What is Self-Compassion?

The three key components of self-compassion are self-kindness, a sense of common humanity, and balanced, mindful awareness.

• Self-kindness opens our hearts to suffering, so we can give ourselves what we need.
• Common humanity opens us to our essential interrelatedness, so that we know we aren’t alone.
• Mindfulness opens us to the present moment, so we can accept our experience with greater ease.

Self-compassion provides emotional strength and resilience and can be learned by anyone. Rapidly expanding research demonstrates that self-compassion is strongly associated with emotional wellbeing, less anxiety, depression and stress, maintenance of healthy habits such as diet and exercise, and satisfying personal relationships.

© Christopher Germer & Kristin Neff (2021). Mindful Self-Compassion. All rights reserved.