The Mindful Path to Self-Compassion

Freeing Yourself from Destructive Thoughts and Emotions

By: Christopher K. Germer

Narrated by: Stephen R. Thorne

"Buck up." "Stop feeling sorry for yourself." "Don't ruin everything." When you are anxious, sad, angry, or lonely, do you hear this self-critical voice? What would happen if, instead of fighting difficult emotions, we accepted them?

Over his decades of experience as a therapist and mindfulness meditation practitioner, Dr. Christopher Germer has learned a paradoxical lesson: We all want to avoid pain, but letting it in and responding compassionately to our own imperfections are essential steps on the path to healing. This wise and eloquent book illuminates the power of self-compassion and offers creative, scientifically grounded strategies for putting it into action. You'll master practical techniques for living more fully in the present moment - especially when hard-to-bear emotions arise - and for being kind to yourself when you need it the most.

©2009 The Guilford Press (P)2016 Tantor

Critic reviews

"[T]his book provides practical, life-changing self-help techniques, and suggestions for further readings and practice." ( Library Journal)

Powerful

Many enlightening moments. So much depth to acceptance, letting go, and giving yourself grace/ self-compassion/ love. Compassion is soft and tender. Soften the tight areas in your body. Befriend your emotions. Meet daily experiences with kindness. I enjoyed the meditation practices offered in the book.

I listen to the book at a faster speed as it is too slow for me otherwise.

Tips on practicing Metta that I haven’t seen before

Chapter 8 is so helpful in accepting myself and my mistakes and limitations. Some of the stories got old as I reread the book several times. Overall, very good book.

Very good!

I found this audiobook to be beneficial and a clear instruction on mindful meditation practices for self compassion. I am grateful for this wonderful work. Thank you!!

Mmm-hmm

This is truly excellent. I would really recommend purchasing the hard copy of the book, though, because the meditations are not presented here in a way that can be used as guided meditations. When listening to an audiobook, we usually can't stop and meditate on the spot, while the instructions are fresh in the mind (or even to write down the instructions). I'll be buying the book for the meditations and the self assessments, as well as other lists and resources. It's easier to thumb back through a physical book when previous points are brought up again and whatnot. But being in a place in my life right now where I cannot sit and read anything alone, this audiobook plus the hard copy will do fine. Again--freaking fantastic book.

Take Good Care of Yourself

We never get enough love. Our emotional needs are never completely fulfilled by others. if there is a gap between what we need and what we get, no matter how big or small, we ourselves can fill that gap. This book will help teach you how to do that. There may be many sources available for you to learn from but this is an excellent source in which to begin the process.