Table of Contents

Introduction: How to Approach This Workbook
1. 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 Author

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 include The Mindful Self-Compassion Workbook and Self-Compassion (for the general public) and Teaching the Mindful Self-Compassion Program (for professionals). She is also author of an audio program, Self-Compassion: Step by Step, and has published numerous academic articles. She lectures and offers workshops worldwide. Together with Christopher Germer, Dr. Neff hosts an 8-hour online course, "The Power of Self-Compassion." Her website is www.self-compassion.org. Christopher 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 The Mindful Self-Compassion Workbook and The Mindful Path to Self-Compassion (for the general public) and Teaching the Mindful Self-Compassion Program, Wisdom and Compassion in Psychotherapy, and Mindfulness and Psychotherapy, Second Edition (for professionals). Dr. Germer lectures and leads workshops internationally. His website is www.chrisgermer.com.

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