“Buck up. “Stop feeling sorry for yourself. “Don't ruin everything. When you are anxious, sad, angry, or lonely, do you hear this self-critical voice? What would happen if, instead of fighting difficult emotions, weacceptedthem? Over his decades of experience as a therapist and mindfulness meditation practitioner, Dr. Christopher Germer has learned a paradoxical lesson: We all want to avoid pain, but letting it in--and responding compassionately to our own imperfections, without judgment or self-blame--are essential steps on the path to healing. This wise and eloquent book illuminates the power of self-compassion and offers creative, scientifically grounded strategies for putting it into action. Free audio downloads of the meditation exercises are available at the author's website: www.chrisgermer.com.

See alsoThe Mindful Self-Compassion Workbook,by Kristin Neff and Christopher Germer, which provides step-by-step guidance for building mindful self-compassion skills and applying them to specific life challenges, andTeaching the Mindful Self-Compassion Program,by Christopher Germer and Kristin Neff (for professionals).

Association for Behavioral and Cognitive Therapies (ABCT) Self-Help Book of Merit

"Buck up.” "Stop feeling sorry for yourself.” "Don’t ruin everything.” When you are anxious, sad, angry, or lonely, do you hear this self-critical voice? What would happen if, instead of fighting difficult emotions, weacceptedthem? Over his decades of experience as a therapist and mindfulness meditation practitioner, Dr. Christopher Germer has learned a paradoxical lesson: We all want to avoid pain, but letting it in--and responding compassionately to our own imperfections, without judgment or self-blame--are essential steps on the path to healing. This wise and eloquent book illuminates the power of self-compassion and offers creative, scientifically grounded strategies for putting it into action. You’ll master practical techniques for living more fully in the present moment -- especially when hard-to-bear emotions arise -- and for being kind to yourself when you need it the most. Free audio downloads of the meditation exercises are available at the author's website: www.mindfulselfcompassion.org.

Association for Behavioral and Cognitive Therapies (ABCT) Self-Help Book of Merit

Foreword,Sharon Salzberg

Introduction

I. Discovering Self-Compassion

1. Being Kind to Yourself

2. Listening to Your Body

3. Bringing In Difficult Emotions

4. What's Self-Compassion?

5. Pathways to Self-Compassion

II. Practicing Loving-Kindness

6. Caring for Ourselves

7. Caring for Others

III. Customizing Self-Compassion

8. Finding Your Balance

9. Making Progress

Appendix A. Emotion Words

Appendix B. Additional Self-Compassion Exercises

Appendix C. Further Reading and Practice