Self-Compassion: The Proven Power of Being Kind to Yourself

Our ultracompetitive culture tells us we need to be constantly above average to feel good about ourselves, but there always seems to be someone more attractive, successful, or intelligent than we are. The relentless pursuit of high self-esteem has become a virtual religion—and a tyrannical one at that. Fortunately, there is an alternative that many experts believe is a better and more effective path to happiness: self-compassion. People who are compassionate toward their failings and imperfections experience greater well-being than those who repeatedly judge themselves.

In this groundbreaking work, Dr. Kristin Neff, the world's foremost expert on self-compassion, will show you how to let go of debilitating self-criticism and finally learn to be kind to yourself, demonstrating how to heal destructive emotional patterns so that you can be healthier, happier, and more effective. Engaging, highly readable, and eminently accessible, this book has the power to change your life.