This intensive training retreat version of the Mindful Self-Compassion program is designed to cultivate the skill of self-compassion. Offered at the Elohee Center in the stunning foothills of the North Georgia mountains, participants will enjoy the healing power of this unique environment while discovering core MSC principles and practices that enable them to respond to difficult emotions with greater kindness and understanding. This training is offered by Steve Hickman and Aimee Eckhardt, assisted by Helen Vantine.
At the completion of this 5-day intensive, participants should be able to:
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- describe the theory and research supporting mindful self-compassion
- motivate themselves with encouragement rather than self-criticism
- relate to difficult emotions with greater moment-to-moment acceptance
- respond to feelings of failure or inadequacy with self-kindness
- begin to transform difficult relationships, old and new, through self-validation
- practice the art of savoring and self-appreciation
- integrate core mindfulness and self-compassion exercises into daily life
- teach simple self-compassion practices to patients, students, or clients
Target Audience
This program is designed for members of the general public, as well as for professionals who wish to integrate self-compassion into their work. Participating in a MSC program satisfies a prerequisite for becoming a MSC program teacher, and teacher training will begin at the UC San Diego Center for Mindfulness in 2014. Meditation experience is not necessary to participate in this 5-day MSC program for professionals. All are welcome!
Self-compassion can be learned by anyone, even those who didn’t receive enough affection in childhood or who feel uncomfortable when they are good to themselves. It’s a courageous attitude that stands up to harm, including the harm that we inflict on ourselves through self-criticism, self-denial, or self-absorption. Self-compassion provides emotional strength and resilience, allowing us to admit our shortcomings, forgive ourselves, motivate ourselves with kindness, care for others, and be fully human.
Rapidly expanding research clearly demonstrates that self-compassion is related to emotional wellbeing, lower anxiety and depression, maintenance of healthy habits such as diet and exercise, and more satisfying personal relationships.
Register now.
About Elohee
Elohee ( EL-oh-HEE ) is a Cherokee word meaning “earth place.” It is a family-owned center nestled in the North Georgia mountains in the foothills of the Blue Ridge near the village of Sautee Nacoochee. Andy and Carolyn Bralley purchased the land in 2010 while their daughter, Evie Cook, was battling refractory Hodgkins lymphoma. The Center was created to provide a retreat space in nature to allow for self-exploration, individual growth, and mind/body healing. It is a place where earth and air, fire and water nurture wisdom both ancient and new and where many have enjoyed the transforming, healing power of the land on which it sits. Learn more about Elohee here.
