The Art of Self-Kindness

An Invitation Into The Power Of Being Your Own Best Friend

This book is for you, the one with sensitivity as a super-power, though you're still learning to offer it to yourself.
You, the first to share a kind word with others even when you're not gentle on yourself.
You, known for your generosity but who forgets to give to yourself.
This book is in your hands now because it's time to befriend yourself.

Dr Rebecca Ray is a writer, speaker and clinical psychologist. She invites you into the practice of self-kindness as the bravest of human art forms. Cast aside the bullet-point lists or assembly instructions in favour of self-care that seeks flow over force and progress over prescription. Come on a journey back to yourself through the art of self-kindness.

Rebecca Ray is an author, speaker and clinical psychologist, whose message centres on the task of living bravely in the truth of our experiences as finders and seekers of meaning and connection. She has over 15 years' experience as a clinical psychologist, and specialises in the treatment of depression, anxiety and post-traumatic stress disorder. Rebecca is the author of The Universe Listens to Brave and Be Happy: 35 Powerful Habits for Personal Growth and Well-Being. She can be found online daily, interacting with her community about finding courage and living inspired, expansive lives while going gently on ourselves.

The Art of Self-Kindness
Macmillan
Author: Rebecca Ray
ISBN: 9781760783372
RRP: $19.99

 

Interview with Rebecca Ray

Question: What inspired you to write The Art of Self-Kindness?

Rebecca Ray: I wrote The Art of Self-Kindness for everyone who has ever struggled with the fear of not being good enough. It's such a pervasive roadblock when doing inner work that I wanted to highlight the importance of cultivating a kind relationship with ourselves based on our inherent worthiness as humans.


Question: Why is it so important to reconnect with ourselves?

Rebecca Ray: We become disconnected from ourselves when we turn away from what is authentically true for us, when we compare ourselves negatively with others, and when we focus on our flaws instead of our strengths. Reconnecting with ourselves means we return to ourselves gently: with acceptance and without judgement, with compassion and without criticism. From this place, we are much more likely to move forward positively and bravely than to be held back by self-doubt and lack of trust in ourselves.

Question: What can we begin doing today to reconnect with ourselves?

Rebecca Ray: Speak kindly to yourself. Bring mindful awareness to your inner dialogue and introduce a gentle and kind voice instead of the voice that constantly points out all the ways you're not measuring up to its lofty expectations! Some people think this is indulgent, but I promise you that if beating up on yourself actually worked, you wouldn't be reading a piece about The Art of Self-Kindness!


Question: What's the main message you'd hope readers take from The Art of Self-Kindness?

Rebecca Ray: That cultivating a compassionate and gentle relationship with ourselves is the way to brave and meaningful living.


Question: Can you share your favourite self-kindness quote, with us?

Rebecca Ray: "She found a place within that's soft and forgiving and respectful and brave. She lives there now."

Interview by Brooke Hunter

The Art of Self-Kindness 
Macmillan
Author: Rebecca Ray 
ISBN: 9781760783372

RRP: $19.99