Self-Compassion: The Proven Power of Being Kind to Yourself Paperback – 23 Jun. 2015

Very enlightening and inspiring book. Some of the language, words & concepts are a bit dated and are indicative of the time in which the book was written, but there are certainly universal truths that transcend space, time, culture, religion and gender within this book.Self-compassion, self-appreciation, gratitude and compassion for others are truly key to sustainable happiness, wellbeing and inner peace.

Came across Kristin Neff’s work on self-compassion a couple of months ago while experiencing an episode of high anxiety, which later spiralled into a deep depression. Two months later and, in combination with practicing meditation and receiving counselling, Kristin Neff’s Self-Compassion has turned my life experience completely around to one that is filled with much more calm, clarity, happiness and hope.What I have experienced through reading Self-Compassion is nothing short of profound and life-changing. I am hopeful that what I have gained from Kristin’s guidance will remain with me throughout my life and will enhance my life experience significantly in the long term.I never realised just how self-critical a person I was until I read this book. It’s helped me to realise how I’ve deepened, or even created, my own suffering at significant times during my life. I only wish I’d found this book sooner!If you have a young teenage friend or relative who is having a tough time or appears a little lost - gift them this book. I can only imagine how much easier my life would have been during those critical years, had I had the power of self-compassion to tap into. I also believe that it doesn’t matter what age you are - anyone can benefit from Kristin’s teachings.A truly wonderful book that may just help you to lift yourself out of a deep pit of despair, or raise your happiness to even higher levels than you’ve ever experienced before.Thank you for all your help Kristin.

A very readable and enlightening book. The concept of self compassion and compassion for others is a particular interest of mine and combined with my meditation and church activities gives me the focus to be with my general anxiety disorder.This book covers these subjects and it has reinforced my beliefs

I was drawn to this book through watching Kristin Neff’s TED talk, and was deeply impressed and moved by the power of this notion of how to relate to oneself. I was raised in a fundamentalist religion that actively taught the opposite-a message of self-denial and self-hate. However, even after leaving this religion, I’ve found that my experience of secular western culture has also encouraged a lack of self recognition, in favour of an emphasis on living up to someone else’s ideals. This refreshing take on how to relate to the self has been life-changing for me, because it actually presents a solid argument for ‘why’ and substantive detail on the ‘how’. I’m deeply grateful to Kristin for sharing this with the world and for the difference it’s already making in my life.

I learnt so much from this book about how to cope with the ups and downs of life and not be overwhelmed by my emotions.Self-compassion is a much better source of happiness and contentment than self-esteem, as the book and Dr Neff's studies show.There are plenty of stories from her own life plus a few good jokes to make it an easy read, although you'll want to take time to get the most out of the practical exercises too.I'll be coming back to this book again and again for myself as well as in my coaching work. I am now recommending it to my clients to read.

I’m half way through this book and I’ve highlighted so many pieces of wisdom & learning that I’ll be returning to again & again as part of my healing journey! For me personally, the timing of this book is key - I’m working with a therapist regarding childhood trauma & doing other growth work. This book alongside that is perfect for my healing journey. I would recommend this book to anyone who is their own worst critic and is open to being kinder to themselves and accepting to be human is to be flawed. Thank you Kristen Neff.

If you find reading a chore don't get this book..

Was feeling like a failure personally and professionally for several reasons I won't go into here....some real, some perceived but all valid in my particular circumstances. Needed to learn how to deal with those feelings...and learn how to be compassionate to myself rather than beat myself up about being 'a failure'. Being the sort of person to say to myself 'just pull yourself together', it sounded to me ridiculous that I should have to learn to be compassionate to myself but I get it now. I couldn't just pull myself together, I had tried but I needed some help. Self compassion seems to be much more than just 'looking after number 1'. I'm not a psycho babble sort of person. This is accessible reading and, for me, it made a lot of sense.