Be Kind to Yourself: Releasing Frustrations and Embracing Joy

Cindy's book, Be Kind to Yourself, is an unearthed delight. Through authentic and tender words, Cindy brings to life practices that continue to open doors of light in her life. She walks you through the application and significance of each practice and encourages you to rest in the practices that speak to your soul.Cindy's words have helped me to put a name to and embody some practices I've already loved but wasn't always certain of how to practice, and made space for new practices that have helped me to recognize areas of my life where I was a bit harsh with myself.In particular, the practice of What's Bugging You?, has helped me to see the significance of thought pattern as I go about my day. Such as, if a technical issue with our computer is bugging me, then the joy I can find is in the simplicity in a (homeschool) teaching day without technology.Being able to sit with what is bugging me, helps me as I further delve into practices like the Enneagram.A quote from chapter five, "God is with us, in spite of appearances to the contrary, and our own faults and feelings of desolation and fear. God knows our thoughts and our situation and wants to bring life-giving words into our lives, that we might be renewed in energy, joy, and hope and live as those who are 'waiting on the Lord."It is through this chapter that Cindy fleshed out for me the practice of Lectio Divina and really helped me to be able to share that above sentiment. That God does indeed see me.A wonderful read with lasting and impactful significations.

I found Be Kind to Yourself to be one of the most practical, easy to read, yet profound books I’ve ever read in the topic of self-compassion, particularly one written from a Biblical point of view. The small size does not mean that the content is small. It has, in fact, started a personal revolution in my life. I’m fairly certain that I will continue some of the practices from the book for life. I have already bought another copy for a friend.Additionally, one of my very favorite things about Be Kind to Yourself is its tone. So often books written for or by Christian women make me feel like I’ve entered a twilight zone of simpering, unintelligent, hollow fluff, or a “best bud” casual tone that is, in the end, also hollow fluff. “You’ve got this girl!” That sort of thing. You will find none of that in Bunch’s book. It is intelligent and real and true.I hope it will be the blessing for you that is has been for me.

To be formed by kindness is to find ourselves in a pleasant land. Yet too often, I am my own worst critic, staying stuck in the things that bug me. Do you find yourself in that same place of critical self-judgment?Cindy Bunch, author, IVPress editor, and spiritual director, candidly reveals her interior journey. Reading it, I'm invited to move from being critical to being caring, from being judgemental to being joyous.Cultivating spiritual practices increases our capacity for self-awareness and self-kindness. We each carry pain as a constant companion yet through simple encouraging holy habits, tenderness heals and frees us.With over 40 spiritual practices that range from the familiar to the creative, Cindy Bunch led me to new revelations of joy.This small book, just a hands-width wide, spans the vast heart space from condemnation to compassion. Easy to read, the practices realign our hearts to plumb the depth of God's delight over us so that we too can delight in the gift of who we are.

I wish this book would be double in length. It brought peace, joy and rest to my heart. Spiritual formation is still a new concept to me, but I am hearing for a deeper relationship with the Lord, and sensitivity to His voice in my day. Engaging and easy to read, I highly recommend it for those who want a breath of fresh air in their spiritual life!

Just like getting away to a revitalizing retreat, this book has everything you need to take the journey inward. Your spirit will be renewed as your senses delight in the design details - the yummy way it feels in your hands; the clear and engaging lay-out and illustrations. It feels like kindness, itself. Best of all, as in an expertly planned retreat, you'll find the opportunity to enter into the loving presence of the Lord through a rich offering of well-crafted exercises - precisely timed and clearly written with wisdom and much grace. Cindy Bunch makes this "do-it-yourself" dive into spiritual formation entirely do-able - and renewable - as these are practices that will shape us for a lifetime.

Some of us spend a great deal of our time and energy serving and taking care of others. If we do not stop and replenish, we can burn out through compassion fatigue or just plain exhaustion. Cindy invites us to pay attention to our souls through delightful exercises that lead to freedom instead of increased guilt. Her book is a reminder that there is one Savior, and it is not me. This is a breath of fresh air and a welcome invitation to pour out to others from a refilled tank and a healthy rhythm of life. I needed this, especially in 2020!

Outstanding read! I love this book and I intend on getting several to give as gifts this Christmas! The author uses practices (that are fun and awakening) to remind us of God’s love and self love ...This book helped me rewire and become more aware of myself. For instance she teaches us to ask ourselves everyday .... 1). What’s bugging me2). What’s bringing me joyIt may seem simple - but once you start doing this it is very eye opening and gives the reader the opportunity to identify and then act.Order it! You’ll be so glad you did!!

What I thought would be another bible study actually turned out to be a retreat led by a compassionate Spiritual Director into a world of spiritual practices to deepen my walk and understanding with God. The simple practice of answering "what's bugging you" and "what brings you joy" along with the spiritual practices is life changing. This small book is a rich resource that I will be reviewing for some time to come! Cindy's own personal stories throughout are very insightful and appreciated!

My New Year's Resolution is to be kind to myself, and I've never made a resolution like that before so I decided I needed a book to help me with it. I was so excited when I came across this title that I bought it without checking out the sample, which is what I normally do. It turns out to be a Christian devotional work and I'm not a Christian. Well, I've read some other Christian books and been able to glean valuable information from them, or been able to adapt practices, so I thought I'd carry on reading.Apart from a couple of small passages I've highlighted I gained almost nothing from this book. You really do have to be a devoted Christian to get anything out of it. Even then, the whole book boils down to two questions 1) what's bugging you? 2) what brings you joy?Unless you're a Christian, be kind to yourself and spend your money elsewhere.