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

by Kristin Neff (Author)

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 through the power of self-compassion.

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.

Based on her groundbreaking research, Dr. Neff presents a guide to navigating life's challenges and fostering emotional resilience:

• An Alternative to Self-Esteem: Discover why moving from self-esteem to self-compassion is the key to counteracting the negative effects of self-criticism and leaving insecurity behind.
• Mindfulness Practices: Learn simple exercises and action plans for dealing with emotionally debilitating struggles, from parenting and weight loss to the numerous trials of everyday living.
• The Power of Self-Kindness: Understand how to stop beating yourself up and actively comfort yourself in moments of pain, fostering positive mind-states like happiness and optimism.
• Tools for Personal Growth: Build the confidence needed to achieve your highest potential by embracing the full human experience, difficult as it is, and finally letting go of unrealistic expectations.

Front Jacket

The relentless pursuit of high self-esteem has become a virtual religion. Our ultracompetitive culture tells us we need to be constantly above average to feel good about ourselves, but there is always someone more attractive, successful, or intelligent than we are. And even when we do manage to grab hold of high self-esteem for a brief moment, we can't seem to keep it. Our sense of self-worth goes up and down like a Ping-Pong ball, rising and falling in lockstep with our latest success or failure.

Fortunately, there is an alternative to self-esteem that many experts believe is a better and more effective path to happiness: self-compassion. The research of Dr. Kristin Neff and other leading psychologists indicates that people who are compassionate toward their failings and imperfections experience greater well-being than those who repeatedly judge themselves. This book powerfully demonstrates why it's so important to be self-compassionate and give yourself the same caring support you'd give to a good friend.

Using solid empirical research, personal stories, practical exercises, and humor, Dr. Neff--the world's foremost expert on self-compassion--explains how to heal destructive emotional patterns so that you can be healthier, happier, and more effective.

Back Jacket

The relentless pursuit of high self-esteem has become a virtual religion. Our ultracompetitive culture tells us we need to be constantly above average to feel good about ourselves, but there is always someone more attractive, successful, or intelligent than we are. And even when we do manage to grab hold of high self-esteem for a brief moment, we can't seem to keep it. Our sense of self-worth goes up and down like a Ping-Pong ball, rising and falling in lockstep with our latest success or failure.

Fortunately, there is an alternative to self-esteem that many experts believe is a better and more effective path to happiness: self-compassion. The research of Dr. Kristin Neff and other leading psychologists indicates that people who are compassionate toward their failings and imperfections experience greater well-being than those who repeatedly judge themselves. This book powerfully demonstrates why it's so important to be self-compassionate and give yourself the same caring support you'd give to a good friend.

Using solid empirical research, personal stories, practical exercises, and humor, Dr. Neff--the world's foremost expert on self-compassion--explains how to heal destructive emotional patterns so that you can be healthier, happier, and more effective.