"Buck Up." "Stop Feeling Sorry for Yourself." "Don't Ruin Everything." When you are anxious, sad, angry, or lonely, do you hear this self-critical voice? What would happen if, instead of fighting difficult emotions, we accepted them? Over his decades of experience as a therapist and mindfulness meditation practitioner, Dr. Christopher Germer has learned a paradoxical lesson: We all want to avoid pain, but letting it in-and responding compassionately to our own imperfections, without judgment or self-blame-are essential steps on the path to healing. This wise and eloquent book illuminates the power of self-compassion and offers creative, scientifically grounded strategies for putting it into action. You'll master practical techniques for living more fully in the present moment-especially when hard-to-bear emotions arise-and for being kind to yourself when you need it the most. Book jacket.

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