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

Review Quotes:

"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

"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

"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

"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

"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

"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

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

"An original and doable blueprint for improving the quality of your life." - Mihaly Csikszentmihalyi, author of Flow and Creativity

"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

"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

"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

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.

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.

Contributor Bio:Neff, Kristin

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.