Fierce self-compassion means learning to harness our anger and transform it into qualities like courage and strength. Instead of being emotionally reactive, it means finding space to work the anger out, transforming it into actions.
How to apply fierce self-compassion into practice?
The concept of self-compassion can help us face our shortcomings constructively and gently, just as we would comfort a friend in a similar situation. So, what does fierce self-compassion mean?
When we fail, our inner voice often speaks harshly and critically to ourselves. The concept of self-compassion can help us face our shortcomings constructively and gently, just as we would comfort a friend in a similar situation. So, what does fierce self-compassion mean? It is a concept developed by American professor Kristin Neff, focusing on the next level of self-esteem; taking brave action to meet and resolve the challenges.
Learn more about the concept of fierce self-compassion by reading Oasis of Radical Wellbeing's project lead, psychologist and psychology podcast series, where Aalto University psychologist Paula Sjöblom interviews Merita on the topic.
Remember also to have a look at the other Aalto University wellbeing materials (blog posts, podcasts, videos, training and news) in the Media Hub of the Oasis of Radical Wellbeing project.
Listen:
Read:
We tend to think that when we are demanding towards ourselves, we perform better, and that self-compassion leads us to lower performance, laziness and too much comfort.
Read more news
Demo Day breaks records in 2026: Inside Otaniemi’s fastest growing startup showcase
Hosted by Aalto Startup Center and A Grid, Demo Day brought together nearly 800 visitors, 90 startup booths, and over 75 investors. What began as a grassroots gathering in 2018 has grown into one of Finland’s most vibrant startup showcases.
The campus welcomes its third Learning Lounge
Learning Lounge makes a new expansion into Restaurant Aalto Kvarkki on 16 March.
Coming up next autumn at Aalto's Department of Architecture: a studio course on the reuse and expansion of the present Architecture and Design Museum buildings in Helsinki
Capstone Studio 2026 at Aalto explores adaptive reuse of the Architecture and Design Museum in Helsinki, using photography, collage and urban design methods.