Kristin Neff

Self-Compassion

1. IDEA 1

   Treat yourself like a good friend

   Neff defines self-compassion as treating yourself with the same kindness you would offer a friend who is struggling. Instead of harsh self-criticism, it means warmth and understanding when you fail or suffer.

2. IDEA 2

   Self-compassion has three parts

   Neff describes three elements: self-kindness instead of self-judgment, common humanity instead of isolation, and mindfulness instead of over-identifying with painful thoughts. Together they form a healthy response to difficulty. Each one supports the other two.

3. IDEA 3

   Everyone struggles, not just you

   Common humanity means recognising that suffering and imperfection are part of being human. Neff argues that remembering others feel the same reduces the sense of being alone in our problems.

All 8 ideas from Self-Compassion →