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Title: Self-Compassion
Author: Krisin Neff
Genre: Psychology/Mental Health
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〰First Line〰
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This kind of compulsive concern with I, me and mine isn't the same as loving ourselves.
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Synopsis: (From Goodreads)
The
relentless pursuit of high self-esteem has become a virtual religion.
Our ultracompetitive culture tells us we need to be constantly above
average to feel good about ourselves, but there is always someone more
attractive, successful, or intelligent than we are. And even when we do
manage to grab hold of high self-esteem for a brief moment, we can't
seem to keep it. Our sense of self-worth goes up and down like a
Ping-Pong ball, rising and falling in lockstep with our latest success
or failure.
Fortunately, there is an alternative to self-esteem
that many experts believe is a better and more effective path to
happiness: self-compassion. The research of Dr. Kristin Neff and other
leading psychologists indicates that people who are compassionate toward
their failings and imperfections experience greater well-being than
those who repeatedly judge themselves. This book powerfully demonstrates
why it's so important to be self-compassionate and give yourself the
same caring support you'd give to a good friend.
Using solid
empirical research, personal stories, practical exercises, and humor,
Dr. Neff—the world's foremost expert on self-compassion—explains how to
heal destructive emotional patterns so that you can be healthier,
happier, and more effective.
〰First Thoughts〰
Over my Christmas break, I've been finishing up a couple of books by leadership expert John C. Maxwell. In one of the volumes, Maxwell makes the point that if a leader has little to no self-compassion, leading with care and concern for others will be downright impossible, and recommends Neff's book for a deeper dive into the subject. My hope for this book is that it truly explains self-compassion, the psychological and relational ramifications of the lack of it, and well-studied and practiced strategies for how to walk in less harshness with oneself. My fear is that it will be a rambling, let's fill a page with platitudes and little information type of book. We'll see.
So, what's the first line of the book you're currently reading?
