The idea that you should love yourself has been around a long time, but new psychology research shows that this actually is a smart thing to do. Although often confused with self-esteem, Self-Compassion is a separate approach and has significant advantages. This talk will briefly overview the three components of Self-Compassion: (1) self-kindness, (2) recognizing one’s suffering as part of the general human situation, and (3) holding one’s painful experiences in a balanced way rather than over-identifying with them. We’ll discuss research on this and present a few ways to increase self-compassion in the New Year.

Fred (aka “Doc”) Heide is best known locally as co-founder, performer and playwright with American Folklore Theatre (AFT), where he co-authored Belgians in Heaven and Packer Fans from Outer Space (both with Lee Becker and James Kaplan). Doc is also associate professor at the California School of Professional Psychology at Alliant International University, where he has taught for 30 years.  An associate editor of PsycCRITIQUES (formerly The APA Review of Books), he teaches at the Medical College of Wisconsin and has published professionally on such topics as charisma, meditation, and the effects of musical theatre on attitudes. This year he was commencement speaker at his undergraduate alma mater, the University of Wisconsin-Green Bay.