“Simon, founder and publisher of Sounds True, has put together a compendium of writings from well-known physicians and spiritual guides (e.g., Mark Nepo, Facing the Lion; Tara Brach, Radical Acceptance) on the topic of healing one’s self-critic. Simon divides the essays into the facets of practicing, embodying, and awakening self-acceptance, which provides readers with a wide range of strategies for coming to terms with shame, embracing the good, the bad, and the ugly, and transforming self-criticism into self-compassion. ­VERDICT Persons plagued by self-doubt will undoubtedly find comfort in these encouraging readings.” —Library Journal

“This is a powerful collection of writings by twenty leading figures in the fields of spirituality and psychology. Tara Brach talks about 'radical self-acceptance' and 'being at war with ourself'. Dr. Friedemann Schaub points out that life has become a 'race with no apparent finish line'. Steven C. Hayes discusses the power of 'observing our own emotions'. Jay Earley explains how our Inner Critic is actually trying to help us. Judith Blackstone takes an in-depth look at what it means to fully 'inhabit our body'. Bruce Tift warns of the danger of internalizing the ability to 'disown aspects of ourselves'. Jeff Foster talks about 'saying YES to the present moment'. Mark Nepo explains why 'meeting the world with my heart' is a courageous act. Rick Hanson celebrates the ability to 'change your brain for the better'. All of it is aimed at making readers feel more comfortable in their skins. Practical as well as philosophical, this compassionate view of mankind is a welcome antidote to today’s often ego-battering world.” —Anna Jedrziewski, Retailing Insight

“Unconditional self-acceptance, being kind to ourselves no matter what is happening in our lives, is a human capacity that changes everything. It changes how we treat ourselves day to day, how we take risks, how we love, how we create, and how we make space for what seems "unacceptable" in others.” —Tami Simon