Synopses & Reviews
From leading psychologist Dr. Kristin Neff comes a step-by-step guide explaining how to be more self-compassionate and achieve your dreams in life
The relentless pursuit of high self-esteem has become a virtual religion—and a tyrannical one at that. 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. The feelings of security and self-worth provided by self-compassion are also highly stable, kicking in precisely when self-esteem falls down. 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.
This groundbreaking work will show you how to let go of debilitating self-criticism and finally learn to be kind to yourself. 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. Engaging, highly readable, and eminently accessible, this book has the power to change your life.
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“An original and doable blueprint for improving the quality of your life.” Mihaly Csikszentmihalyi, author of Flow and Creativity
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“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 & #8217;Donnell, talk show host
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“A portable friend to all readersespecially but not only womenwho need to learn that the Golden Rule works only if its reversible: We must learn to treat ourselves as well as we wish to treat others.” Gloria Steinem
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“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
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“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
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“Neffs 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
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“Neffs compassionate tone makes Buddhist principles accessible, and exercises make them applicable in real life.” Publishers Weekly
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“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
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“In this deeply personal, highly practical book, Kristin Neff moves the entire study of compassion forward.” Sharon Salzberg, author of Lovingkindness and Real Happiness
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“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
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“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
Synopsis
"A book that teaches readers how to silence self-criticism and replace it with self-compassion in order to fulfill our highest potential and live happier, more fulfilled lives"--
Synopsis
Kristin Neff, Ph.D., says that its 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. Neffs 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.
About the Author
Kristin Neff, Ph.D., is an associate professor in human development at the University of Texas at Austin. A pioneer who first established self-compassion as a field of study almost a decade ago, Dr. Neff gives lectures on self-compassion internationally and conducts workshops for those who want to learn more about developing self-compassion.