving Together Series

 

By: Ayce Bukulmeyen Ozerdem, Well-Being Program Specialist, Center for the Advancement of Well-Being 

“Human rights are a value inherent in human dignity, the essential value of the existence of being. The values of human rights are summarized by human rights to their own free, responsible, and dignified existence.” – Alfonso Caycedo, founder of sophrology, professor and doctor

Sophrology is a holistic practice that harmonizes body and mind, combining meditation, yoga, breathing, visualization, and progressive relaxation. It is the study of consciousness that connects the different aspects of sophrology. The founder of sophrology and a key document he wrote about practicing it emphasize that it supports human dignity. Sophrology’s deep-rooted connection to kindness toward ourselves and others makes it particularly powerful. Practicing sophrology gives us a framework for developing a kind mindset. Here’s how sophrology promotes kindness for well-being by helping us cultivate more kindness in our lives, leading to greater collective well-being.

Sophrology’s Founder and the Geneva Declaration

Sophrology was developed by Alfonso Caycedo, a medical doctor and professor who worked in Barcelona, Spain. In 1960, Caycedo inaugurated the Department of Sophrology and Psychosomatic Medicine at the Santa Isabel Hospital in Madrid. His goal was to improve the quality of life of his patients. During the 1960s, Caycedo collaborated with a variety of other doctors and professors around the world to develop the science of sophrology. He organized the 1st World Congress of Sophrology in 1970. After introducing sophrology into health sciences, Caycedo inaugurated a section dedicated to the social field. He developed sophro-pedagogy, in which people apply sophrology techniques to improve learning and memory skills. After that, sophrology was adapted to sports, as well.

The connection between sophrology and kindness is beautifully reflected in the Geneva Declaration, a key document outlining the ethical and philosophical framework of the practice. Caycedo delivered the declaration on May 17, 2001, at the Human Rights Auditorium of the University of Geneva. The Geneva Declaration emphasizes the importance of human dignity, compassion, and respect for life. It advocates for a world where people are treated with kindness by others and, crucially, by themselves. It calls for recognizing each individual’s intrinsic worth and nurturing a more balanced, harmonious way of living. 

The values enshrined in the declaration are philosophical ideals and practical guides that help people reconnect with their inner resources, fostering self-awareness, compassion, and kindness. Also, the declaration stresses the importance of collective well-being. Kindness is not just an internal process, but should extend outward to others.

When we practice sophrology, we become more attuned to our emotions and physical sensations, increasing our capacity for empathy and kindness toward others.

Key Elements of the Geneva Convention

In his Geneva Declaration, Caycedo emphasizes the importance of human dignity, compassion, and respect for life. The declaration advocates for a world where people are treated with kindness by others and, crucially, by themselves. It calls for recognizing each individual’s intrinsic worth and nurturing a more balanced, harmonious way of living. Key elements are:

  • Human dignity: At its heart, the Geneva Declaration emphasizes respect for the inherent dignity of every individual. This aligns with the principle that sophrology should be used as a tool for personal empowerment, helping people achieve a balanced and harmonious state of being.
  • Respect for life: The declaration underscores the importance of respecting life in all forms. This respect extends to oneself and others, advocating for a compassionate and humane approach in personal and professional interactions.
  • Kindness and compassion: Kindness and compassion are fundamental to the sophrology practice, as reflected in the declaration. Practitioners are encouraged to foster these values within themselves and in their relationships with others, recognizing the interconnectedness of well-being and kindness.
  • Ethical practice: The declaration outlines the ethical responsibilities of sophrologists, including the importance of confidentiality, professional integrity, and the commitment to help people without causing harm. This moral framework ensures that sophrology is practiced with the highest standards of care and respect.
  • Personal development and collective well-being: The declaration stresses that personal well-being is not an isolated process, but contributes to collective well-being. It reminds practitioners that the broader community also benefits through the individual journey of self-awareness and growth.

Key Ways Sophrology Promotes Kindness

Sophrology offers a powerful path to cultivate kindness, both toward ourselves and others. By fostering mindfulness, relaxation, and positive visualization, sophrology helps us develop a deeper understanding of our thoughts, emotions, and actions in ways that promote kindness. Those ways include:

  • Self-compassion: Through mindful awareness, sophrology encourages us to recognize our own struggles and limitations with compassion rather than judgment. This self-compassion can lead to a more positive self-image and a greater capacity for empathy.
  • Positive visualization: By visualizing positive outcomes and experiences, sophrology can help us cultivate a more optimistic outlook on life. This positivity can foster a sense of gratitude and kindness toward others.
  • Stress reduction: Sophrology techniques – such as progressive muscle relaxation and breathing exercises – can help reduce stress and anxiety. When we feel less overwhelmed, we are more likely to be patient, understanding, and compassionate.
  • Emotional regulation: Sophrology can help us develop greater awareness of our emotions and learn to regulate them effectively. This emotional intelligence can prevent impulsive reactions and promote kindness in interpersonal relationships.
  • Mindfulness: By cultivating mindfulness, sophrology helps individuals stay present in the moment and appreciate the simple joys of life. This sense of appreciation can foster a more compassionate and giving attitude.

By practicing sophrology, we can cultivate a greater sense of self-worth, empathy, and understanding, leading to more harmonious and fulfilling relationships with ourselves and others.

Sophrology Practices to Try

In sophrology, the body plays a special role in growing our awareness. A Body Scan is one of the most fundamental techniques in Sophrology to bring the focus to the present moment. The technique focuses intensely on body sensations and perceptions to conquer a new state of awareness through the practice.

Sophrology is all about awareness, so noticing where we breathe is important. Breathing exercises such as Alternate Nostril Breathing can be done while standing. However, it’s best to sit or lie down while doing them as they may lead to dizzy feelings at the beginning due to an increase in oxygen intake levels.

Anyone can enjoy sophrology anytime and anywhere, either alone or in a group, without requiring any special tools.

Additional Resources

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