Self-Compassion by Kristen Neff

Most often, I like to read romance novels, be it fiction or nonfiction.  So far, the romance novels I have read had simple language and it was very easy to read which kept me entertained, engaged and invested. Romance novels often depict deep emotional connections between characters and also makes us feel those emotions together with the characters. Also, the love stories written in books are just too wholesome and cute. I like reading romance novels as a form of escapism. However, this time I read some other genre which is usually not of my liking. Self-Compassion is a self-help book written by Dr. Kristen Neff.  Self-help is a genre of literature that is focused on personal development, self-improvement and self- growth. Self-help books typically provide practical steps or exercises for readers to follow in order to achieve their goals, overcome obstacles and reach their full potential. One of the key benefits of self-help books is that they offer readers the opportunity to take control of their own lives and make positive changes.

Self-Compassion by Dr. Neff explores the concept of self-compassion, which involves treating oneself with kindness, care and understanding, particularly during time of stress, failure, or suffering. In the book, Dr. Neff argues that many people have an inner critic that constantly judges and criticizes themselves, leading to feelings of shame, anxiety, and low self-worth. She suggests that cultivating self-compassion can help individuals to become more resilient, confident, and emotionally stable. What I particularly liked about the book is that this book offers practical techniques and exercise to help readers develop self-compassion, self-soothing practices and reframing negative self-talk. Overall, it was a good experience reading this book. This book taught me a lot of things about myself that I did not it existed. I learned how to be gentle  and nurture relationship with myself. Moreover, this genre is my new favorite.

Poem

Dear Me

The things we say to ourselves,

Stupid, ugly, weak that repeats themselves,

Words of discouragement, words of self judgement,

you have been giving too much room.

 

No one beats you like you yourself,

Worse of worst enemy is oneself; criticizer and the criticized,

Giving deeper scars on what is already wounded,

The inner voice ignored; excluded.

 

The world is full of imperfections,

But you seek immaculate conceptions,

For perfect things can seem so cold,

And lack the warmth of those who hold.

 

The human nature of rejecting the failure,

Losing the chance to become braver,

Running away tirelessly from the misery,

Never finding a way out for victory.

 

Amidst the chaos of the world around,

There lies a space that can be found,

A place of peace, a place of grace,

Where self-compassion has its rightful place.

 

With self-compassion I hope you can be kind,

To yourself, and soothe the troubled mind,

Learn that you only have yourself,

And that you matter.

Self-compassion, a balm for the wounded heart,

Hoping to create a beautiful art,

With gentle words and soothing grace,

Learning to embrace our face.

 

Lend yourself a helping hand,

As you would to a friend in need,

Embrace and accept your mistakes,

For they are the key to the forgiveness that you seek.

 

So, take a breath and open up.

The door to your inner voice,

Discover the peace and joy within,

That comes from being you.