44: Kristin Neff on Practicing Fierce Self-Compassion - a podcast by Katherine King, PsyD, and Alex Gokce, MSW

We tend to think of self-compassion as an act of gentleness, and the tender side of self-compassion is all about soothing, reassuring and accepting ourselves. But sometimes getting angry, saying no and taking action is the most compassionate thing you can do for yourself, and that’s where fierce self-compassion comes in.

In this episode of Noble Mind, Dr. Neff joins Kate and Alex to discuss her new book, Fierce Self-Compassion, explaining how fierce self-compassion gets expressed as protecting, providing for and motivating ourselves. She introduces us to the difference between fierce and tender self-compassion, describing how gender role socialization hinders our ability to access both. Listen in for Dr. Neff’s insight on self-compassion as a spiritual practice and learn how the expression of anger can serve as an act of compassion.

Kristin Neff is currently an Associate Professor of Educational Psychology at the University of Texas at Austin. She’s a pioneer in the field of self-compassion research, conducting the 1st empirical studies on self-compassion nearly 20 years ago. She’s author of the bestselling book Self-Compassion. Along with her colleague Chris Germer, she developed the Mindful Self-Compassion program, taught worldwide, and co-wrote The Mindful Self-Compassion Workbook. Her newest book is Fierce Self-Compassion: How Women Can Harness Kindness to Speak Up, Claim Their Power, and Thrive. To take a self-compassion test, find research articles, or download guided meditations, go to www.self-compassion.org.

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