The Mindful Self-Compassion Workbook: A Proven Way to Accept Yourself, Build Inner Strength, and Thrive
206
The Mindful Self-Compassion Workbook: A Proven Way to Accept Yourself, Build Inner Strength, and Thrive
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Overview
Are you kinder to others than you are to yourself? More than a thousand research studies show the benefits of being a supportive friend to yourself, especially in times of need. This science-based workbook offers a step-by-step approach to breaking free of harsh self-judgments and impossible standards in order to cultivate emotional well-being. In a convenient large-size format, the book is based on the authors' groundbreaking eight-week Mindful Self-Compassion (MSC) program, which has helped tens of thousands of people worldwide. It is packed with guided meditations (with audio downloads); informal practices to do anytime, anywhere; exercises; and vivid stories of people using the techniques to address relationship stress, weight and body image issues, health concerns, anxiety, and other common problems. The seeds of self-compassion already lie within you--learn how you can uncover this powerful inner resource and transform your life. See also Teaching the Mindful Self-Compassion Program, by Christopher Germer and Kristin Neff, a thorough overview of conducting MSC (for professionals), and The Mindful Path to Self-Compassion, by Christopher Germer, which delves into mindful self-compassion and shares moving stories of how it can change lives.
Product Details
| ISBN-13: | 9781462526789 |
|---|---|
| Publisher: | Guilford Publications, Inc. |
| Publication date: | 08/29/2018 |
| Pages: | 206 |
| Sales rank: | 22,844 |
| Product dimensions: | 8.00(w) x 10.50(h) x 0.42(d) |
About the Author
Kristin Neff, PhD, is Associate Professor of Human Development and Culture at the University of Texas at Austin and a pioneer in the field of self-compassion research. Her books include The Mindful Self-Compassion Workbook and Self-Compassion (for the general public) and Teaching the Mindful Self-Compassion Program (for professionals). She is also author of an audio program, Self-Compassion: Step by Step, and has published numerous academic articles. She lectures and offers workshops worldwide. Together with Christopher Germer, Dr. Neff hosts an 8-hour online course, "The Power of Self-Compassion." Her website is https://self-compassion.org. Christopher Germer, PhD, has a private practice in mindfulness- and compassion-based psychotherapy in Arlington, Massachusetts, and is a part-time Lecturer on Psychiatry at Harvard Medical School/Cambridge Health Alliance. He is a founding faculty member of the Institute for Meditation and Psychotherapy and of the Center for Mindfulness and Compassion. His books include The Mindful Self-Compassion Workbook and The Mindful Path to Self-Compassion (for the general public) and Teaching the Mindful Self-Compassion Program, Wisdom and Compassion in Psychotherapy, and Mindfulness and Psychotherapy, Second Edition (for professionals). Dr. Germer lectures and leads workshops internationally. His website is https://chrisgermer.com.
Read an Excerpt
CHAPTER 1
What Is Self-Compassion?
Self-compassion involves treating yourself the way you would treat a friend who is having a hard time — even if your friend blew it or is feeling inadequate, or is just facing a tough life challenge. Western culture places great emphasis on being kind to our friends, family, and neighbors who are struggling. Not so when it comes to ourselves. Self-compassion is a practice in which we learn to be a good friend to ourselves when we need it most — to become an inner ally rather than an inner enemy. But typically we don't treat ourselves as well as we treat our friends.
The golden rule says "Do unto others as you would have them do unto you." However, you probably don't want to do unto others as you do unto yourself! Imagine that your best friend calls you after she just got dumped by her partner, and this is how the conversation goes.
"Hey," you say, picking up the phone. "How are you?"
"Terrible," she says, choking back tears. "You know that guy Michael I've been dating? Well, he's the first man I've been really excited about since my divorce. Last night he told me that I was putting too much pressure on him and that he just wants to be friends. I'm devastated."
You sigh and say, "Well, to be perfectly honest, it's probably because you're old, ugly, and boring, not to mention needy and dependent. And you're at least 20 pounds overweight. I'd just give up now, because there's really no hope of finding anyone who will ever love you. I mean, frankly you don't deserve it!"
Would you ever talk this way to someone you cared about? Of course not. But strangely, this is precisely the type of thing we say to ourselves in such situations — or worse. With self-compassion, we learn to speak to ourselves like a good friend. "I'm so sorry. Are you okay? You must be so upset. Remember I'm here for you and I deeply appreciate you. Is there anything I can do to help?"
Although a simple way to think about self- compassion is treating yourself as you would treat a good friend, the more complete definition involves three core elements that we bring to bear when we are in pain: self- kindness, common humanity, and mindfulness.
Self-Kindness. When we make a mistake or fail in some way, we are more likely to beat ourselves up than put a supportive arm around our own shoulder. Think of all the generous, caring people you know who constantly tear themselves down (this may even be you). Self- kindness counters this tendency so that we are as caring toward ourselves as we are toward others. Rather than being harshly critical when noticing personal shortcomings, we are supportive and encouraging and aim to protect ourselves from harm. Instead of attacking and berating ourselves for being inadequate, we offer ourselves warmth and unconditional acceptance. Similarly, when external life circumstances are challenging and feel too difficult to bear, we actively soothe and comfort ourselves.
Theresa was excited. "I did it! I can't believe I did it! I was at an office party last week and blurted out something inappropriate to a co- worker. Instead of doing my usual thing of calling myself terrible names, I tried to be kind and understanding. I told myself, "Oh well, it's not the end of the world. I meant well even if it didn't come out in the best way."
Common Humanity. A sense of interconnectedness is central to self-compassion. It's recognizing that all humans are fl awed works-in- progress, that everyone fails, makes mistakes, and experiences hardship in life. Self- compassion honors the unavoidable fact that life entails suffering, for everyone, without exception. While this may seem obvious, it's so easy to forget. We fall into the trap of believing that things are "supposed" to go well and that something has gone wrong when they don't. Of course, it's highly likely — in fact inevitable — that we'll make mistakes and experience hardships on a regular basis. This is completely normal and natural.
But we don't tend to be rational about these matters. Instead, not only do we suffer, we feel isolated and alone in our suffering. When we remember that pain is part of the shared human experience, however, every moment of suffering is transformed into a moment of connection with others. The pain I feel in difficult times is the same pain that you feel in difficult times. The circumstances are different, the degree of pain is different, but the basic experience of human suffering is the same.
Theresa continued: "I remembered that everyone has a slip of the tongue sometimes.
I can't expect to say the right thing at every moment. It's only natural that these things happen."
Mindfulness. Mindfulness involves being aware of moment-to-moment experience in a clear and balanced manner. It means being open to the reality of the present moment, allowing all thoughts, emotions, and sensations to enter awareness without resistance or avoidance (we will be delving more deeply into mindfulness in Chapter 6).
Why is mindfulness an essential component of self-compassion? Because we need to be able to turn toward and acknowledge when we're suffering, to "be" with our pain long enough to respond with care and kindness. While it might seem that suffering is blindingly obvious, many people don't acknowledge how much pain they're in, especially when that pain stems from their own self-criticism. Or when confronted with life challenges, people often get so caught up in problem-solving mode that they don't pause to consider how hard it is in the moment. Mindfulness counters the tendency to avoid painful thoughts and emotions, allowing us to face the truth of our experience, even when it's unpleasant. At the same time, mindfulness prevents us from becoming absorbed by and "overidentified" with negative thoughts or feelings, from getting caught up and swept away by our aversive reactions. Rumination narrows our focus and exaggerates our experience. Not only did I fail, "I am a failure." Not only was I disappointed, "my life is disappointing" When we mindfully observe our pain, however, we can acknowledge our suffering without exaggerating it, allowing us to take a wiser and more objective perspective on ourselves and our lives.
To be self-compassionate, mindfulness is actually the first step we need to take — we need presence of mind to respond in a new way. So immediately after the office party faux pas, for instance, instead of drowning her sorrows in a box of chocolates, Theresa summoned the courage needed to face what had happened.
Theresa added: "I just acknowledged how bad I felt in the moment. I wish it didn't happen, but it did happen. What was amazing is that I could actually be with the feelings of embarrassment, the flushed cheeks, the heat rising in my head, without getting lost in self-judgment. me, and they would eventually pass. And they did. I gave myself a little pep talk, saw my co-worker the next day to apologize and explain myself, and everything was fine."
Another way to describe the three essential elements of self-compassion is loving (self-kindness), connected (common humanity) presence (mindfulness). When we are in the mind state of loving, connected presence, our relationship to ourselves, others, and the world is transformed.
EXERCISE
How Do I Treat a Friend?
• Close your eyes and reflect for a moment on the following question:
* Think about various times when you've had a close friend who was struggling in some way — had a misfortune, failed, or felt inadequate — and you were feeling pretty good about yourself. How do you typically respond to your friends in such situations? What do you say? What tone do you use? How is your posture? Nonverbal gestures?
• Write down what you discovered.
• Now close your eyes again and reflect on the next question:
* Think about various times when you were struggling in some way — had a misfortune, failed, or felt inadequate. How do you typically respond to yourself in these situations? What do you say? What tone do you use? Your posture? Nonverbal gestures?
• Write down what you observed.
• Finally, consider the differences between how you treat your close friends when they are struggling and how you treat yourself. Do you notice any patterns?
REFLECTION
What came up for you while doing this practice?
When they do this exercise many people are shocked at how badly they treat themselves compared to their friends. If you are one of these people, you are not alone. Preliminary data gathered by my (Kristin's) research lab suggests that 78% of the U.S. population are more compassionate toward others than themselves, only 6% are more compassionate to themselves than others, and 16% are about equal. Our culture doesn't encourage us to be kind to ourselves, so we need to intentionally practice changing our relationship with ourselves in order to counter the habits of a lifetime.
EXERCISE
Relating to Ourselves with Self-Compassion
Think about a current struggle you're going through in your life — one that's not too serious. For example, maybe you had a fight with your partner and you said something you regret. Or maybe you really blew it on a work assignment and you're frightened your boss is going to call you in for a meeting to reprimand you.
• Write down the situation.
• First write down any ways you may be lost in the story line of the situation and running away with it. Is it all you can think about, or are you making a bigger deal out of things than is warranted? For example, do you think the relationship is over just because you had a fight, or are you terrified that you will be fired even though the mistake was pretty minor?
• Now see if you can mindfully acknowledge the pain involved in this situation without exaggerating it or being overly dramatic. Write down any painful or difficult feelings you may be having, trying to do so with a relatively objective and balanced tone. Validate the difficulty of the situation, while trying not to be get overly caught up in the story line of what you're feeling. For example: "I'm feeling really frightened that I will get in trouble with my boss after this incident. It's difficult for me to feel this right now."
• Next write down any ways you may be feeling isolated by the situation, thinking that it shouldn't have happened or that you're the only one who has been in this situation. For example, are you assuming that your work should be perfect and that it's abnormal to make mistakes? That no one else at your work makes these types of mistakes?
• Now try to remind yourself of the common humanity of the situation — how normal it is to have feelings like this and the fact that many people are probably experiencing feelings similar to yours. For example: "I guess it's natural to feel frightened after making a mistake at work. Everyone makes mistakes sometimes, and I'm sure many other people have been in a similar situation to what I'm facing right now."
• Next write down any ways you may be judging yourself for what happened. For example, are you calling yourself names ("stupid idiot") or being overly harsh with yourself ("You are always messing up. Why can't you ever learn?").
• Finally, try writing yourself some words of kindness in response to the difficult emotions you are feeling. Write using the same type of gentle, supportive words you might use with a good friend you cared about. For example: "I'm so sorry that you're feeling frightened right now. I'm sure it will be okay, and I'll be here to support you whatever happens." Or else "It's okay to make mistakes, and it's okay to feel scared about the consequences. I know you did your best."
REFLECTION
What was this practice like for you? Take a moment and try to fully accept how you're feeling in this moment, allowing yourself to be just as you are.
Some people feel soothed and comforted by words of mindfulness, common humanity, and self-kindness when they do this writing exercise. If it felt supportive for you, can you allow yourself to savor the feeling of caring for yourself in this way?
For many people, however, writing in this way feels awkward or uncomfortable. If this describes your experience, can you allow yourself to learn at your own pace, knowing that it takes time to form new habits?
CHAPTER 2
What Self-Compassion Is Not
Often people have misgivings about whether it's a good idea to be self-compassionate or whether we can be too self-compassionate. Certainly Western culture doesn't promote self-compassion as a virtue, and many people harbor deep suspicions about being kind to themselves. These misgivings often block our ability to be self-compassionate, so it's good to take a close look at them.
EXERCISE
My Misgivings about Self-Compassion
• Write down any misgivings that you personally have about self-compassion — any fears or concerns you have about its possible downsides.
• Sometimes our attitudes are shaped by what other people in our life think about self-compassion. Write down any misgivings that other people or society at large have about self-compassion.
REFLECTION
• If you identified some misgivings that you hold, that's a good thing. These misgivings are actually barriers to your ability to be self-compassionate, and awareness is the first step toward starting to dismantle these barriers.
• Fortunately, an ever-increasing body of research shows that the most common misgivings about self-compassion are actually misconceptions. In other words, our misconceptions are generally unfounded. Below are some of the fears people express over and over again at our courses, followed by a brief description of the evidence to the contrary.
"Doesn't self-compassion just mean throwing a pity party for poor me?"
Many people fear that self-compassion is really just a form of self-pity. In fact, self-compassion is an antidote to self-pity. While self-pity says "poor me," self-compassion recognizes that life is hard for everyone. Research shows that self-compassionate people are more likely to engage in perspective taking, rather than focusing on their own distress. They are also less likely to ruminate on how bad things are, which is one of the reasons self-compassionate people have better mental health. When we are self-compassionate, we remember that everyone suffers from time to time (common humanity), and we don't exaggerate the extent of our struggles (mindfulness). Self-compassion is not a "woe is me" attitude.
"Self-compassion is for wimps. I have to be tough and strong to get through [my life."
Another big fear is that self-compassion will make us weak and vulnerable. In fact, self-compassion is a reliable source of inner strength that confers courage and enhances resilience when we're faced with difficulties. Research shows self-compassionate people are better able to cope with tough situations like divorce, trauma, or chronic pain.
"I need to think more about other people, not myself. Being self-compassionate is way too selfish and self-focused."
Some worry that by being self-compassionate rather than just focusing on being compassionate to others, they will become self-centered or selfish. However, giving compassion to ourselves actually enables us to give more to others in relationships. Research shows self-compassionate people tend to be more caring and supportive in romantic relationships, are more likely to compromise in relationship conflicts, and are more compassionate and forgiving toward others.
(Continues…)
Excerpted from "The Mindful Self-Compassion Workbook"
by .
Copyright © 2018 Kristin Neff and Christopher Germer.
Excerpted by permission of The Guilford Press.
All rights reserved. No part of this excerpt may be reproduced or reprinted without permission in writing from the publisher.
Excerpts are provided by Dial-A-Book Inc. solely for the personal use of visitors to this web site.
Table of Contents
Introduction: How to Approach This Workbook 1. What Is Self-Compassion? 2. What Self-Compassion Is Not 3. The Benefits of Self-Compassion 4. The Physiology of Self-Criticism and Self-Compassion 5. The Yin and Yang of Self-Compassion 6. Mindfulness 7. Letting Go of Resistance 8. Backdraft 9. Developing Loving-Kindness 10. Loving-Kindness for Ourselves 11. Self-Compassionate Motivation 12. Self-Compassion and Our Bodies 13. Stages of Progress 14. Living Deeply 15. Being There for Others without Losing Ourselves 16. Meeting Difficult Emotions 17. Self-Compassion and Shame 18. Self-Compassion in Relationships 19. Self-Compassion for Caregivers 20. Self-Compassion and Anger in Relationships 21. Self-Compassion and Forgiveness 22. Embracing the Good 23. Self-Appreciation 24. Taking It Forward Practices and Exercises Resources List of Audio Files Audio downloads: 1. Self-Compassion Break (5:20; Kristin Neff) 2. Self-Compassion Break (12:21; Christopher Germer) 3. Affectionate Breathing (21:28; Kristin Neff) 4. Affectionate Breathing (18:24; Christopher Germer) 5. Loving-Kindness for a Loved One (17:08; Kristin Neff) 6. Loving-Kindness for a Loved One (14:47; Christopher Germer) 7. Finding Loving-Kindness Phrases (23:02; Christopher Germer) 8. Loving-Kindness for Ourselves (20:40; Christopher Germer) 9. Compassionate Body Scan (23:55; Kristin Neff) 10. Compassionate Body Scan (43:36; Christopher Germer) 11. Giving and Receiving Compassion (20:48; Kristin Neff) 12. Giving and Receiving Compassion (21:20; Christopher Germer) 13. Working with Difficult Emotions (16:01; Kristin Neff) 14. Working with Difficult Emotions (16:09; Christopher Germer) 15. Compassionate Friend (18:09; Kristin Neff) 16. Compassionate Friend (15:05; Christopher Germer) 17. Compassion with Equanimity (14:38; Christopher Germer)
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Readers who want to become more self-compassionate in daily life; also of interest to mental health professionals.
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