[EbEsacAig]

> running is my go-to, but also woodworking or yard work

These are excellent. (Not that I'm an authority, of course.)

Additionally, the photo visualization that aantix conveys has a meditation format (I know of it from therapy) where you meet your child self during meditation, and comfort, console, and protect him/her.

Kelly McGonigal has a series (possibly in multiple editions?) on compassion, including self-compassion. The first instance I've encountered on LinkedIn Learning:

https://www.linkedin.com/learning/the-science-of-compassion-...

Searching the web for it now, this one seems related:

https://kellymcgonigal.com/cct

Note especially Tonglen (week 7). In my own uneducated imagery, I describe it as follows: during meditation, you breath in the suffering of others with your heart, and breath out love and compassion, which I imagine as a golden light. It's brilliant, especially if you do it towards someone that you resent because they have wronged you.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tonglen

FWIW, exercise has proved more accessible (?) to me than meditation. I've managed to turn exercise into a habit; I reach for meditation exceptionally.