Self Compassion

March 4th, 2013

3-4-13In her New York Times best selling book, Self-compassion, Kristin Neff, Ph.D., states that one of the three elements of Self-compassion is Self-kindness. Self-compassion entails being warm and understanding toward ourselves when we suffer, fail, or feel inadequate, rather than ignoring our pain or flagellating ourselves with self-criticism.  Self-compassionate people recognize that being imperfect, failing, and experiencing life difficulties is inevitable, so they tend to be gentle with themselves when confronted with painful experiences rather than getting angry when life falls short of set ideals. People cannot always be or get exactly what they want. When this reality is denied or fought against suffering increases in the form of stress, frustration and self-criticism.  When this reality is accepted with sympathy and kindness, greater emotional equanimity is experienced.
I had the fortune to meet with this brilliant woman this past weekend. Her website, www.self-compassion.org I recommend to everyone. It teaches you some of the basics of Self-compassion.
Information about her book, lectures and workshops can be found as well.
Visit her website to discover the other two elements of Self-compassion.

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