How we change what others think, feel, believe and do |
Self-Compassion
Techniques > Happiness > Self-Compassion Description | Discussion | See also
DescriptionBe kind to yourself. Know you are human, like others, with attendant frailties and limitations. Whilst you do what you can in life, you cannot do everything. To err is human, as they say. Forgive yourself for your failings. When you are sad, console yourself. Find a place where you can learn without self-blame. Do not just make excuses. Do, however, accept yourself as human and build from there. Learning without blame is the key. DiscussionSelflessness and compassion towards others in providing a devoted service is a good way to find happiness. However, people who are focused on others sometimes forget to also be kind and compassionate towards themselves. In their desire to be good, they internally berate themselves and may even wallow in self-loathing. Self-compassion is about mindfulness, common humanity and kindness.
Kristin Neff's research on self-compassion has found it better than the very common focus on achievement and self-esteem. It is easy in encouraging others (and yourself) to achieve great things for this to become more about punishment as stretch goals are missed and inevitable failures happen along the way. Excessive praise in the pursuit of self-esteem also has damaging effects as it loses its meaning and can lead to problems such as narcissism and emotional fragility. Self-compassion has been found to have all the benefits of self-esteem with far fewer of the problems. Esteem is about status and comparing yourself with others, which means putting people down. It is also a source of constant anxiety as there are always others better than you. Self-compassion is not about laziness -- in fact research shows self-compassionate people have higher personal standards, work harder and accept greater responsibility for their actions. With self-compassion 'the secret to success is the ability to fail'. The inner secret is a focus on learning and development without destructive criticism that triggers coping mechanisms. See also |
Site Menu |
| Home | Top | Quick Links | Settings | |
Main sections: | Disciplines | Techniques | Principles | Explanations | Theories | |
Other sections: | Blog! | Quotes | Guest articles | Analysis | Books | Help | |
More pages: | Contact | Caveat | About | Students | Webmasters | Awards | Guestbook | Feedback | Sitemap | Changes | |
Settings: | Computer layout | Mobile layout | Small font | Medium font | Large font | Translate | |
You can buy books here |
And the big |
| Home | Top | Menu | Quick Links | |
|
Site Menu |
| Home | Top | Quick Links | Settings | |
Main sections: | Disciplines | Techniques | Principles | Explanations | Theories | |
Other sections: | Blog! | Quotes | Guest articles | Analysis | Books | Help | |
More pages: | Contact | Caveat | About | Students | Webmasters | Awards | Guestbook | Feedback | Sitemap | Changes | |
Settings: | Computer layout | Mobile layout | Small font | Medium font | Large font | Translate | |
| Home | Top | Menu | Quick Links | |
|