"Buck up." "Stop feeling sorry for yourself." "Don't ruin everything." When you feel anxiety, sadness, anger, or loneliness, do you hear this harsh self-critical voice? What would happen if, instead of fighting the difficult emotions, you accepted them? Through decades of experience as a therapist and meditation practitioner, Dr. Christopher Germer has learned a paradox: We all want to avoid pain, but accepting it and being kind to our own imperfections, without judgment or self-blame, are essential steps toward healing. This wise and honest book illuminates the power of self-forgiveness and offers creative, scientifically grounded strategies for its application.

Free audio files of the meditation exercises are available on the author's website. Also see The Mindful Self-Compassion Workbook by Kristin Neff and Christopher Germer, which offers step-by-step guidance on developing self-forgiveness skills in everyday life.

A standout read from the Association for Behavioral and Cognitive Therapies (ABCT).

Pages: 306, Dimensions: 15.2x15.2cm