GPS hosted Dr. Kristin Neff on February 22 to walk us through practices designed to increase motivation, foster grit and a growth mindset, and rebound from failure – all through the cultivation of self-compassion. Our first instinct when we fail, suffer, or feel inadequate may be to criticize or to judge ourselves—but there is a better way to get through life’s hardships, says Dr. Kristin Neff. A way that enables us to achieve our highest potential and lead more contented, fulfilling lives. And that is through self-compassion -- a way of relating to ourselves kindly.
Neff says self compassion has three components (more here):
- 1. Self-kindness vs. Self-judgment
- 2. Common humanity vs. Isolation
- 3. Mindfulness vs. Over-identification
Dr. Kristin Neff is a pioneer in the field of inner strength training and self-compassion. She is the first to empirically study the concepts and create a simple, actionable guide proven to increase motivation, boost resilience, and improve mental health. Both an Insight Meditation practitioner and an associate professor of Educational Psychology at the University of Texas at Austin, her work has been featured in The New York Times, The Atlantic, and Harvard Business Review, among others. She is also the co-developer of an empirically supported training program called Mindful Self-Compassion, and the co-author of The Mindful Self-Compassion Workbook as well as Teaching the Mindful Self-Compassion Program: A Guide for Professionals.
Glenbard South Principal Jessica Santee hosted the event and shared the following takeaway:
"Dr. Neff provided insight into the many benefits of self-compassion (like greater happiness and calmer households), which involves being kind to ourselves in times of struggle. Self-compassion is not about making yourself feel better at the expense of others, but rather, it involves cultivating feelings of self-worth in any setting – in success or failure. It is treating yourself the way you would treat a friend or a loved one by noticing the sadness, extending empathy and recognizing that it’s human to fail. As caregivers, we need to model self-compassion. In doing so, we let our children know that they, too, are valued and deserving of kindness."
Q and A from this event: GPS Take 5 -The Power of Self Compassion with Kristin Neff (2-16-22) VIDEO HERE
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