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Home > What is Self-compassion?

What is Self-compassion?

Self-compassion

'Self-compassion involves being caring and compassionate towards oneself in the face of hardship or perceived inadequacy'

(Bennett-Goleman, 2001)

Later, Neff (2003) defined self-compassion as made of up of three components. These are listed below. Turn over the cards to find out more.


 ‘Self kindness vs. self judgement’

‘Offering yourself warmth non-judgmental understanding instead of criticism’

‘Common humanity vs. isolation’

‘An understanding that going through pain and difficulties, as well as making mistakes, is part of the shared human experience and not just ‘me’ alone’.

‘Mindfulness vs. over identification’

‘A balanced approach to painful and difficult feelings. Neither pushing them away nor
denying they are there but also not exaggerating them and getting swept away by them. A position of ‘mindful objectivity’.

Important:
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You might want to make notes at this point. These may help you remember things, work out what you want or see how much you’ve changed if you read them again in a few years’ time.