In the field of mindfulness and compassion, we need queer spaces alongside dominant spaces because we do not share the same suffering. We queer folks need to connect based on our shared experience, sexuality and identities to experience belonging.
Inclusion and Diversity
Research: Self-Compassion Applied to Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging (DEIB)
By Center for Mindful Self-Compassion Does self-compassion buffer against the adverse effects of racial discrimination and is it protective among sexual-and gender-minority adolescents across racial groups? These are questions researchers…
How Self-Compassion Transforms Queer Shame into Pride
MSC Teacher Markus Bohlmann describes the interplay between self-compassion, and pride through the queer experience.
Self-Compassion Research on LGBTQIA+ Wellbeing
Self-Compassion research shows that not only does it support well-being in the LGBTQIA+ community, it buffers against the negative psychological impact of stress on sexual minorities.
Commemorating Black History Month: Black History is Everyone’s History
Sydney Spears, Ph.D, LCSW, MSC Teacher, reflects on the shared humanity present in the black experience and drawls parallels to her deepening understanding of her ancestral history.
The Benefits of a Silent Retreat
MSC Teacher Laila Narsi breaks down the benefits of experiencing a silent retreat, to include reducing stress and anxiety, improving relationships, accelerating personal development, and boosting resilience.
Igniting Self-Compassion in Africa
CMSC International Affairs Manager and MSC Teacher Mirjam Luthe discusses how she will implement a grant from Compassion Corp to bring mindfulness to Kenyans through an 8 week MSC course, hoping to build a local MSC community prior to leaving.
Celebrating the New CMSC Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Belonging Committee
As the Director of Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Belonging, (DEIB), I am very happy to announce that the Center for Mindful Self-Compassion (CMSC) has recently established a Diversity, Equity, Inclusion…
My first Experience as a Person of Color in MSC — “Is it Really Me?”
I can remember my very first MSC training experience from several years ago like it was yesterday. There was definitely a surge of internal experiences that I observed as I…
“How is Your Heart Today?”<br />Compassion at Angola Prison
Touched by the depth of caring and authentic brotherhood he found during a recent trip to Angola Prison in Louisiana, USA, Chris Germer discovered the power of self-compassion to support those suffering under the oppressive weight of shame for their crimes, their incarceration, and their inability to care for their families while in prison. So where must we go from here?
MSC and Diversity, Equity and Inclusion
By Dr. Chris Germer
Co-founder, Center for Mindful Self-Compassion
DEI training may appear to be simply the latest American obsession, but, in my view, it will soon become a global imperative. Regardless of the culture, there are always vast numbers of people who are suffering due to systemic oppression (unconscious bias, marginalization, or discrimination) of individual and collective differences. As our world becomes increasingly globalized and we live cheek to jowl with people quite different from ourselves, especially people with different views and values, our need for compassion will only increase if our planet is to survive.
Privilege, Power and a Pair of Plastic Earrings: The Inner Capacity of Self-Compassion
Written by Dr. Steve Hickman
Her radiance, the lack of self-consciousness, the spirit of a Carioca (a resident of Rio) all shone through because she could embrace her true nature as a glorious, lively, perfectly imperfect human being who simply wants to be happy and free from suffering.