A new book explains a decade of research by psychologists that finds that self-compassion may be the most important life skill, imparting resilience, courage, energy and creativity. It's also a skill many people lack.

"Compassion is sensitivity to the suffering of self and others and a commitment to do something about it," explains one researcher.

Kristin Neff, an associate professor at the University of Texas wrote the book, Self-Compassion: Stop Beating Yourself Up and Leave Insecurity Behind, released in April.

(READ the article in LiveScience)