Main description:

Our ultracompetitive culture tells us we need to be constantly above average to feel good about ourselves, but there always seems to be someone more attractive, successful, or intelligent than we are. The relentless pursuit of high self-esteem has become a virtual religion—and a tyrannical one at that. Fortunately, there is an alternative that many experts believe is a better and more effective path to happiness: self-compassion. People who are compassionate toward their failings and imperfections experience greater well-being than those who repeatedly judge themselves.

In this groundbreaking work, Dr. Kristin Neff, the world's foremost expert on self-compassion, will show you how to let go of debilitating self-criticism and finally learn to be kind to yourself, demonstrating how to heal destructive emotional patterns so that you can be healthier, happier, and more effective. Engaging, highly readable, and eminently accessible, this book has the power to change your life.

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“A beautiful book that helps us all see the way to cure the world, one person at a time, starting with yourself. Read it and start the journey.”

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“A portable friend to all readers—especially but not only women—who need to learn that the Golden Rule works only if it’s reversible: We must learn to treat ourselves as well as we wish to treat others.”

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“An original and doable blueprint for improving the quality of your life.”

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“Based on state-of-the-art research, Neff provides essential lessons for how to excel personally and professionally through self-compassion.”

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“Brilliant! Self-compassion is a revolutionary new idea-a better idea-pioneered by the author, Kristin Neff, with profound implications for how to live our lives.”

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“Drawing on a powerful blend of Western psychology and Eastern meditative strategies, Kristin Neff offers practical, wise guidance on the path of emotional healing and deep inner transformation.”

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“In this deeply personal, highly practical book, Kristin Neff moves the entire study of compassion forward.”

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“Neff’s compassionate tone makes Buddhist principles accessible, and exercises make them applicable in real life.”

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“Neff’s powerful research and her ability to explain how self-compassion affects our everyday lives makes this book a transformative read.”

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“This book and its courageous and compassionate author will become essential reading for all of us seeking inner peace and true, lasting happiness in our lives. Savor and enjoy!”

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“This is an important book. Following its advice can free readers from the chains of self-criticism and replace them with the wings of self-encouragement.”

Short description/annotation:

Kristin Neff, Ph.D., says that it’s time to “stop beating yourself up and leave insecurity behind.” Self-Compassion: Stop Beating Yourself Up and Leave Insecurity Behind offers expert advice on how to limit self-criticism and offset its negative effects, enabling you to achieve your highest potential and a more contented, fulfilled life.

More and more, psychologists are turning away from an emphasis on self-esteem and moving toward self-compassion in the treatment of their patients—and Dr. Neff’s extraordinary book offers exercises and action plans for dealing with every emotionally debilitating struggle, be it parenting, weight loss, or any of the numerous trials of everyday living.