Hidden Brain Being Kind to Yourself
Sep 4, 2023
Kristin Neff, a psychologist specializing in self-compassion, shares her transformative journey from self-criticism to embracing kindness towards oneself. She discusses the detrimental effects of harsh self-talk and explains how practicing self-compassion can enhance motivation and personal growth. Kristin outlines her self-compassion break technique and emphasizes the importance of modeling compassion to others, especially children. She highlights research linking self-compassion to better mental health and strengthens interpersonal relationships, making a compelling case for self-kindness.
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Childhood Rejection Shaped Insecurity
- Kristin Neff recounts childhood rejection when her father left and asked not to be called "dad."
- That early feeling of being unwanted shaped her insecurity in romantic relationships and choices.
Affair And Split Identity
- Neff describes marrying young, starting an affair with a mentor, and living a split life between husband and lover.
- Those choices later produced profound shame that propelled her research into self-compassion.
Abandonment, Hospital Visit, And Guilt
- After planning to join her in India, Peter abandoned Neff and later died of brain cancer.
- Neff was crushed by betrayal, guilt, and confusion while grappling with forgiveness.
