self-compassion

USAGE SUMMARY

"self-compassion" is indeed a correct and usable word in written English.
You can use it in any situation where you want to refer to someone's ability to be kind and understanding to themselves. For example: "Every day, I'm learning to practice more self-compassion and be kinder to myself whenever I make mistakes."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Fighting for my rights requires me to learn self-compassion.

The New York Times

"Self-compassion is really conducive to motivation," Dr. Neff said.

The New York Times

Instead, psychologist Chris Irons suggests cultivating our "self-compassion".

The Guardian - Lifestyle

My self-compassion skills come in handy too.

The Guardian

Fear of self-compassion, in turn, predicted lower levels of self-compassion.

Personality and Individual Differences

Low self-compassion has repeatedly been associated with psychopathology.

Internet Interventions

We investigated the feasibility of an online self-compassion program.

Internet Interventions

No significant differences were observed between the self-compassion and the reappraisal condition, and between the self-compassion and the acceptance condition in patients' mood ratings.

Behaviour Research and Therapy

Self-compassion, Laurie, self-compassion!

Huffington Post

Practice self-compassion.

Huffington Post

6. Self-compassion.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When facing setbacks, actively practice "self-compassion" by acknowledging your feelings without judgment and reminding yourself that imperfections are a part of the human experience.

Common error

Avoid mistaking "self-compassion" for self-pity. "Self-compassion" involves acknowledging suffering with kindness and understanding, while self-pity often entails dwelling on misfortune and feeling sorry for oneself without taking constructive action.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "self-compassion" functions primarily as a noun, representing the act or practice of being kind and understanding towards oneself, particularly during times of difficulty or perceived inadequacy. As confirmed by Ludwig, it is a correct and usable term in English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

44%

Science

20%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "self-compassion" is a grammatically sound and widely used noun phrase signifying the act of being kind and understanding towards oneself. As confirmed by Ludwig, it's suitable for various contexts, particularly those related to mental well-being and personal growth. The phrase is most commonly found in news and media, science, and wiki sources. It's important to differentiate "self-compassion" from self-pity, focusing on kindness and understanding rather than dwelling on misfortune. Practicing "self-compassion" involves acknowledging feelings without judgment and treating oneself with the same care one would offer a friend.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

self-kindness

Emphasizes the aspect of being kind to oneself, a core component of self-compassion.

self-acceptance

Focuses on accepting oneself, including flaws and imperfections, which is closely related to self-compassion.

self-forgiveness

Highlights the act of forgiving oneself for mistakes or shortcomings, an important element of self-compassion.

treating yourself with kindness

Rephrases self-compassion as an action, emphasizing the act of being kind to oneself.

having compassion for yourself

Rephrases self-compassion using the verb "having", focusing on possessing compassion for oneself.

showing yourself understanding

Emphasizes the understanding aspect of self-compassion, highlighting the act of being understanding towards oneself.

practicing self-care

Broadens the concept to include general self-care practices, which often stem from self-compassion.

being gentle with yourself

Focuses on the gentleness aspect of self-compassion, emphasizing a soft and understanding approach to oneself.

having grace for yourself

Emphasizes the concept of extending grace to oneself, similar to extending it to others.

offering yourself solace

Highlights the comfort and consolation aspect of self-compassion during times of distress.

FAQs

How can I practice "self-compassion" in my daily life?

Start by noticing when you're being self-critical. Then, try treating yourself with the same kindness and understanding you would offer a friend in a similar situation. You can also incorporate mindfulness practices to acknowledge your emotions without judgment.

What is the difference between "self-compassion" and self-esteem?

"Self-compassion" is about treating yourself with kindness, recognizing your shared humanity, and practicing mindfulness, regardless of your accomplishments or failures. Self-esteem, on the other hand, is based on evaluating yourself positively, which can be contingent on external validation.

Is "self-compassion" the same as being selfish or self-indulgent?

No, "self-compassion" is not the same as being selfish or self-indulgent. It's about recognizing your own suffering and responding with kindness and understanding. Selfishness involves prioritizing your own needs at the expense of others, while self-indulgence is about excessive gratification. "Self-compassion" is about balance and well-being.

What are some alternatives to the phrase "self-compassion"?

You can use alternatives like "self-kindness", "self-acceptance", or "self-forgiveness" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.