What is Mindful Self-Compassion?
What is Mindful Self-Compassion?
Mindful Self-Compassion (MSC) is a set of practices that can help increase psychological wellbeing [Neff, 2009]. At its core, Mindful Self-Compassion is based on the three pillars of mindfulness, self-kindness, and common humanity. MSC draws from these three modalities to increase your capacity to approach your struggles with a gentle, non-judgmental attitude, all while acknowledging that it’s okay to be imperfect and that you are not alone in your difficulties.
Like any other skill, mastery of MSC takes time. So why dedicate the time to develop mastery of Mindful Self-Compassion? Research has found that high levels of self-compassion are positively correlated with “increased feelings of happiness, optimism, curiosity, and connectedness, as well as decreased anxiety, depression, rumination and fear of failure” [ibid]. (Read the research here)
So if you want less fear of failure and more happiness, which you do, keep reading.
“So if you want less fear of failure and more happiness, which you do, keep reading.”
The Origins of Mindful Self-Compassion
MSC was developed by psychologists Dr. Kristin Neff and Dr. Christopher Germer in the early 2000s as a way to help individuals cultivate a healthier relationship with themselves. Neff is a prominent researcher in compassion studies and began her work researching the topic after her own experiences with Buddhist meditation and difficult personal struggles. Since those early days, Kristen Neff’s work on self-compassion has expanded into a structured program of study, myriad research papers, and self-help books.
Nowadays, it’s possible to seek certification as a practitioner in MSC, take a class to improve your capacity for self-compassion, or learn more about the topic in books, podcasts, articles, and more.
How Can Mindful Self-Compassion Help You?
One of the wonderful things about Kristen Neff’s work is that she is an academic researcher. While her books are written in a personal and approachable style, they are grounded in research.
From the research literature, we know that developing a self-compassion practice can help people feel happier, more connected, more optimistic, and less anxious or depressed. But how, exactly?
From my coaching practice, I have seen clients make incredible transformations. For example:
Become able to validate themselves instead of seeking external validation
Increased ability to recognize their negative thoughts, and how those thoughts hold them back
Have more equanimity with the way things are
Generate bravery to leave jobs or careers that don’t serve them
Learn how to advocate for themselves without guilt
If you’re interested in starting on your path to self-compassion, you may be interested in joining the upcoming Fierce Self-Compassion Group Coaching program beginning October 6, 2024.
