Podcst
#139 - Kristin Neff, Ph.D.: The power of self-compassion by Peter Attia, MD

#139 - Kristin Neff, Ph.D.: The power of self-compassion

from The Peter Attia Drive

by Peter Attia, MD

Published: Mon Nov 30 2020

Show Notes

Kristin Neff is a Professor of Educational Psychology at the University of Texas, author, and a leading expert on mindful self-compassion. In this episode, she shares how developing a self-compassion and mindfulness practice was the most effective tool for relieving her own suffering, and provides strategies and tactics to improve self-compassion and well-being.

We discuss:

  • The life crisis that turned Kristin to mindfulness and self-compassion (3:30);
  • How mindful self-compassion relieved Kristin’s feelings of self-judgement, and the psychology that says we all have the capacity for self-compassion (9:45);
  • Peter’s history of self-criticism and his personal practice of self-compassion ();
  • The problem with prioritizing self-esteem over self-compassion, and how self-compassion produces a more stable version of self-worth ();
  • An argument for self-compassion over self-criticism for optimizing performance ();
  • How and when to introduce self-compassion to children ();
  • Learning her son had autism—a personal story of how Kristin used mindfulness and self-compassion ();
  • Self-compassion for cases of childhood trauma, PTSD, and overcoming a “fear of compassion” ();
  • The relationship between self-compassion and physical health ();
  • Distinguishing between self-compassion and self-pity, and the three necessary components self-compassion ();
  • Why self-criticism comes from a desire to be safe, the circular pattern of self-judgment, and self-compassion as the ultimate motivator ();
  • Potential role of a self-compassion practice for addiction and other maladaptive behaviors ();
  • Clinical applications and practical uses of self-compassion ();
  • Why you don’t need to meditate to learn mindfulness and self-compassion ();
  • Kristin’s personal meditation practice ();
  • Resources for learning self-compassion ();and
  • More.

Learn more: https://peterattiamd.com/

Show notes page for this episode: https://peterattiamd.com/kristinneff

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