Neff K. Harper Wave; 2021. Hardcover; 384 pages.A follow-up to Neff’s first book on the same topic, Fierce Self-Compassion, builds on her original under-standing of self-compassion as “tender self-compassion” and adds that tender self-compassion is only one element of the self-compassion experience. Neff says that self-compassion is the most impactful when there is a balance between both tender and fierce self-compassion. Using tender self-compassion, we care for and nurture ourselves; using fierce self-compassion, we assert our autonomy and stand up for our rights.Neff’s original self-compassion model consisted of 3 elements: self-kindness, common humanity, and mindfulness. In the book Fierce Self-Compassion, Neff applies this 3-element framework to the practice of fierce self-compassion. A balance between tenderness and fierceness is needed because tender self-compassion runs the risk of becoming complacent and passive if not balanced with fierce self-compassion. On the other hand, fierce self-compassion can appear hostile, aggressive, and even selfish if not countered by tender self-compassion.The book has 3 sections: Why Women Need Fierce Self-Compassion, Tools of Self-Compassion, and Fierce Self-Compassion in the World. In each section, Neff describes how the 3-element framework of self-kindness, common humanity, and mindfulness is applied in the practice of fierce self-compassion in a variety of settings and circumstances, including the workplace. She provides fierce self-compassion exercises in each section, giving the reader the possibility to practice this type of self-compassion.Fierce Self-Compassion focuses on the importance for women to understand the practice of self-compassion to protect, provide for, and motivate themselves. Neff says women must tap into the force that is feminine fierceness to overcome the historical influences that have discouraged them from expressing fierce self-compassion.In Fierce Self-Compassion, Neff also addresses the misunderstanding that the practice of self-compassion can make people unmotivated to succeed. Neff’s research shows quite the opposite. She found that people who develop their sense of self-compassion show increased initiative, not less initiative. For example, self-compassionate people are more willing to accept personal responsibility for mistakes than self-critics. Neff found that people who practice self-compassion have a strong sense of the safety and stability needed to make changes in their lives. I have personally found this to be true as I have developed and practiced self-compassion—now fierce self-compassion.Makary M. Bloomsbury Publishing; 2019. Hardcover; 288 pages.This book reveals the business of health care and shines a bright light on areas of our system that need reform to make health care truly affordable and accessible. The business aspect of health care is something most nurses do not see and do not understand until they hear the stories of “surprise bills” from their patients. However, understanding the system is vital to reforming it. Makary shows that much of health care spending goes to things that have nothing to do with health and what you can do about it. This book is truly a must read for all nurses who want to advocate for a fairer health care system.Evans DC. Permuted Press; 2020. Hardcover; 288 pages.Regardless of how many times I read about the experiences of nurses during times of war, I am struck by the similarity of our experiences. No matter which war—the Crimean War for Florence Nightingale, the Civil War for Clara Barton, the Vietnam War for Diane Carlson Evans, or my own experiences serving in Afghanistan—the emotions and internal conflict are the same. How we heal from such war “wounds” is not always the same. In Healing Wounds, Diane Carlson Evans shares how she found healing by fighting for a memorial honoring women veterans. She faced bureaucratic obstacles and cruel and small-minded opposition. In the end, she prevailed, honored the women she served with, and inspired future generations of women veterans to continue the legacy of honoring our fellow female warriors.
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Sep 20, 2024
Stephanie Hunter + 1
Open Access