Kristen NEFF Ph.D., researcher and self compassion expert, breaks down the three elements of self compassion. Learn about the role of self-compassion in embracing failure, recognizing common humanity, and cultivating mindfulness. Discover how self-compassion can nurture a healthier relationship with yourself and others.
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Quick takeaways
Self-compassion involves treating oneself with kindness and understanding, recognizing that suffering and failure are part of the shared human experience.
Mindfulness is essential for self-compassion, allowing us to acknowledge our pain without becoming overwhelmed by it and navigate struggles with kindness and understanding.
Deep dives
Understanding Self-Compassion
Self-compassion, defined by Dr. Kristen Neff, involves treating oneself with kindness and understanding during times of suffering or failure, recognizing that these experiences are part of the shared human experience. It means acknowledging pain and offering comfort and care to oneself instead of criticizing and judging. By accepting the reality that life is not always perfect and embracing imperfection, self-compassion allows us to heal and move forward.
Recognizing Common Humanity
Self-compassion also involves recognizing that suffering and personal inadequacy are not unique to us, but part of the human experience. When we feel frustrated or isolated, thinking that our pain is singular, self-compassion reminds us that we are not alone in our imperfections. Embracing this common humanity allows us to offer care and kindness to ourselves without falling into the trap of over-identifying with negative thoughts and feelings.
Practicing Mindfulness
Mindfulness is essential for self-compassion. It requires taking a balanced approach to negative emotions, neither suppressing them nor exaggerating them. By observing our thoughts and feelings without judgment, we can hold them in mindful awareness. This allows us to acknowledge our pain without becoming overwhelmed by it. Mindfulness helps us avoid the trap of black-and-white thinking, embracing the gray areas of life and recognizing that the human experience is multi-dimensional. Through self-compassion and mindfulness, we can navigate the struggles and setbacks in our lives with kindness and understanding.
This week Kat is going solo to talk about self compassion. Self compassion is something that has been heavily researched, defined, and broken down by Kristen NEFF Ph.D. In her research she discovered the three elements of self compassion and in this episode you will hear all about those three elements and how inviting them into your life can create healthier relationships not just with others but with yourself.