"The Compassionate Mind" (book)

"The Compassionate Mind," by Paul Gilbert, explores how developing compassion—toward oneself and others—can improve mental well-being. It explains that our brains are wired for different emotional systems: threat, drive, and soothing. Cultivating compassion activates the soothing system, helping reduce stress, self-criticism, and anxiety. The book provides practical strategies to foster compassion through mindfulness, self-awareness, and cognitive exercises. Overall, it emphasizes that compassion is a skill that can be learned and strengthened, leading to greater emotional resilience, inner peace, and healthier relationships.