Self compassion

Listen to the mp3

October 17, 2011 [Originally broadcast on 3/14/2011] — For many of us it’s easy to be kind and forgiving to our partners, our children, or acquaintances. But what about your relationship with yourself? Do you treat yourself with kindness, or are you quick to be self critical and judgmental? Can you forgive others more easily than yourself? New research is showing us that Self-Compassion – the ability to accept and love yourself for the good and the not-so good and to give yourself a break – has great implications for weight loss, health and general well-being.

Dr. Dan Gottlieb speaks with Kristen Neff, Ph.D. She and her family were featured in the award-winning documentary and best selling book: The Horse Boy, which she describes as a journey with autism, horses, and healing. She has a new book titled: Self-Compassion that comes out next month. Neff is an associate professor in human development and culture at the University of Texas at Austin.