Becoming
Self-Compassionate
with Alex Gokce, MSW
and Katherine King, PsyD
(Host Spotlight)
Listen:
Show Notes:
Understanding self-compassion in theory is one thing, but practicing self-compassion in your daily life is another. If you commit to regular practice, you can learn to recognize your pain and respond with care and kindness. Better yet, self-compassion gives you the courage to navigate challenging experiences. So, how do we develop self-compassion and make it part of our everyday lives?
In this episode, Noble Mind hosts Katherine King, PsyD and Alex Gokce, MSW share what self-compassion means to them, challenging us to build the reflex of care in response to our own suffering and treat ourselves as we would a good friend. They describe how they were each introduced to the idea of self-compassion, weighing in on how the practice makes mindfulness possible and deepens the way we give care to others. Listen in for insight on cultivating self-compassion in your life through consistent practice and learn how self-compassion can make you braver and more active in the world.
Key Takeaways
- How to build the reflex of care in response to your own suffering
- How Kate and Alex were each introduced to the concept of self-compassion
- How self-compassion can serve as a gateway to cultivating compassion for others
- The scientific data around the value of loving-kindness and how that may or may not inspire the practice of self-compassion
- How self-compassion makes mindfulness possible and supports us in tolerating challenging experiences
- The relationship between self-compassion and recognizing our own needs and feelings
- How self-compassion deepens the way we care for others and makes it easier to be with suffering
- Why compassion is not a finite resource and how consistent practice generates even more
- The role of ongoing practice in changing mental habits
- How self-compassion goes beyond touchy-feely to make us brave and active in the world
Resources Mentioned
- The Path of Meditation on Noble Mind EP031
- Center for Mindful Self-Compassion
- CMSC Guided Meditations and Exercises
- Kristin Neff
- Chris Germer
- Self-Compassion: The Proven Power of Being Kind to Yourself by Kristin Neff, PhD
- Metta Bhavana
- Tonglen Meditation
- Sharon Salzberg
- Barbara Fredrickson
- The Center for Nonviolent Communication
- Marshall Rosenberg
Disclaimer: Please note that the information shared in this podcast is strictly for educational purposes only, and is not intended as psychological treatment or consultation of any kind.
Recent Past Episodes:
Hosts:
Katherine King, PsyD
Katherine King, PsyD is a clinical psychologist and assistant professor of psychology at William James College. She was trained in evidence-based treatments within the Veterans’ Administration and has a private practice specializing in geropsychology. She is also a member of the Boston Shambhala Center Board of Directors, a vajrayana student of Buddhism, and has practiced meditation for over 20 years. Learn more about Kate at www.drkateking.com.
Alex Gokce, MSW
Alex Gokce, MSW has a master’s degree in social work from Salem State University and an undergraduate degree in Comparative Government from Harvard University. He has led psychotherapy groups on topics including mindfulness, cognitive-behavioral therapy, and mind-body approaches to pain management. He has co-led programs at the Boston Shambhala Center on the topics of trauma and self-compassion. His personal and professional interests center around the individual, societal and intergenerational impacts of trauma, as well as the sociocultural roots of interpersonal harm.
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The Institute for Meditation and Psychotherapy is a non-profit organization dedicated to the education and training of mental health professionals in the integration of mindfulness meditation and psychotherapy.
