Mindful Ways to Less Stress and More Kindness

Self-compassion is a life-changing way of thinking that is rooted in Mindfulness. By learning to have more loving kindness and forgiveness for ourselves, we have more empathy and compassion for others. The self-compassion movement has been growing rapidly over the past two years with recent research into the neuroscience of compassion showing that changing our thinking habits makes new neural pathways in the brain - and that compassion can be learned.

The benefits of this practice are personal and global, from learning how to manage chronic pain to relieving stress, boosting the immune system and circulation, along with improving relationships as we connect more authentically with others. With gentle exercises to try, meditations, visualizations and inspiring case studies, Awakening the Compassionate Mind is your first step in applying loving kindness first to yourself, then others, releasing negativity and living joyfully from the heart.

About the Author

Dr Patrizia Collard is a psychotherapist, trainer and coach who uses her deep understanding of the destructive impact of stress to teach the practice of mindful meditation.

Dr Collard's wide range of approaches and methodologies includes cognitive behavioural therapy, rational emotive behaviour therapy, core energy management, existential therapy, drama therapy, yoga and meditation, relaxation, and self-hypnosis.

Having worked for many years as a university lecturer, school teacher, and actor, she also lived in the Far East for 9 years (Hong Kong and China), where she developed a uniquely holistic approach. She is a member of many prominent psychotherapy organisations (BABCP, UKCP, Association for Coaching, Austrian Association for Behaviour Therapy, Institute for Health Promotion and Education and Obsessive Action) and is always in touch with current developments in her field of expertise.