An Introduction to Mindful Self-Compassion

What is Mindful Self-Compassion? by Elaine Mead for Positive Psychology

The Transformative Effects of Mindful Self-Compassion by Kristin Neff and Christopher Germer for Mindful

Self Compassion with Kristin Neff from The One You Feed (Podcast)

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A Collection of Readings from Psychology Today-

• A Quick Guide to Self-Compassion by Tonya Lester

• Radical Self-Compassion by Tara Brach

• Research Finds Self-Compassion Can Relieve Depression by Marlynn Wel

• What Makes Self-Compassion Such a Hard Sell? by Bernard Golden

• Is Self-Compassion Required for Human Survival? by Grant Hillary Brenner

• Self-Compassion Counterbalances Maladaptive Perfectionism by Christopher Bergland

• Do’s and Don’ts of Self-Compassion by Steven Stosney

• 20 Uses for Self-Compassion by Alice Boyes

• How To Learn Self-Compassion at Home by Grant Hillary Brenner

• 6 Science-Based Self-Compassion Exercises by Tchiki Davis

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Eager to cultivate Mindful Self-Compassion for yourself? Start with this exercise-

Self-Compassion Break

Think of a situation in your life that is difficult, that is causing you stress. Call the situation to mind, and see if you can actually feel the stress and emotional discomfort in your body.

Now, say to yourself:

1. This is a moment of suffering

That’s mindfulness. Other options include:

• This hurts.

• Ouch.

• This is stress.

2. Suffering is a part of life

That’s common humanity. Other options include:

• Other people feel this way.

• I’m not alone.

• We all struggle in our lives.

Now, put your hands over your heart, feel the warmth of your hands and the gentle touch of your hands on your chest. Or adopt the soothing touch you discovered felt right for you.

Say to yourself:

3. May I be kind to myself

You can also ask yourself, “What do I need to hear right now to express kindness to myself?” Is there a phrase that speaks to you in your particular situation, such as:

• May I give myself the compassion that I need

• May I learn to accept myself as I am

• May I forgive myself

• May I be strong.

• May I be patient

This practice can be used any time of day or night, and will help you remember to evoke the three aspects of self-compassion when you need it most.

Try practicing alone or with one of these recordings, and check out my Self-Compassion Break page-

• Lauren Mason Yoga (download)

• Kristin Neff

• Christopher Germer

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Further reading on self-compassion-

• Kristin Neff

  • Self-Compassion: The Proven Power of Being Kind to Yourself

  • The Science of Mindfulness and Self-Compassion: How to Build New Habits to Transform Your Life

  • Fierce Self-Compassion: How Women Can Harness Kindness to Speak Up, Claim Their Power, and Thrive

• Christopher Germer

  • The Mindful Path to Self-Compassion: Freeing Yourself from Destructive Thoughts and Emotions

  • The Mindful Self-Compassion Workbook: A Proven Way to Accept Yourself, Build Inner Strength, and Thrive

• Paul Gilbert

  • Mindful Compassion: How the Science of Compassion Can Help You Understand Your Emotions, Live in the Present, and Connect Deeply with Others

  • The Compassionate Mind (Compassion Focused Therapy)

• Tara Brach

  • Radical Compassion: Learning to Love Yourself and Your World with the Practice of RAIN

  • Radical Acceptance

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Wilson, A.C., Mackintosh, K., Power, K. et al. Effectiveness of Self-Compassion Related Therapies: a Systematic Review and Meta-analysis. Mindfulness 10, 979–995 (2019).

Ferrari, M., Hunt, C., Harrysunker, A. et al. Self-Compassion Interventions and Psychosocial Outcomes: a Meta-Analysis of RCTs. Mindfulness 10, 1455–1473 (2019).

Discover Kristin Neff’s detailed collection of research on these practices, guided exercises, meditations and more at https://self-compassion.org/.