Kristin Neff’s breakthrough book, Self-Compassion, revolutionised the way we discuss self-care. She now broadens her body of work to investigate a novel perspective on self-compassion 10 years and several investigations later.
While self-acceptance and compassion enable us to be with ourselves in all our magnificent imperfections, the desire to relieve suffering at the core of this philosophy isn’t always soft; at times, it may be furious.
In order to safeguard ourselves against damage and injustice, to satisfy our own needs by refusing others, and to inspire the required change in ourselves and society, we must also act bravely.
Women are expected by gender norms to be kind and caring rather than strong or irate. The energies of fiery and soft self-compassion, however, need to be balanced for completeness and wellness, much like yin and yang.
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About the Author
Currently, Kristin Neff teaches educational psychology at the University of Texas in Austin as an associate professor. Over fifteen years ago, she conducted the first empirical studies on self-compassion, making her a trailblazer in the field of self-compassion research.
She is the author of the best-selling book “Self-Compassion: The Proven Power of Being Kind to Yourself”, published by William Morrow, and has written a number of scholarly papers and book chapters on the subject.
She and her collaborator, Dr. Chris Germer, have created a scientifically backed training program called Mindful Self-Compassion that is taught by thousands of educators throughout the world. Guilford has published Teaching the Mindful Self-Compassion Program: A Guide for Professionals and the Mindful Self-Compassion Workbook.
Her most recent work is about striking a balance between accepting oneself and taking courageous action to alter the world and oneself. Harper Wave is set to release Fierce Self-Compassion: How Women Can Speak Up, Claim Their Power, and Thrive in June 2020.
Review
The main speaker and trailblazing originator of the discipline provides an authoritative manual on self-compassion for women. Kristin Neff teaches us how and why to treat ourselves with kindness via her research and her personal experience. — Angela Duckworth, CEO of Character Lab, author of Grit, and psychology professor at the University of Pennsylvania
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By shedding light on the actual nature of compassion—both furious and nurturing—Kristin Neff’s remarkable new book empowers women to fight patriarchy. She provides us with powerful tools to mend our personal scars and build a more fair, caring, and just society. ― Radical Acceptance and Radical Compassion author Tara Brach
Anyone who identifies as a woman is encouraged to claim the power that comes from taking care of herself by reading “Fierce Self-Compassion”. In this masterfully constructed book, Kristin Neff skilfully weaves together research, personal narratives, current events, and #MeToo to provide a simple manual for final acceptance and action.
Real Happiness and Real Change author Sharon Salzberg. I am really appreciative to Kristin Neff for conducting the research, analysis, and instruction necessary to produce a book as profound and lucid as Fierce Self-Compassion.
Combining ideas from gender studies, history, psychology, brain science, and spiritual practice into an approachable manual for women who wish to embrace their complete selves—fierce and tender, kind and powerful, compassionate toward themselves and committed to repairing our world—is no easy task.
Everyone should read this book, in my opinion. — Cassandra Speaks and Broken Open best-selling author Elizabeth Lesser, cofounder of Omega Institute
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Kristin, your message and book are very strong! You are assisting a great number of individuals. One of the greatest influences on my life has been your work highlighting the amazing importance of self-compassion.
It is genuinely transformative to realise that having compassion for oneself is not selfish and that it promotes healing, which in turn increases our enjoyment of life. My college-age children are now benefiting from what I’ve learnt from you.
I find it exciting that they talk about treating oneself with kindness and compassion! Even my 20-year-old daughter’s pet bearded dragon projects the idea!” He’s currently taking care of himself by curling up in the cosy blanket.
You have no idea how many times I put this book down and said, “You have to hear this…” while on vacation with my two young adult children. It’s a strong and brave message that encourages us to enjoy and accept every part of who we are and that it’s completely OK.
There is a good and healthy reason why you are angry and afraid; therefore, instead of avoiding them, you should embrace them. It’s past time for women to let go of the patriarchy that has shaped our relationships and position in society, take charge of our own lives, and assert our authority. I’ll be purchasing copies of this book for a lot of my friends!
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Summary
In her book Fierce Self-Compassion, psychologist and self-compassion specialist Kristin Neff delves into the transforming potential of self-compassion for women in particular, providing inspiring perspectives and useful tactics for developing resilience, self-assurance, and authenticity in a difficult environment.
In order to regain their voices, set boundaries, and develop their inner strength, Dr. Neff advises women to practice self-compassion. Using a wealth of research, her own life story, and empirically proven techniques, Neff shows how women can use fierce and tender self-compassion to be authentic in relationships, succeed in the workplace, provide care without burning out, and break the taboo around sexual harassment and abuse.
Although most women have been discouraged from cultivating their fierceness, they intuitively understand it as a part of their actual character. To obtain long-term happiness and build a better society, women must take back their authority.
In this insightful, compassionate, and informative book, Neff teaches women how to bring balance to their own lives so they may contribute to the restoration of equilibrium in the world.