The Mindful Self-Compassion Workbook
A Proven Way to Accept Yourself, Build Inner Strength, and Thrive
Kristin Neff and Christopher Germer
Request a free digital professor copy on VitalSource ?See also Teaching the Mindful Self-Compassion Program, by Christopher Germer and Kristin Neff, a thorough overview of conducting MSC (for professionals), and The Mindful Path to Self-Compassion, by Christopher Germer, which delves into mindful self-compassion and shares moving stories of how it can change lives.
“'Be gentle with yourself.'…A chaplain mentor gave me these cherished words shortly after I began my first full-time chaplain position, post-residency. By now, this phrase has become like a trusted friend that provides support in times of stress. This phrase serves as a sort of summary of the message of The Mindful Self-Compassion Workbook….I would recommend this book, pretty much without reservation, to anyone. This book and its perspective was timely for me before the COVID-19 pandemic, and I can say it is appropriate now more than ever.”
—Association of Professional Chaplains Resource Reviews
“Drs. Neff and Germer are the world’s leading authorities on self-compassion. They show readers in simple, down-to-earth steps how to become more confident, less self-critical, and kinder to themselves. It feels like they are with you as warm and wise guides in every page of this book. Truly a gem.”
—Rick Hanson, PhD, author of Resilient
“Drs. Neff and Germer have led the field in researching and articulating the transformative practices of Mindful Self-Compassion, and tens of thousands of people have been trained in their approach. Now you have in your hands a workbook that can guide your journey into profound healing and freedom; it provides a pathway that is accessible, clear, and rich in its depth. Please give yourself the gift of this book and share it with others—these teachings will serve many awakening hearts.”
—Tara Brach, PhD, author of Radical Acceptance and True Refuge
“From their extensive insight and experience, Drs. Neff and Germer provide a friendly, easy-to-use workbook. Its powerful exercises will help you uncover your innate capacity to hold yourself—and the world around you—with compassion. Whether or not you take a formal Mindful Self-Compassion course, using this workbook can effect profound change in your life.”
—Sharon Salzberg, author of Lovingkindness and Real Love
“Mindful Self-Compassion has made me far more resilient—when a storm hits, I float on the surface of the rough sea and wait for it to pass, rather than thrashing around trying to outswim it. I am able to find a nugget of joy every day, no matter how small. This workbook encourages a deeper understanding and experience of MSC. I recommend it to everyone.”
—Heather R., Hampshire, United Kingdom
Table of Contents
Introduction: How to Approach This Workbook1. What Is Self-Compassion?
2. What Self-Compassion Is Not
3. The Benefits of Self-Compassion
4. The Physiology of Self-Criticism and Self-Compassion
5. The Yin and Yang of Self-Compassion
6. Mindfulness
7. Letting Go of Resistance
8. Backdraft
9. Developing Loving-Kindness
10. Loving-Kindness for Ourselves
11. Self-Compassionate Motivation
12. Self-Compassion and Our Bodies
13. Stages of Progress
14. Living Deeply
15. Being There for Others without Losing Ourselves
16. Meeting Difficult Emotions
17. Self-Compassion and Shame
18. Self-Compassion in Relationships
19. Self-Compassion for Caregivers
20. Self-Compassion and Anger in Relationships
21. Self-Compassion and Forgiveness
22. Embracing the Good
23. Self-Appreciation
24. Taking It Forward
Practices and Exercises
Resources
List of Audio Files
Audio downloads:
1. Self-Compassion Break (5:20; Kristin Neff)
2. Self-Compassion Break (12:21; Christopher Germer)
3. Affectionate Breathing (21:28; Kristin Neff)
4. Affectionate Breathing (18:24; Christopher Germer)
5. Loving-Kindness for a Loved One (17:08; Kristin Neff)
6. Loving-Kindness for a Loved One (14:47; Christopher Germer)
7. Finding Loving-Kindness Phrases (23:02; Christopher Germer)
8. Loving-Kindness for Ourselves (20:40; Christopher Germer)
9. Compassionate Body Scan (23:55; Kristin Neff)
10. Compassionate Body Scan (43:36; Christopher Germer)
11. Giving and Receiving Compassion (20:48; Kristin Neff)
12. Giving and Receiving Compassion (21:20; Christopher Germer)
13. Working with Difficult Emotions (16:01; Kristin Neff)
14. Working with Difficult Emotions (16:09; Christopher Germer)
15. Compassionate Friend (18:09; Kristin Neff)
16. Compassionate Friend (15:05; Christopher Germer)
17. Compassion with Equanimity (14:38; Christopher Germer)
About the Authors
Kristin Neff, PhD, is Associate Professor of Human Development and Culture at the University of Texas at Austin and a pioneer in the field of self-compassion research. Her books includeChristopher Germer, PhD, has a private practice in mindfulness- and compassion-based psychotherapy in Arlington, Massachusetts, and is a part-time Lecturer on Psychiatry at Harvard Medical School/Cambridge Health Alliance. He is a founding faculty member of the Institute for Meditation and Psychotherapy and of the Center for Mindfulness and Compassion. His books include
Audience
Readers who want to become more self-compassionate in daily life; also of interest to mental health professionals.
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