Like a clear, still pool without ripples, mindfulness mirrors what’s occurring without distortion so that we can gain perspective on ourselves and our lives.

Self-compassion is a perfect alternative to self-esteem. It doesn’t require feeling better than others, it isn’t contingent on other people liking you, and it doesn’t require getting things right.

When self-compassion is aimed at motivating ourselves, we embody encouraging, wise vision.

Loving, connected presence will help hold the pain of it all without being overwhelmed. Brave, empowered clarity will rouse us to protect ourselves and our fellow humans from harm. Fulfilling, balanced authenticity will allow us to carve out a new sustainable way of living in the world. And encouraging, wise vision will inspire us to work for the

Workplaces that don’t prioritize the welfare of employees can easily become hostile environments, with self-serving bosses, corrosive office politics, sexual harassment, psychological abuse, even workplace violence. Laboring in uncaring work settings decreases morale, increases stress, and leads to depression.

EXPRESSIONS OF SELF-COMPASSION Purpose Self-Kindness Common Humanity Mindfulness Tender (Be With) Love Connection Presence Fierce (Protect) Bravery Empowerment Clarity Fierce (Provide) Fulfillment Balance Authenticity Fierce (Motivate) Encouragement Wisdom Vision

By letting go of identification with the self who knows things and controls things, I feel lighter inside—both in terms of feeling less bogged down and feeling more full of light.

One way to describe what it feels like when we embody tender self-compassion is loving, connected presence,

Self-esteem is unstable, because it’s only there for us in the good times.