Be Kind to Yourself: Releasing Frustrations and Embracing Joy

When we experience frustrations in daily life, many of us hold ourselves to blame. Self-criticism is often our default setting. But we can have a more gracious posture toward ourselves. We can practice disciplines of self-kindness.

Editor and spiritual director Cindy Bunch calls us to self-care through greater compassion for ourselves. She helps us pay attention to the frustrations that bug us in order to identify negative thinking about ourselves or others. As we do so, we can discern what we need to let go. This allows us to lean into the things that bring us joy. Each chapter is filled with spiritual practices and creative exercises for reflection and celebration. The pages of the appealing smaller book format are illustrated with photographs and art from the author.

Be kind to yourself. And discover new opportunities to embrace joy.

Cindy Bunch is associate publisher and director of editorial for InterVarsity Press, where she acquires and develops books on spiritual formation. She is a trained spiritual director and lives with her husband in the Chicago area.

Ruth Haley Barton is founding president/CEO of the Transforming Center and a sought-after retreat leader, spiritual director, speaker, and preacher. She is the author of Invitation to Solitude and Silence, Sacred Rhythms, and Strengthening the Soul of Your Leadership.