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CAUTION ADVISED: this podcast contains mild swear words and themes of an adult nature.\n\xa0\nThis week, I have decided to re-release a conversation that originally came out over three years ago, all the way back in March 2021. Since then, this podcast has attracted many new listeners who perhaps will not have heard this particular conversation. And to me, this is an episode that speaks to one of the most important topics when it comes to improving our health and happiness - compassion. But I'm not talking about compassion for others, I'm talking about compassion for ourselves, and how this is a crucial ingredient that is often overlooked when it comes to living a happier and healthier life. Even if you did hear the original episode, I still think it is worth re-listening as this is a topic that we could all do with a reminder on from time to time.\n\xa0\nDr Kristin Neff is a professor at the University of Texas in the department of psychology. She\u2019s co-founder of the Center for Mindful Self-Compassion and the author of several best-selling books on the topic. In our conversation, Kristin explains what self-compassion is and why it matters. She explains the difference between self-compassion and self-esteem. Self-compassion is not about making excuses for yourself nor is it about self-pity, instead, it is very much an active, mindful state.\n\xa0\nNow I know that the very notion of self-love can make a lot of people feel very uncomfortable.\xa0Kristin explains why this might be and shares many different ways we can give ourselves compassion. She recommends that people experiment and find a method that feels easy and pleasant for them.\n\xa0\nWe also talk about the ever-present problem of our brain\u2019s \u2018inner critic\u2019 and how our parents influence the way we talk to ourselves. She also explains why self-compassion is most definitely not selfish, in fact, people who have it are kinder, more loving and less controlling of others.\n\xa0\nKristin also makes a key distinction between acts of self-care \u2013 such as taking a bath, having a massage \u2013 and self-compassion. She explains that self-compassion is actually a state of mind. It\u2019s not something you have to do, it doesn\u2019t take time or resources. It\u2019s simply the opposite of being self-critical. It\u2019s a way of thinking that has your own best interests at heart. But, this way of thinking doesn\u2019t come naturally to us. As humans, we are hard-wired for self-criticism - it\u2019s an evolutionary mechanism that makes us feel safe. But when navigating life, who do you want in your head: an enemy who belittles you or a friend who supports you?\n\xa0\nAt the end of our conversation, Kristin takes us through a beautiful practical exercise in finding self-compassion that I think you will really enjoy. This is such an important topic that doesn\u2019t get spoken about enough in the conversation around health \u2013 I hope you enjoy listening.\n\nFind out more about my NEW Journal here\xa0https://drchatterjee.com/journal\n\nThanks to our sponsors:\nhttps://vivobarefoot.com/livemore\nhttps://drinkag1.com/livemore\n\nShow notes\xa0https://drchatterjee.com/442\n\nDISCLAIMER: The content in the podcast and on this webpage is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your doctor or qualified healthcare provider. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have heard on the podcast or on my website.