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The Embodiment Coaching Podcast

619. Why We Are Hard on Ourselves - with Kristin Neff

Aug 6, 2024
Kristin Neff, a pioneering researcher in self-compassion and Associate Professor at the University of Texas, shares her insights on fostering kindness towards oneself. She defines self-compassion and explains its three key components. The conversation highlights the differences between self-esteem and self-compassion, and how cultural and gender influences shape these ideals. With mental health challenges on the rise post-COVID, Kristin emphasizes self-compassion as a crucial tool for resilience and well-being, especially in high-stress environments.
40:21

Episode guests

Podcast summary created with Snipd AI

Quick takeaways

  • Self-compassion consists of mindfulness, self-kindness, and recognizing our shared humanity, which fosters emotional well-being during personal struggles.
  • Cultural gender roles influence self-compassion practices, with women facing self-criticism and men often suppressing emotions, highlighting the need for a universal approach.

Deep dives

The Power of Self-Compassion

Self-compassion is the practice of being kind and understanding toward oneself in times of difficulty. Kristin Neff describes self-compassion as comprising three core components: mindfulness, self-kindness, and recognition of common humanity. Mindfulness allows individuals to be aware of their suffering without overwhelming them, while self-kindness promotes a warm and caring approach to oneself. Recognizing that suffering is a shared human experience helps to create a sense of connection rather than isolation, making self-compassion a powerful tool for coping with personal challenges.

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