Why Can't I Accept a Compliment? — A 10-Minute Meditation for Deflecting Praise and Receiving Kindness
Somebody said something lovely to you recently, and you did that thing — the little wave of the hand, "oh, stop it," or you fired one straight back at them, quick as anything, so the spotlight had somewhere else to go. Afterwards, maybe an hour later, maybe in the car, there was that little thought: why did I do that again? You can hand out compliments all day long, but you can't take one yourself. This guided meditation doesn't try to fix that in ten minutes — it just asks you to notice what happens when something good is offered to you.
For a quiet place to return to, download Anchored, Calming Anxiety's companion app.
Get it on the App Store at https://apps.apple.com/us/app/anchored-panic-anxiety/id6785035669 or on Google Play at https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.martinhewlett.anchored.
Hosted by clinical hypnotherapist and former paramedic Martin Hewlett, this episode uses a gentle form of kumbhaka — a short, comfortable pause after the exhale, never a held breath — before moving into affirmation work that separates receiving a compliment from having to believe, correct, or perform in response to it.
⏱️ Time Chapters
* 00:00 – The Reflex Before the Thank You
* 00:50 – Welcome & Anchored
* 01:42 – Noticing Your Escape Route
* 02:28 – Breathing: Gentle Kumbhaka (Out 6, Rest 2–3)
* 04:50 – Why We Deflect
* 05:40 – Affirmations for Receiving
* 08:13 – Three Daily Caring Tips
* 09:03 – Coming Back Gently
* 09:36 – A Note From Martin
🌿 Today's Gentle Affirmations
Settle in and repeat these gently to yourself:
I can let a kind word stay with me for a moment.
I do not have to correct someone else's good opinion of me.
I can notice the urge to deflect without following it.
I can allow myself to be seen without having to perform.
Receiving does not have to be perfect. I can simply say thank you.
Somebody else's opinion belongs to them. I don't have to argue with it.
I can let good things land gently.
💡 3 Daily Caring Tips
1. The next time someone compliments you, notice the first sentence that appears in your mind before you answer.
2. Notice what your body wants to do — laugh, look away, change the subject, or return the compliment. You don't have to stop it, just notice it.
3. If someone says something kind about you today, give yourself three quiet seconds before you decide what to think about it.
📱 Take Calming Anxiety With You Anywhere
Download Anchored on iOS at https://apps.apple.com/us/app/anchored-panic-anxiety/id6785035669 or on Google Play at https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.martinhewlett.anchored. Access over 2,500 searchable, offline-ready audio sessions, sleep stories with Books at Bedtime, and built-in nightlight features for the small hours. If this episode helped, please share it and leave a quick rating or review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify — it genuinely helps more people find their way here.
And in everything, my friend, be kind.
Support the Show:
Rate & Review: Leave a 5-star review on Spotify or Apple Podcasts to help us reach more listeners!
YouTube: Watch all episodes at https://www.youtube.com/c/calminganxiety?sub_confirmation=1
Social Media Support: For younger listeners struggling with social media stress, visit https://www.icanhelp.net/
Music: All music by Chris Collins
Become a supporter of this podcast:
https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/calming-anxiety-guided-meditation-sleep-hypnosis-panic-attack-relief--4110266/support.
Ready for More Calm?Thank you for listening to the
Calming Anxiety Podcast, featuring
guided meditation,
mindfulness, and
sleep hypnosis sessions with Martin Hewlett. Our mission is to provide you with proven tools for
anxiety relief,
stress reduction, and a path toward
deep relaxation. Use this episode anytime you need to
calm your mind and feel more at ease.
