Kindness - Dr Kristen Neff

Most of us believe in being kind to others.  Our parents, grandparents, teachers and family have reinforced this belief as we have grown up…but most people haven’t grown up with the idea that kindness can extend to ourselves. Researcher, Kristen Neff has spearheaded the study and practice of self-compassion. Experiments in self-compassion have highlighted the importance and psychological benefits of being kind to ourselves.  This is especially true when we fail at something. 

During these times, self-compassion involves being mindful of the present moment, being kind to oneself and understanding that we are all humans who make mistakes.

Her website is a wonderful resource for anyone wanting to find out more about the research underpinning self-compassion as well as the practical strategies and exercises.

One of her most classic exercises in self-compassion is to ask people to imagine they are responding to a friend when they are trying to comfort themselves. We are often far better friends to others than to ourselves.