Kristin Neff

Their wordsSelf-compassion refers to being supportive toward oneself when experiencing suffering or pain-be it caused by personal mistakes and inadequacies or external life challenges.

Their wordsmy theoretical model of self-compassion as comprised of six different elements: increased self-kindness, common humanity, and mindfulness as well as reduced self-judgment, isolation, and overidentification

Their wordsthe first is mindfulness, which is the awareness, the willingness to turn toward and be aware of pain

Their wordsit can also be fierce, like a mama bear, you know, protecting yourself, standing up yourself, speaking up, making change

Their wordseveryone needs self-compassion, everyone needs the balance of fierce and tender

Their wordswe only tend to think of the tender acceptance when we hear words like compassion

Their wordswe go into threat defense mode, fight, flight, or freeze

Their wordsself-compassion is a productive way of approaching distressing thoughts and emotions that engenders mental and physical well-being

Their wordsresearch that dispels common myths about self-compassion (e.g., that it is weak, selfish, self-indulgent or undermines motivation)