The Yin and Yang of Self-Compassion: Cultivating Kindness and Strength in the Face of Difficulty

by Kristin Neff

Gentle and Fierce―Two Sides of Self-Compassion That We All Need Now

A vast body of research shows that the skill of self-compassion can deeply calm and heal us. But there's also a fierce "momma bear" side of self-compassion. And all of us―especially women―need it more than ever.

In the face of a threatening or unjust situation, have you ever kept silent because you didn't want to rock the boat or make things worse? And then, did you "Next time, how can I become stronger and more effective?"

That's the purpose of The Yin and Yang of Self-Compassion . Kristin Neff, PhD, created this inspiring audio program to help you understand and build the two complementary aspects of this crucial

The receptive Yin side self-compassion ―how to soothe and comfort yourself when you're in pain and rest in loving, connected presence when alone or with those you care about.

The active Yang side self-compassion ―how to see the truth of a situation with courage, protect yourself, and stand strong with others in the face of hostility or harm.

In the years since Kristin Neff and her colleagues first identified the trait of self-compassion, we’ve learned that being kind to ourselves does not weaken us. In fact, just the opposite is it makes us more confident, grounded, and resilient amid crisis.

Through fascinating research, stories from Kristin's own experiences as a mother and scientist, and key guided practices, you'll learn how to cultivate the full spectrum of self-compassion―to support yourself and others when it matters the most.

Genres: Self Help, Nonfiction, Psychology, Audiobook, Mental Health, Personal Development, Health

Audio CD

Published September 10, 2019

About the author

Kristin Neff is Associate Professor of Educational Psychology at the University of Texas at Austin. She is a pioneer in the field of self-compassion research, conducting the first empirical studies on self-compassion almost twenty years ago. In addition to writing numerous academic articles and book chapters on the topic, she is author of the books Fierce Self-Compassion: How Women Can Harness Kindness to Speak Up, Claim Their Power, and Thrive and Self-Compassion: The Proven Power of Being Kind to Yourself. In conjunction with her colleague Dr. Chris Germer, she has developed an empirically supported training program called Mindful Self-Compassion, which is taught by thousands of teachers worldwide. They co-authored the Mindful Self-Compassion Workbook and Teaching the Mindful Self-Compassion Program: A Guide for Professionals. Her newest work focuses on how to balance self-acceptance with the courage to make needed change.

Reviews

[Kalyn Nicholson]

I decided to listen to the audiobook and found the narration very calming, especially the meditation practices sprinkled throughout.

[Violet]

4 stars

[Nadine in California]

I must admit that for several nights I dozed off listening to this book, but that's not a negative. The combination of her soothing voice and empowering message broke through my wall of insomnia. I will have to listen again to fully absorb it. Neff is a researcher as well as a practitioner, and over the last 20 years she's brought self-compassion into the mainstream of psychological research (and I can imagine the blow back that created at first!)

I've always been averse to 'self-help' books - they seem like a marketing gimmick, taking money from people in distress in exchange for empty platitudes. (Why not write the platitudes for yourself and save the money?) So now I have to either believe that this isn't a self-help book, or consider that I've been snobby and wrong about the genre, judging it by what I believed was its lowest common denominator.

[Nancy Milton]

I give this Audio CD this rating bc it's an actual "do it right now with this recording and let's shift this together" experience.

[ReadingRaven]

Good reflective practices shared. Would recommend to read her other books and think of this one as an additional supplement.

[AMAO]

The Yin and Yang of Self-Compassion: Cultivating Kindness and Strength in the Face of Difficulty
by Kristin Neff
Published September 10, 2019





A vast body of research shows that the skill of self-compassion can deeply calm and heal us. But there's also a fierce "momma bear" side of self-compassion. And all of us—especially women—need it more than ever.

In the face of a threatening or unjust situation, have you ever kept silent because you didn't want to rock the boat or make things worse? And then, did you wonder: "Next time, how can I become stronger and more effective?"

That's the purpose of The Yin and Yang of Self-Compassion. Kristin Neff, PhD, created this inspiring audio program to help you understand and build the two complementary aspects of this crucial skill:

The receptive Yin side self-compassion—how to soothe and comfort yourself when you're in pain and rest in loving, connected presence when alone or with those you care about.

The active Yang side self-compassion—how to see the truth of a situation with courage, protect yourself, and stand strong with others in the face of hostility or harm.

In the years since Kristin Neff and her colleagues first identified the trait of self-compassion, we’ve learned that being kind to ourselves does not weaken us. In fact, just the opposite is true: it makes us more confident, grounded, and resilient amid crisis.

Through fascinating research, stories from Kristin's own experiences as a mother and scientist, and key guided practices, you'll learn how to cultivate the full spectrum of self-compassion—to support yourself and others when it matters the most.

[Juan Rivera]

One of the hardest things for people eager to achieve success is to treat themselves with self-pity. This book cleverly handles the idea of ​​the Yin and Yang aspects of self-pity.

Personally, the feminine aspect (yin), treating oneself with love, protecting oneself, pampering oneself, comes out pretty bad for me.

The masculine aspect (Yang), which is moving to do something and achieve the result, comes out better for me.

This Friday I received some terrible business news, and thanks to a true friend who gave me that aspect of protection (Yin) and “pampering” I didn’t have a terrible weekend.

But Monday is coming… back to work.

[Chris]

Lots of meditation prompts regarding compassion and finding a second in your day to really re-evaluate things you may be going through. Slow down and take a good look at some issues you may be going through. Overall a good read. More towards 3.5

[Jarae Lopez]

More of a guided meditation then informative book, think I would have enjoyed it more had a read some of her others first. Also, had I known I would be stopping to practice, think about what I am doing and trying to accomplish while meditating.

[Sarah]

I really liked this book and I found myself appreciating the journal activities much more than I thought I would. I actually feel like I am understanding myself better and growing in self compassion.

[Julija Kelecevic]

I am not a disciplined person when it comes to my own meditation practice. And I am not very self-compassionate. This book gave me tools to easily incorporate some new practices. It is well written and it is easy to navigate.

[Abbey Schulz]

Truly appreciated this helpful read that was both educational and gave an opportunity for reflection. This is more of a guidebook where you practice the techniques being taught along the way and it was so helpful!

[Jayda]

I don't recommend listening while you're working. It made me so sleepy because it was very comforting 😂

[Mindy]

Good guided meditation for self compassion and healing.

[Tammy AK]

A nice follow up to Kristin Neff's book 'Self Compassion: Step by Step.'

Gave an even deeper understanding of cultivating self compassion, especially using active and passive energies.

[Karinak]

I‘ve listened to 20 minutes and I think one concept was explained five times…..

[Fe Gardner]

I'm so thankful to have been introduced to this, I learned so much from it. I've been passing on what I've learned as well, and I can't wait to keep practicing these new self compassion strategies

[John Harris]

Excellent book on self compassion with very good exercise for dealing with our issues. Loved her interpretation of yin and yang.

[Magen - Inquiring Professional Dog Trainer]

I'm going to call this done. It's 75% meditations.

[Hugh_Manatee]

A fascinating application of the Taoist concept which taught me quite a bit I didnt know. Highly recommended.

[Cait]

3.75 🌟

[Otto]

First third where she talks about why self compassion is important and where it’s most needed is useful

[Kathryn]

A very practical guide to incorporate some more compassionate mediation practices. I listened to the audiobook, which the author narrated, and it was especially relaxing and calming.

[Kris]

Did not finish. Completed only 2 out of the 3 parts.

The idea that self compassion can take the form of either nutrition, protection and motivation was insightful.