What is mindfulness?

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Mindfulness, very simply, means "paying attention, on purpose, to the present moment" (Jon Kabat-Zinn). While there are slightly different approaches to mindfulness, generally most mindfulness approaches emphasize some core skills such as: non-striving, non-judgment, acceptance of emotions, acceptance of the present moment (even when it is hard!), observing our present experiences (e.g. emotions, thoughts, and body sensations), and fully participating in the present moment. Most (though not all) mindfulness approaches also include self-compassion practices to varying degrees. 

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What are some of the benefits of mindfulness?

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Mindfulness practice can lead to improved emotional regulation, improved concentration, greater self-compassion, reduced self-criticism, and improved mood. Research has shown that regular mindfulness practice can offer these potential benefits in both clinical populations (e.g. individuals with depression or anxiety) and non-clinical populations (e.g. students, office workers, helping professionals, and more!).

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What is self-compassion?

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Self-compassion is a way of responding to our own emotional distress in a kind-hearted way, similar to the way you might respond to a friend.

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Are self-compassion and self-esteem the same thing?

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Self-compassion is different to self-esteem. Self-esteem is generally very contingent on what is happening around us. For example, when things are going really well, we are inclined to have higher self-esteem. However, when things aren't going so well, our self-esteem generally drops. In this sense, self-esteem has been called a "fair weather friend" by researchers like Kristin Neff. Self-compassion, on the other hand, is a way of responding to our own emotional distress in a kind way. So unlike self-esteem, it doesn't abandon us when things get rough! 

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How are self-compassion and mindfulness related?

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Many mindfulness practitioners consider self-compassion to be an important component of mindfulness. However, because it has been left out of some mindfulness interventions, it has become important to emphasize in its own right.

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Who can benefit from self-compassion?

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Some people that may benefit the most from self-compassion approaches would be individuals with high self-criticism, perfectionism, and individuals that are in helping professions and at risk of burnout. 

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