When we truly see things as they are the only thing that makes sense is compassion. Learn to fully include yourself in this circle of compassion in this warm-hearted, interactive workshop.
Suzuki Roshi famously said, “Each of you is perfect the way you are … and you can use a little improvement.” And yet when we turn towards improvement we often react to the difficulties of life and our own foibles with very little kindness or compassion towards ourselves. Research shows that it doesn’t have to be this way. Motivating ourselves with compassion can be more effective than self-critical patterns.
Self-compassion is a skill that can be learned by anyone. When we can rely on meeting ourselves with kindness we are able to open more fully to the truth of things as they are. Research has shown that Mindful Self-Compassion boosts life satisfaction, reduces anxiety and depression, and supports other positive choices.
The program is a hands-on introduction to the empirically supported Mindful Self-Compassion Training developed by Christopher Germer and Kristin Neff. Through a process of meditation, reflective exercises, dialog, and written reflections we will examine the core supports for increased self-compassion: mindfulness, a felt sense of common humanity, and enhancing our ability to be kind towards ourselves.
Cost
$350, general public,
$297/SF Zen Center member,
plus room and board.
Register here.
Instructors
Michelle Becker, MFT, MA, senior teacher and teacher trainer for the Center for Mindful Self-Compassion and the University of California San Diego Center for Mindfulness, and licensed marriage and family therapist.
Nomon Tim Burnett is a Soto Zen Priest and Guiding Teacher of Red Cedar Zen Community in Bellingham, WA. He is also the Executive Director of Mindfulness Northwest, a Trained MSC Teacher, and a teacher of MBSR and Compassion Cultivation Training.
