Self-Compassion

The Proven Power of Being Kind to Yourself

By: Kristin Neff

Narrated by: Xe Sands

From leading psychologist Dr. Kristin Neff comes a step-by-step guide explaining how to be more self-compassionate and achieve your dreams in life.

The relentless pursuit of high self-esteem has become a virtual religion - and a tyrannical one at that. Our ultracompetitive culture tells us we need to be constantly above average to feel good about ourselves, but there is always someone more attractive, successful, or intelligent than we are. And even when we do manage to grab hold of high self-esteem for a brief moment, we can't seem to keep it. Our sense of self-worth goes up and down like a ping-pong ball, rising and falling in lockstep with our latest success or failure.

Fortunately, there is an alternative to self-esteem that many experts believe is a better and more effective path to happiness: self-compassion. The research of Dr. Kristin Neff and other leading psychologists indicates that people who are compassionate toward their failings and imperfections experience greater well-being than those who repeatedly judge themselves. The feelings of security and self-worth provided by self-compassion are also highly stable, kicking in precisely when self-esteem falls down. This book powerfully demonstrates why it's so important to be self-compassionate and give yourself the same caring support you'd give to a good friend.

This groundbreaking work will show you how to let go of debilitating self-criticism and finally learn to be kind to yourself. Using solid empirical research, personal stories, practical exercises, and humor, Dr. Neff - the world's foremost expert on self-compassion - explains how to heal destructive emotional patterns so that you can be healthier, happier, and more effective. Engaging, highly listenable, and eminently accessible, this book has the power to change your life.

©2011 Kristin Neff, PhD (P)2011 HarperCollinsPublishers

Yes!!!

I can surely say, that this book changed my self image and self perception forever. I really liked that it provide strict borders between self compassion and miserablness/ dwelings; self appreciation between high ego self esteem. I liked this book so much, it really shows how to love and appreciate the most valuable person in you life, without ego ettachment and blowing your self esteem high to fall it down.. Extremly recommend for everyone, especially those who feel problems with cofidence, low self esteem and low level of self appreciation.
PS: I was really amazed by the story about your son, Kristin, I even cried (I do this extremly rarely) and thank you so much, for this book.

Something to come back to.

I really love this book. I'm looking forward to coming back listen to again pick up. I got a lot out of it the first time!

Excellent book

Very transformative book. Enjoyed listening to it and learned a lot about compassion. Highly recommend it.

Life Changing Experience

One of wonderful book on self help ever written which transforms your life for better. I have accepted myself as I am after reading this book and my days are not the same. My heart is filled with so much compassion and joy and I have started loving the challenges thrown at me.

Every American should read this book

I love how Neff goes into the reasons for and rewards of self-compassion. Western culture has a limited awareness for this concept and I'm no exception. Applying some of the practices in the book have helped me tremendously with my quality of life in just a few weeks.

Great book, mumbly reader?

I really enjoyed this book and definitely an to reread it at need some day. I think this book provides a valuable alternative to the school of self esteem and I find self compassion has been much more helpful for connecting to my feelings, acknowledging my humanity, and being kind to myself and others.
While the reader feels very sympathetic in her vocal qualities and tone to the mission of the book, I struggled a lot with adjusting my volume to hear her. I almost gave up on the book as a result. I found I really had to blast her to hear her at all because her voice was kinda mumbly somehow.

Perfect for everyone!

What made the experience of listening to Self-Compassion the most enjoyable?

This book was very soothing, very educational and incredibly well paced and written.

What did you like best about this story?

The author makes the subject understandable and takes you through the proces of self-compassion one step at a time.

Any additional comments?

The voice was very nice to listen to. It was easy to listen for hours straight. The subject and chapters could keep my interest for a long time.

Helpful book with good exercises

I liked the book a lot. Very helpful.
The reading voice sounds bit robotic and reminds me to the snapped show narrator.

very good book

The book was a great intro to self-compassion. It opens up doors to learning the basics. I would like to read more and learn how self compassionate people deal with toxic relationships or difficult people.

Great insight

Loved this research based and personal story read by Kristen Neff. The narrator does a great job as well.