"Buck up." "Stop feeling sorry for yourself." "Don't ruin everything." When you are anxious, sad, angry, or lonely, do you hear this self-critical voice? What would happen if, instead of fighting difficult emotions, we accepted them? Over his decades of experience as a therapist and mindfulness meditation practitioner, Dr. Christopher Germer has learned a paradoxical lesson: We all want to avoid pain, but letting it in and responding compassionately to our own imperfections are essential s...

This sweet book teaches children 3–7 the simple and profound power of self-compassion through simple affirmations that can be repeated when things are hard.All too often kids get down on themselves when they experience things that make them sad, angry, guilty, or jealous. It’s amazing how powerful it can be to move past a difficult emotion when we think about all the other people feeling that same way and show ourselves some much needed kindness.Sometimes I...

"I yelled at the kids again--and feel so ashamed." "I barely have time to shower, let alone exercise; no wonder I’m so out of shape." "I'm just not the dad I hoped I would be." Parenting is hard. That's why self-compassion is so important. In this empathic resource, mindfulness expert and psychologist Susan M. Pollak helps you let go of constant self-judgment and treat yourself with the same kindness and caring you strive to offer your kids. Simple yet powerful guided meditation techniques...

Bringing together leading scholars, scientists, and clinicians, this compelling volume explores how therapists can cultivate wisdom and compassion in themselves and their clients. Chapters describe how combining insights from ancient contemplative practices and modern research can enhance the treatment of anxiety, depression, trauma, substance abuse, suicidal behavior, couple conflict, and parenting stress. Seamlessly edited, the book features numerous practical exercises and rich clinical...

Overcome Shame and Self-Recrimination with the Help of Ten Luminary PresentersWhy is it that we’re often our own worst enemy? What messages have we internalized that make us chronically criticize our own actions? And how can we break these cycles of self-recrimination?Research shows that when we truly accept ourselves, it changes everything. We become less reactive and more resilient. Our physical health improves. We are capable of deeper and more satisfyin...

"I'm tired of feeling stressed out every day." "I can't stand having so little impact, despite caring so much and working so hard." "I just don't have anything left to give."Over years of developing and teaching their renowned Mindful Self-Compassion program, Kristin Neff and Christopher Germer have found MSC to be uniquely helpful for people struggling with the soul-draining depletion of burnout--from health care professionals, teachers, and caregivers, to tapped-out business owne...

Dancing in the Rain offers a lively and accessible guide aimed at helping education leaders thrive under pressure by developing the inner strengths of mindfulness and self-compassion, expressing emotions wisely, and maintaining a clear focus on the values that matter most. Jerome T. Murphy, a scholar and former dean who has written and taught about the inner life of education leaders, argues that the main barrier to thriving as leaders is not the outside pressures...

How resilient is your relationship? Do you and your partner go into "reactivity mode" when a conflict arises? Do you wish you were closer and more connected? We all need healthy, secure relationships in order to thrive--but they can be hard to build and maintain. Where do you start? According to marriage and family therapist Michelle Becker, the answer is with yourself. By learning to practice self-compassion, you are better able to respond to your partner with love and ac...

If you're struggling with problem substance use, you're not alone. Addiction to drugs and alcohol is one of the most serious medical, psychological, and social issues facing our society today. And asking for help takes courage. Drawing on effective mindfulness and cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) strategies, Sober Starting Today Workbook offers a compassionate pathway for getting sober—and staying sober.With this workbook, you'll learn how to avoid triggers, manage urges...

In this book, leading experts provide step-by-step, illustrated descriptions of their standard surgical techniques (open and laparoscopic) for diverse gastrointestinal indications and their preferred modifications when confronted by challenging circumstances associated with an increased risk of intra- or postoperative complications. The provision of several points of view for each surgical indication ensures that approaches from the conservative to the more radical are conveyed. It is clea...

“Buck up.” “Stop feeling sorry for yourself.” “Don’t ruin everything.” When you are anxious, sad, angry, or lonely, do you hear this self-critical voice? What would happen if, instead of fighting difficult emotions, we accepted them? Over his decades of experience as a therapist and mindfulness meditation practitioner, Dr. Christopher Germer has learned a paradoxical lesson: We all want to avoid pain, but letting it in--and responding compassionately to our own im...

You probably picked up this book because shame hurts. In his decades of experience as a therapist and mindfulness expert, Christopher Germer has learned how truly devastating this emotion can be. But Dr. Germer has also developed a powerful approach to healing. This wise, encouraging book guides you to understand how shame constricts your life and take concrete steps to break free. Research has demonstrated over and over that as self-compassion increases, shame decreases. ...