{"id":67005,"date":"2023-04-25T07:04:36","date_gmt":"2023-04-24T23:04:36","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/blog.mindvalley.com\/?p=67005"},"modified":"2025-10-07T13:52:54","modified_gmt":"2025-10-07T12:52:54","slug":"self-compassion","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.mindvalley.com\/blog\/self-compassion\/","title":{"rendered":"How to cultivate self-compassion and boost your self-esteem"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Picture this: You just got shut down by <a href=\"https:\/\/blog.mindvalley.com\/questions-to-ask-your-crush\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">your crush<\/a>, and you\u2019re left feeling like you\u2019re not good enough. Enter self-doubt, berating you for every little mistake you\u2019ve ever made.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">But, as Gramma Tala said in <em>Moana<\/em>, \u201c<em>Sometimes, who we wish we were, what we wish we could do, is just not meant to be.<\/em>\u201d She\u2019s right\u2014it\u2019s not your fault that, in life, <em>things just happen<\/em>.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">It\u2019s a familiar internal struggle we all face from time to time. However, what if you could break that cycle? Enter self-compassion, throwing you a lifeline from the depths of your negative self-talk.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">That\u2019s the thing about this simple practice\u2014it reaches its hand out to you when you\u2019ve fallen and helps you back up to your feet.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Plus, showing kindness to yourself can have a ripple effect on those around you. In the words of <strong>Kristina M\u00e4nd-Lakhiani<\/strong>, co-founder of Mindvalley and author of <em>Becoming Flawesome: The Key to Living an Imperfectly Authentic Life<\/em>, \u201c<em>If you can learn to be kind and compassionate to yourself, you can learn to be truly kind and compassionate to others<\/em>.\u201d&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-what-is-self-compassion\">What is self-compassion?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">As stated in the name, self-compassion is <a href=\"https:\/\/blog.mindvalley.com\/what-is-compassion\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">compassion<\/a> for yourself. It\u2019s about treating yourself with kindness and understanding, even when you make mistakes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\u201c<em>Compassion is, by definition, relational,<\/em>\u201d explains <strong>Dr. Kristin Neff<\/strong>, a pioneer in self-compassion research, in her book <em>Self-Compassion: The Proven Power of Being Kind to Yourself<\/em>. \u201c<em>Compassion literally means &#8216;to suffer with,&#8217; which implies a basic mutuality in the experience of suffering.<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">It\u2019s a concept from Buddhist thought, according to the <a href=\"https:\/\/dictionary.apa.org\/self-compassion\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">American Psychology Association<\/a>\u2019s self-compassion definition, that involves self-forgiveness, patience, and grace. And this practice helps avoid the negative thoughts and feelings that come from being too hard on yourself.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">For instance, imagine you\u2019re feeling overwhelmed by the pressure to succeed and you make a mistake. Instead of being hard on yourself, self-compassion helps you accept that, sometimes in life, you\u2019ll slip up.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-what-self-compassion-is-not\">What self-compassion is not<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Self-compassion is a lot of things\u2014it\u2019s kindness, love, acceptance, care, forgiveness, <a href=\"https:\/\/blog.mindvalley.com\/compassion-vs-empathy\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">empathy<\/a>, nurturing, support, understanding, respect, grace, and patience. But what is it not? Here\u2019s a closer look:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>It\u2019s not self-pity.<\/strong> Feeling sorry for yourself can often lead to a victim mentality. But self-compassion involves approaching your own pain and suffering with kindness and understanding.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>It\u2019s not self-indulgence.<\/strong> When you give in to every whim, it\u2019s usually at the cost of your well-being in the long run. With self-compassion, you care for yourself in a healthy, balanced way, like making difficult choices or setting boundaries.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>It\u2019s not self-esteem.<\/strong> <a href=\"https:\/\/www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/pmc\/articles\/PMC2790748\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">High self-esteem<\/a>, as Dr. Neff explains, is often linked to the \u201c<em>need to feel superior to others just to feel okay about oneself<\/em>.\u201d Self-compassion, on the other hand, involves accepting yourself as you, flaws and all, and responding to your struggles with kindness and support.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>It\u2019s not self-criticism.<\/strong> Judging yourself harshly may lead you to focus only on your faults and shortcomings. With self-compassion, however, you\u2019re able to treat yourself with kindness and understanding even when you\u2019re faced with failure or difficulty.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>It\u2019s not selfishness. <\/strong>Compassion has no room for the suffering of others due to your self-interests. It does, however, encourage you to take care of yourself in a way that allows you to better connect with others.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">When you\u2019re able to understand what self-compassion is and what it\u2019s not, you can start cultivating a healthier relationship with yourself. It\u2019s as Dr. Neff says, \u201c<em>Being human is not about being any one particular way; it\u2019s about being as life creates you\u2014with your own particular strengths and weaknesses, gifts and challenges, quirks and oddities<\/em>.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-why-should-we-practice-self-compassion\">Why should we practice self-compassion?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">We\u2019ve all beaten ourselves up over a mistake at one point or another. That&#8217;s where self-compassion can show you how to better handle the situation.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<blockquote class=\"wp-block-quote is-layout-flow wp-block-quote-is-layout-flow\">\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The emotion of compassion springs from the recognition that the human experience is imperfect.<\/p>\n<cite>\u2014 Dr. Kristin Neff, a pioneer in self-compassion research<\/cite><\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">So here\u2019s a list of reasons to be kinder to yourself:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Improved emotional well-being.<\/strong> According to one <a href=\"https:\/\/self-compassion.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/publications\/SClearninggoals.pdf\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">study<\/a>, individuals who are kind to themselves report experiencing less anxiety, depression, and stress. This suggests it\u2019ll help with self-soothing, especially during difficult situations.&nbsp;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Better physical health. <\/strong>Research has shown that when you embrace this characteristic, you\u2019re likely to have <a href=\"https:\/\/www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/pmc\/articles\/PMC4311753\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">lower levels of inflammation<\/a> and <a href=\"https:\/\/www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/pmc\/articles\/PMC7139482\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">improved sleep quality<\/a>. As a result, your immune function will be better.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Greater resilience. <\/strong>A <a href=\"https:\/\/self-compassion.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/publications\/LearyChap.pdf\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">2009 study<\/a> shows that self-compassionate individuals have the tenacity and perseverance to face life stressors, like job loss, relationship problems, or chronic illness. And this practice can help you be more resilient to negative emotions and thoughts.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Increased motivation.<\/strong> A <a href=\"https:\/\/journals.sagepub.com\/doi\/10.1177\/0146167212445599\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">study<\/a> published in <em>Personality and Social Psychology Bulletin<\/em> found that the participants who received self-compassion training were more motivated to keep going when faced with a difficult task. Those who received self-esteem training didn\u2019t have the same drive.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>More satisfying relationships.<\/strong> When your inner self is kind, your external self will follow suit. And that will expand to those around you. As one <a href=\"https:\/\/self-compassion.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/publications\/JRPbrief.pdf\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">study<\/a> suggests, \u201c<em>self-compassionate individuals displayed more positive relationship behavior than those who lacked [it]<\/em>.\u201d<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\u201c<em>Love is a wonderful skill, and I wish we all knew how to practice it properly<\/em>,\u201d says Kristina in <em>Becoming Flawesome<\/em>. \u201c<em>But where love fails, kindness remains<\/em>.\u201d And that includes kindness toward yourself.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-how-to-practice-self-compassion-3-bookmarkable-tips-from-kristina-mand-lakhiani\">How to practice self-compassion: 3 bookmarkable tips from Kristina M\u00e4nd-Lakhiani<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">If Moana showed us anything, it\u2019s that compassion is key to achieving goals. Even when Maui refused to help her, Moana didn\u2019t beat herself up or give in to self-doubt. Instead, she cut herself some slack when she needed to and continued to find a solution to save her island and her people.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">We could all take a cue from the princess of Motunui. And with tips from Kristina, here\u2019s what to keep in mind when you start practicing self-compassion.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-1-practice-radical-self-honesty\">1. Practice radical self-honesty<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">When it comes to honesty, it\u2019s, more often than not, the best policy. Even when it comes to yourself. And \u201cradical self-honesty,\u201d according to Kristina, is about being completely truthful with yourself about your thoughts, feelings, and behaviors.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">It requires two things from you:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>To acknowledge and accept your strengths and weaknesses without judgment, and<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>To confront uncomfortable truths about yourself.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">By doing so, you\u2019ll be able to <a href=\"https:\/\/blog.mindvalley.com\/how-to-overcome-perfectionism\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">overcome the need for perfectionism<\/a>. Instead, you\u2019ll gain a deeper understanding of who you are and make more informed decisions about your life.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Kristina M\u00e4nd-Lakhiani\u2019s tip: <\/strong>\u201c<em>Your relationship with the world is a mirror reflection of your relationship with yourself. Once you fix your relationship with yourself, your relationship with the world will fall into place<\/em>.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-2-be-kind-to-yourself\">2. Be kind to yourself<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\u201c<em>Kindness is a vastly disregarded and undervalued quality that we seldom hear about,<\/em>\u201d says Kristina. It\u2019s not only an act of self-compassion but also an essential aspect of <a href=\"https:\/\/blog.mindvalley.com\/self-love-techniques\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">self-love<\/a>.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">It involves a conscious effort to treat yourself with the same warmth, care, and understanding that you\u2019d show the ones you love. And this can be done by practicing self-care, setting healthy boundaries, and speaking to yourself in a positive, gentle way.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Kristina M\u00e4nd-Lakhiani\u2019s tip: <\/strong>\u201c<em>Sincere kindness can be expressed in any circumstance when love cannot. You don\u2019t need to love someone to be kind to them. You don\u2019t need to condone or respect someone to be kind to them. You don\u2019t even need to truly care, but you can still be kind. You can be kind when you are sad, grieved, upset, and angry. You can always be kind. Always.<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-3-have-the-courage-to-accept-your-authentic-self\">3. Have the courage to accept your authentic self<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">There\u2019s greatness that comes when you fully embrace your authenticity. It means welcoming all parts of yourself, including the ones you may be tempted to hide or deny.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">But as Moana says, \u201c<em>Sometimes, our strengths lie beneath the surface, far beneath, in some cases<\/em>.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><a href=\"https:\/\/blog.mindvalley.com\/perfectly-imperfect-quotes\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">There are flaws you&#8217;ll have to accept<\/a>, on top of the vulnerability that comes with acknowledging those imperfections. But on the other side, it can lead you to a greater sense of fulfillment and connection with others. It just takes some courage on your end.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Kristina M\u00e4nd-Lakhiani\u2019s tip: <\/strong>\u201c<em>Courage is an easily trainable skill. And the way to train it is [through] practice. To become more courageous, literally, you have to start doing things that you are naturally afraid of.<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image aligncenter size-full\"><img fetchpriority=\"high\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1200\" height=\"800\" src=\"https:\/\/storage.googleapis.com\/mv-prod-blog-en-assets\/2023\/04\/df06c146-self-compassion-kha_7012-karen-harms.webp\" alt=\"Kristina M\u00e4nd-Lakhiani, co-founder of Mindvalley and author of Becoming Flawesome: The Key to Living an Imperfectly Authentic Life\" class=\"wp-image-67006\" srcset=\"https:\/\/storage.googleapis.com\/mv-prod-blog-en-assets\/2023\/04\/df06c146-self-compassion-kha_7012-karen-harms.webp 1200w, https:\/\/storage.googleapis.com\/mv-prod-blog-en-assets\/2023\/04\/df06c146-self-compassion-kha_7012-karen-harms-768x512.webp 768w, https:\/\/storage.googleapis.com\/mv-prod-blog-en-assets\/2023\/04\/df06c146-self-compassion-kha_7012-karen-harms-736x491.webp 736w, https:\/\/storage.googleapis.com\/mv-prod-blog-en-assets\/2023\/04\/df06c146-self-compassion-kha_7012-karen-harms-442x295.webp 442w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Kristina M\u00e4nd-Lakhiani, co-founder of Mindvalley and author of <em>Becoming Flawesome: The Key to Living an Imperfectly Authentic Life<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-5-mindfulness-self-compassion-exercises\">5 Mindfulness self-compassion exercises<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">When it comes to mindful self-compassion, think of it as being like Moana\u2019s pig, Pua\u2014aware of your surroundings, but not judging them, and always ready to give yourself a gentle oink of reassurance.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">And to cultivate that level of awareness for yourself, here are some self-compassion exercises inspired by Dr. Neff\u2019s practices that you can try:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-1-take-the-self-compassion-scale\">1. Take the Self-Compassion Scale<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">How compassionate are you? There\u2019s a scale for that.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Created by Dr. Neff, the <a href=\"https:\/\/self-compassion.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/03\/SCS-information.pdf\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Self-Compassion Scale<\/a> is a tool that measures how kind and understanding you are to yourself. The 26-item self-report allows you to recognize areas where you may need to be more aware of your self-talk and inner critic, as well as identify areas where you may need to practice more self-compassion.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-2-self-compassion-meditation\">2. Self-compassion meditation<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">This practice involves directing love, kindness, and well wishes toward yourself and others. And there\u2019s power in what <a href=\"https:\/\/blog.mindvalley.com\/compassion-meditation\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">compassion meditation<\/a> can do\u2014it increases positive emotions, reduces negative ones, and improves your general well-being.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">During the meditation, focus on your breath and repeat mantra phrases, like \u201c<em>May I be happy<\/em>,\u201d<em> <\/em>\u201c<em>May I be healthy<\/em>,\u201d and<em> <\/em>\u201c<em>May I be at peace<\/em>.\u201d&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">And when you do this on the daily, you may find yourself shifting from a place of indifference to compassion.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-3-self-compassion-break\">3. Self-compassion break<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Stress and overwhelm are like water in a boat\u2014the more it comes in, the more the boat (and you) sink. It takes such a toll on your mental health.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">So when you find yourself in these moments, take a pause. Then, take these three simple steps:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ol class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Acknowledge your stress,<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Remind yourself that this is a part of life, and<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Offer kind words to yourself.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">It\u2019s a fairly simple practice to get away from worrying about the \u201cwhat ifs\u201d and back into the present state.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-4-mindful-breathing\">4. Mindful breathing<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">In this chaotic world we live in, there\u2019s a need to calm the mind and get some peace and quiet. <a href=\"https:\/\/blog.mindvalley.com\/mindful-breathing\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Mindful breathing<\/a> can help with just that.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">In her book, Kristina suggests the box breathing technique, which is \u201c<em>particularly good for restoring balance<\/em>\u201d:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ol class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Breathe in to the count of four,<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Hold your breath to the count of four,&nbsp;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Breathe out to the count of four,&nbsp;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Hold your breath to the count of four.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Repeat this technique for a few rounds.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\u201c<em>Focusing on your physical sensations and actively relaxing will not only help you let go of tension and physical discomfort<\/em>,\u201d she adds, \u201c<em>but it will also shift your attention away from the painful emotions for a brief respite<\/em>.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image aligncenter size-full\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"800\" height=\"1000\" src=\"https:\/\/storage.googleapis.com\/mv-prod-blog-en-assets\/2022\/10\/0db21cf9-blog-box-breathing-technique.webp\" alt=\"Box breathing technique\" class=\"wp-image-75277\" srcset=\"https:\/\/storage.googleapis.com\/mv-prod-blog-en-assets\/2022\/10\/0db21cf9-blog-box-breathing-technique.webp 800w, https:\/\/storage.googleapis.com\/mv-prod-blog-en-assets\/2022\/10\/0db21cf9-blog-box-breathing-technique-768x960.webp 768w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-5-gratitude-practice\">5. Gratitude practice<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">A ton of people are familiar with this practice\u2014using a <a href=\"https:\/\/blog.mindvalley.com\/gratitude-journal\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">gratitude journal<\/a> to reflect on the good things in their lives. For those of you who don\u2019t, think of it as a mental high-five to yourself.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">That delicious salad you had for lunch?<em> High five!<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Your teen cleaned up their room without you asking so? <em>High five!<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">You bought Kristina\u2019s book? <em>High five!<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Focusing on the positive helps you develop a more optimistic outlook. It reminds you of the good things you have going for you, which in turn increases the compassion you have for yourself.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-celebrate-your-flawesomeness\">Celebrate your flawesomeness<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Welcome to the compassion revolution\u2014a movement that celebrates imperfection and self-love. In a world that constantly tells us we need to be perfect, Kristina M\u00e4nd-Lakhiani\u2019s idea of <strong>\u201cflawesome\u201d<\/strong> (the awesomeness of your flaws) reminds us that being perfectly imperfect is what makes us human.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">As Chief Tui in <em>Moana<\/em> reminds us, \u201c<em>There comes a day when you\u2019re gonna look around and realize happiness is where you are<\/em>.\u201d By embracing self-compassion and accepting yourself for who you are, you can find the happiness you seek.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Kristina\u2019s Mindvalley program, <strong><em><a href=\"https:\/\/www.mindvalley.com\/awesome\/sales?utm_source=blog_inline_link&amp;utm_campaign=evergreen_faf&amp;utm_medium=end_of_article&amp;otag=mv_blog&amp;otag=eergreen_faf\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">From Awesome to Flawesome<\/a><\/em><\/strong>, is a tribute to just that. And as you take in the wisdom she has imparted, you may just find yourself bathing in the beauty of your imperfections and welcoming with open arms the authentic <em>you<\/em> that you never knew.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>We\u2019re our own worst critics, but self-compassion can change that. With insights from Kristina M\u00e4nd-Lakhiani, discover how to practice it for greater self-love.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":9,"featured_media":67008,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"om_disable_all_campaigns":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[4],"tags":[5996],"series":[],"area-of-growth":[3415],"outcome":[3521,3481,3514,3479],"featured":[],"coauthors":[329],"class_list":["post-67005","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-mind","tag-from-awesome-to-flawesome","area-of-growth-confidence","outcome-self-awareness","outcome-self-esteem","outcome-self-healing","outcome-self-love"],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO Premium plugin v27.6 (Yoast SEO v27.6) - https:\/\/yoast.com\/product\/yoast-seo-premium-wordpress\/ -->\n<title>How to Cultivate Self-Compassion and Boost Your Self-Esteem<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"We\u2019re our own worst critics, but self-compassion can change that. 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