The Power of Self-Compassion | Chris Germer

Chris Germer, PhD is a clinical psychologist and lecturer on psychiatry at Harvard Medical School. In 2007, Chris began collaborating with Kristin Neff, psychology professor at the University of Texas, Austin, and pioneering researcher on self-compassion.  In 2009, he wrote the book, The Mindful Path to Self-Compassion, and, in 2010, Chris and Kristin co-developed Mindful Self-Compassion (MSC), an empirically-supported, 8-week training program for the general public.  The Center for Mindful Self-Compassion was established in 2012 and since then tens of thousands of people have learned MSC. Additionally, they have co-authored two books on MSC, The Mindful Self-Compassion Workbook and Teaching the Mindful Self-Compassion Program. Chris spends most of his time lecturing and leading workshops around the world on mindfulness and self-compassion, supporting MSC teachers and students, and maintaining a modest psychotherapy practice. To learn more about Chris, check out chrisgermer.com

In this episode Chris and I explore: 

• How compassion meditation helped him overcome a long battle with public speaking anxiety
• How acceptance can be a powerful way to reduce suffering and stress
• Fierce compassion, and why compassion can be a form of courage
• What self-compassion is and what it's not
• The myths and misconceptions about self-compassion
• Why self-compassion helps build resilience, enhance motivation, and improve relationships
• The health benefits of self-compassion
• How self-compassion can be an antidote to shame
• Practical strategies for building mindfulness and compassion in one's life
• And more!

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