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Meditation, Therapy, and "Murderous Rage", Dr. Susan Pollak

Oct 23, 2019
Dr. Susan Pollak, a psychologist and co-founder of Harvard's Center for Mindfulness and Compassion, shares her journey from anxious child to meditation advocate. She discusses the transformative power of mindfulness in managing emotions like shame and anger, particularly in parenting. Pollak emphasizes the necessity of self-care for parents and presents quick meditation techniques to enhance emotional resilience. The conversation humorously navigates the concept of 'murderous rage' and the implications of ethical parenting in today's competitive landscape.
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INSIGHT

The Problem with "Self-Compassion"

  • The term "self-compassion" can feel off-putting to some, hindering its acceptance.
  • Consider alternative phrasing like "being 10% kinder" or "telling the inner critic to chill out."
ANECDOTE

The Monkeys and the Golf Course

  • British colonizers in India struggled to keep monkeys off their golf courses.
  • They finally resorted to "playing the ball where the monkey drops it," accepting the reality of the situation.
ADVICE

Self-Compassion Break

  • Use a "self-compassion break" during tough moments: acknowledge the difficulty, recognize shared humanity, and be kind to yourself.
  • Adapt the language and actions (like soothing touch) to what feels comfortable.
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