Through her encounters with eastern spirituality, Neff, an associate professor in human development at the University of Texas–Austin, began to understand that having compassion for oneself is as important as having compassion for others: "From the Buddhist point of view, you have to care about yourself before you can really care about other people." As Neff defines it, self-compassion has three core components: self-kindness, realizing one's common humanity, and mindfulness. Self-kindness means being gentle and understanding, rather than harshly critical of our own errors. The recognition of common humanity involves feeling connected to others rather than alienated by our suffering. Mindfulness requires "that we hold our experience in balanced awareness, rather than ignoring our pain or exaggerating it." While exploring these three components in depth, Neff weaves in events that inform her own life, such as the "precipice of despair" she felt while struggling emotionally with her son's autism. By sharing such personal anecdotes, Neff helps readers understand how self-compassion can aid them. Neff's compassionate tone makes Buddhist principles accessible, and exercises make them applicable in real life. (May)
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
“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
“An original and doable blueprint for improving the quality of your life.” — Mihaly Csikszentmihalyi, author of Flow and Creativity
“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
“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
“In this deeply personal, highly practical book, Kristin Neff moves the entire study of compassion forward.” — Sharon Salzberg, author of Lovingkindness and Real Happiness
“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
“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
“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
“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
“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
