Introduction to self-compassion

Self-compassion is a way of relating to oneself that involves offering understanding, kindness, and support in times of difficulty, failure, or suffering, rather than resorting to harsh self-criticism or judgment.

It involves extending the same compassion to oneself that one would offer to a good friend in a similar situation.

Dr. Kristin Neff is one of the pioneering researchers who has popularized and studied this construct. Unlike self-esteem, which is an assessment of one's own worth (which can fluctuate or depend on achievements), self-compassion is not based on self-evaluation, but on an acceptance of one's own humanity and vulnerability.

It is not about feeling sorry for oneself or being self-indulgent in the sense of evading responsibility, but rather about acknowledging one's own suffering with an attitude of caring.

Self-compassion is made up of three main elements:

• Self-kindness: Being gentle and understanding with yourself rather than harshly critical.

• Common Humanity: Recognizing that suffering, imperfection, and failure are part of the shared human experience, rather than feeling isolated by your own difficulties.

• Mindfulnes