Self-Compassion: The Proven Power of Being Kind to Yourself

by Kristin Neff

Overview

Kristin Neff, Ph.D., says that it’s time to “stop beating yourself up and leave insecurity behind.” Self-Compassion: Stop Beating Yourself Up and Leave Insecurity Behind offers expert advice on how to limit self-criticism and offset its negative effects, enabling you to achieve your highest potential and a more contented, fulfilled life.

More and more, psychologists are turning away from an emphasis on self-esteem and moving toward self-compassion in the treatment of their patients—and Dr. Neff’s extraordinary book offers exercises and action plans for dealing with every emotionally debilitating struggle, be it parenting, weight loss, or any of the numerous trials of everyday living.  

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780062079176
Publisher:	HarperCollins
Publication date:	04/19/2011
Sold by:	HARPERCOLLINS
Format:	eBook
Pages:	320
File size:	635 KB

About the Author

Kristin Neff is a pioneer in the field of self-compassion research and is an associate professor of educational psychology at the University of Texas at Austin. She has written numerous academic articles and is the author of Self-Compassion: The Proven Power of Being Kind to Yourself. In conjunction with her colleague Dr. Chris Germer, she developed Mindful Self-Compassion, a training program taught by thousands of teachers worldwide, and coauthored the Mindful Self-Compassion Workbook, Mindful Self-Compassion for Burnout, and Teaching the Mindful Self-Compassion Program: A Guide for Professionals.

Table of Contents

Acknowledgments xi

Part 1 Why Self-Compassion? 1

1 Discovering Self-Compassion 3

2 Ending the Madness 18

Part 2 Core Components of Self-Compassion 39

3 Being Kind to Ourselves 41

4 We're All in This Together 61

5 Being Mindful of What Is 80

Part 3 Benefits of Self-Compassion 107

6 Emotional Resilience 109

7 Opting Out of the Self-Esteem Game 135

8 Motivation and Personal Growth 159

Part 4 Self-Compassion in Relation to Others 185

9 Compassion for Others 187

10 Self-Compassionate Parenting 207

11 Love and Sex 221

Part 5 The Joy of Self-Compassion 243

12 The Butterfly Emerges 245

13 Self-Appreciation 267

Notes 285

Index 299

What People are Saying About This

Mihaly Csikszentmihalyi

“An original and doable blueprint for improving the quality of your life.”

Brene Brown

“Neff’s powerful research and her ability to explain how self-compassion affects our everyday lives makes this book a transformative read.”

Rosie O'Donnell

“A beautiful book that helps us all see the way to cure the world, one person at a time, starting with yourself. Read it and start the journey.”

Christopher K. Germer

“Brilliant! Self-compassion is a revolutionary new idea-a better idea-pioneered by the author, Kristin Neff, with profound implications for how to live our lives.”

Gloria Steinem

“A portable friend to all readers—especially but not only women—who need to learn that the Golden Rule works only if it’s reversible: We must learn to treat ourselves as well as we wish to treat others.”

Todd B. Kashdan

“Based on state-of-the-art research, Neff provides essential lessons for how to excel personally and professionally through self-compassion.”

Daniel J. Siegel

“This book and its courageous and compassionate author will become essential reading for all of us seeking inner peace and true, lasting happiness in our lives. Savor and enjoy!”

Tara Brach

“Drawing on a powerful blend of Western psychology and Eastern meditative strategies, Kristin Neff offers practical, wise guidance on the path of emotional healing and deep inner transformation.”

Steven Stosny

“This is an important book. Following its advice can free readers from the chains of self-criticism and replace them with the wings of self-encouragement.”

Sharon Salzberg

“In this deeply personal, highly practical book, Kristin Neff moves the entire study of compassion forward.”

Editorial Reviews

A beautiful book that helps us all see the way to cure the world, one person at a time, starting with yourself. Read it and start the journey.

Rosie O'Donnell

Neff’s powerful research and her ability to explain how self-compassion affects our everyday lives makes this book a transformative read.

Brene Brown

Neff’s compassionate tone makes Buddhist principles accessible, and exercises make them applicable in real life.” — Publishers Weekly

“A portable friend to all readers—especially but not only women—who need to learn that the Golden Rule works only if it’s reversible: We must learn to treat ourselves as well as we wish to treat others.” — Gloria Steinem

“A beautiful book that helps us all see the way to cure the world, one person at a time, starting with yourself. Read it and start the journey.” — Rosie O’Donnell, talk show host

“An original and doable blueprint for improving the quality of your life.” — Mihaly Csikszentmihalyi, author of Flow and Creativity

“Neff’s powerful research and her ability to explain how self-compassion affects our everyday lives makes this book a transformative read.” — Brené Brown, Ph.D., author of The Gifts of Imperfection

“This is an important book. Following its advice can free readers from the chains of self-criticism and replace them with the wings of self-encouragement.” — Steven Stosny, Ph.D., author of Love Without Hurt

“In this deeply personal, highly practical book, Kristin Neff moves the entire study of compassion forward.” — Sharon Salzberg, author of Lovingkindness and Real Happiness

“Drawing on a powerful blend of Western psychology and Eastern meditative strategies, Kristin Neff offers practical, wise guidance on the path of emotional healing and deep inner transformation.” — Tara Brach, Ph.D., author of Radical Acceptance

“This book and its courageous and compassionate author will become essential reading for all of us seeking inner peace and true, lasting happiness in our lives. Savor and enjoy!” — Daniel J. Siegel, M.D., author of Mindsight

“Brilliant! Self-compassion is a revolutionary new idea-a better idea-pioneered by the author, Kristin Neff, with profound implications for how to live our lives.” — Christopher K. Germer, Ph.D., author of The Mindful Path to Self-Compassion

“Based on state-of-the-art research, Neff provides essential lessons for how to excel personally and professionally through self-compassion.” — Dr. Todd B. Kashdan, author of Curious? and Designing Positive Psychology

“This is an important book. Following its advice can free readers from the chains of self-criticism and replace them with the wings of self-encouragement.” — Steven Stosny, Ph.D., author of Love Without Hurt

“If you have a longing to relate to your inner life with authentic care, this book will show you how. Drawing on a powerful blend of Western psychology and Eastern meditative strategies, Kristin Neff offers practical, wise guidance on the path of emotional healing and deep inner transformation.” — Tara Brach, Ph.D., author of Radical Acceptance

From the Publisher

Neff’s powerful research and her ability to explain how self-compassion affects our everyday lives makes this book a transformative read.

Brené Brown

Drawing on a powerful blend of Western psychology and Eastern meditative strategies, Kristin Neff offers practical, wise guidance on the path of emotional healing and deep inner transformation.

Tara Brach

This is an important book. Following its advice can free readers from the chains of self-criticism and replace them with the wings of self-encouragement.

Steven Stosny

An original and doable blueprint for improving the quality of your life.

Mihaly Csikszentmihalyi

This book and its courageous and compassionate author will become essential reading for all of us seeking inner peace and true, lasting happiness in our lives. Savor and enjoy!

Daniel J. Siegel

Brilliant! Self-compassion is a revolutionary new idea-a better idea-pioneered by the author, Kristin Neff, with profound implications for how to live our lives.

Christopher K. Germer

A portable friend to all readers—especially but not only women—who need to learn that the Golden Rule works only if it’s reversible: We must learn to treat ourselves as well as we wish to treat others.

Gloria Steinem

A beautiful book that helps us all see the way to cure the world, one person at a time, starting with yourself. Read it and start the journey.

Rosie O’Donnell

In this deeply personal, highly practical book, Kristin Neff moves the entire study of compassion forward.

Sharon Salzberg

Based on state-of-the-art research, Neff provides essential lessons for how to excel personally and professionally through self-compassion.

Dr. Todd B. Kashdan

A beautiful book that helps us all see the way to cure the world, one person at a time, starting with yourself. Read it and start the journey.

Rosie O’Donnell

Neff’s powerful research and her ability to explain how self-compassion affects our everyday lives makes this book a transformative read.

Brené Brown

"Based on state-of-the-art research, Neff provides essential lessons for how to excel personally and professionally through self-compassion."

Doctor - Todd B. Kashdan