Self-Compassion: Power Of Kindness

For the past four months, I have been diligently practicing mindfulness and accepting my emotions, even showing compassion for emotions such as anger and fear. The approach of self-compassion complements mindfulness training (as taught by Jon Kabat-Zinn or Thich Nhat Hahn among others) very, very well indeed. In fact, it seems that our society cultivates the exact opposite, going hard on one’s self and evaluating one’s self in an overly critical manner is the norm. In practicing these principles, I have emerged from year long depression and anxiety to regain my life. These techniques have helped see the gift of my depression and anxiety. Through practicing the wisdom of self-compassion and mindfulness diligently I have begun to find true strength, beyond the complement-recognition-dependent limitations of self-esteem.

When did we stop being as understanding, compassionate, caring and loving to ourselves as we are to those we love dearly? How can we recharge ourselves after working so hard at our jobs and trying so very hard to do everything right? Our inner critic, it seems, is never satisfied and continues to find fault although we have long earned recognition. Apart from that we are as perfect as we were the day we were born – when did we stop seeing ourselves in that light? Herein lies the rub, for in neglecting, punishing and criticizing ourselves, we are compelled to try to fill this empty void through excessive consumption of food, products, relationships, attention-seeking. The result is catastrophic, despite rampant consumption and the destruction of the environment, depression and mental illness are on the rise! Our inner critic continues to devour any praise and complements our self-esteem gets – if we turn the tables as Kristen Neff suggests, the result is the kind of profound, lasting change we have been wanting all our lives and it is painfully simple! Each and every one of us deserves this.

Kristen Neff has done a very thorough job of presenting this invaluable wisdom as practiced, among other sources, in the Buddhist Tradition (it is also conveyed in many other faiths, philosophies etc.). She does so in a very human, humorous and enjoyable manner, which makes this book a true pleasure to read. If you are devoted to improving your life experience and that of those you love, please begin by accepting and loving yourself – flaws and all – then you can unleash your true power as a compassionate, loving, accepting being and genuinely help your loved ones, society and the world all in one. May the wisdom of this book help many to heal themselves, the rest will take care of itself.

The concept of self compassion is revolutionary and ive purchased two more copies of this book for my wife and my mother. However the message is repetitive. The book could have been fifty pages shorter. I struggled to get through the end because I felt I was reading the same thing over and over and over again. The book was also too personal. The author’s journey through her sons autism is inspiring. However, the more salacious details of her history are a distraction and unnecessary. Whatever her reasons for including them, they diluted an otherwise brilliant message.

Came across Kristin Neff’s work on self-compassion a couple of months ago while experiencing an episode of high anxiety, which later spiralled into a deep depression. Two months later and, in combination with practicing meditation and receiving counselling, Kristin Neff’s Self-Compassion has turned my life experience completely around to one that is filled with much more calm, clarity, happiness and hope.

What I have experienced through reading Self-Compassion is nothing short of profound and life-changing. I am hopeful that what I have gained from Kristin’s guidance will remain with me throughout my life and will enhance my life experience significantly in the long term.

I never realised just how self-critical a person I was until I read this book. It’s helped me to realise how I’ve deepened, or even created, my own suffering at significant times during my life. I only wish I’d found this book sooner!

If you have a young teenage friend or relative who is having a tough time or appears a little lost – gift them this book. I can only imagine how much easier my life would have been during those critical years, had I had the power of self-compassion to tap into. I also believe that it doesn’t matter what age you are – anyone can benefit from Kristin’s teachings.

A truly wonderful book that may just help you to lift yourself out of a deep pit of despair, or raise your happiness to even higher levels than you’ve ever experienced before.

Thank you for all your help Kristin.

This book was very helpful . Allows you to be more objective about yourself and provides a better perspective on your actions. Self criticism can prevent progress at times

Ho voluto leggere questo libro della psicologa Kristin Neff in lingua originale e non me ne sono pentito.
La Neff ci accompagna con grande delicatezza nel mondo dell’empatia e del perdono verso se stessi, che si fonda su 3 pilastri: un atteggiamento consapevole verso il presente (mindfulness), gentilezza nei gesti e nelle parole usate con se stessi soprattutto nei momenti di difficoltà (kindness), senso di connessione con gli altri esseri umani quando sperimentiamo un limite o un fallimento (common humanity). Contiene esercizi che aiutano a praticare e ad interiorizzare questi atteggiamenti: a me sono stati molto utili.

This book was recommended by a friend. The book explores elements of self compassion and how to incorporate those healthy behaviours into your life. I would recommend it to anyone who has a tendency to beat themselves up for their shortcomings.