Self-Compassion

The Proven Power of Being Kind to Yourself

By: Kristin Neff

Narrated by: Xe Sands

Length: 8 hrs and 59 mins

Publisher's summary

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

Perfect Timing

This was recommended by a friend after a difficult breakup. I highly recommend. Had we listened to this book together, maybe the relationship would have lasted.

A healing listen

Found this helpful in establishing perspective and relaxing into self-compassion. Having self-compassion makes it easier to have compassion for others because it enables us to let down our guard and be less defensive.

Love this book but…

I’m on my 3rd time reading this book.

I’m actually now listening along while I read my hard copy but there are so many discrepancies & story variations between the audio + hard copy.

So pick one or the other, the main idea behind the book is still worth the read. And re-read!

Brilliant

This is a really really good book ... it's not a self help book ... it's written after years of study and personal experience ... i found so much sense and wisdom in the words of Dr.Neff ... i can honestly say it's one of the best books i have ever read on the subject ... it altered the way i see things drastically ... i feel happier and a better person after reading this book ... it's a book that one would listen to more than once ... recommended

Amazing book.

If you take this book to heart and learn to practice what it teaches it can transform your life, from one of just living to being alive.

I couldn't take it any more...

Would you listen to Self-Compassion again? Why?

No. Although I am interested in the material in the book, I'm finding it extremely difficult to get past the performance. The nasally, breathy, soft growl of the reader's voice is so distracting that I find it impossible to attend to, or take serious, the information in the book. I'll probably end up buying the hard copy, as Kristin Neff's work is so relevant.

What did you like best about this story?

I'll let you know after I finish reading the book.

How could the performance have been better?

A more serious tone would have been helpful.

Read this right now!

read this right now. it is so helpful. it has helped me stay calm

enjoyed but annoyed..

The content is IMPORTANT, therapeutic and enlightening..... all of which were sullied..... almost ruined... by the narrator.

Good ideas

Helps you realize how often we are mean to ourselves and how to change that.

Excellent

I write a weekly blog about the effects of being a child of an alcoholic and this book will be recommended reading for my followers.