Self-compassion

Having compassion for oneself is really no different than having compassion for others. Kristin Neff defines self-compassion as three basic tenants:

1. SELF KINDNESS: Self-compassion entails being warm and understanding toward ourselves when we suffer, fail, or feel inadequate, rather than ignoring our pain or criticising ourselves.

2. COMMON HUMANITY: Self-compassion involves recognizing that suffering and personal inadequacy is part of the shared human experience – something that we all go through rather than being something that happens to “me” alone.

3. MINDFULNESS: Self-compassion also requires taking a mindful approach to our negative emotions.

   
   

To download a self-compassion handout, click here.

To listen to self-compassion Mp3s, click here.