Self-compassion is like having a kind friend inside you who helps you feel better when things go wrong.
Dr. Kristin Neff teaches that being self-compassionate means treating yourself the way you would treat someone you care about, just like how your mom or dad might comfort you when you fall down and scrape your knee.
What Self-Compassion Feels Like
Imagine you're drawing a picture, and you make a mistake. Instead of saying, “I’m so bad at this!” imagine saying, “It’s okay, everyone makes mistakes.” That’s self-kindness in action.
The Three Parts of Self-Compassion
- Being kind to yourself, like giving yourself a hug when you’re sad.
- Seeing things as they are, not too good or too bad, just real.
- Connecting with others, remembering that everyone has ups and downs.
Dr. Neff shows us that being self-compassionate helps our brains feel calmer and more happy, like having a soft blanket on a chilly day.
Examples
- A person working long hours realizes they need rest and gives themselves permission to take a break.
Ask a question
See also
- How Does Being Kinder to Yourself Work?
- How Does Kristin Neff: The Three Components of Self-Compassion Work?
- Body dysmorphic disorder.. What is it?
- How ADHD Causes Emotional Dysregulation?
- Avoidant Personality Disorder.. What is it?