Most of us feel compassion for our close friends when they are struggling. What would it be like to receive the same caring attention from yourself when you needed it most? All that’s required is a shift in attention—recognizing that as a human being, you, too, are a worthy recipient of compassion. Self-compassion involves the capacity to comfort and soothe ourselves, and to motivate ourselves with encouragement, when we suffer, fail, or feel inadequate. Self-compassion is learned in part by connecting with our innate compassion for others and including ourselves in that circle of compassion. The practice of self-compassion also helps to grow and sustain our compassion for others.
The program draws on the skills of mindfulness and focuses on developing the resource of self-compassion to enhance our capacity for emotional wellbeing. Burgeoning research shows that self-compassion is strongly associated with emotional wellbeing, coping with life challenges, lower levels of anxiety and depression, healthy habits such as diet and exercise, and more satisfying personal relationships. It is an inner strength that enables us to be more fully human—more fully ourselves.
Fortunately, self-compassion can be learned by anyone, even those of us who did not learn these skills as children.
The program will support you to:
- Practice self-compassion in daily life.
- Discover the empirically-supported benefits of self-compassion.
- Motivate yourself with kindness rather than criticism.
- Transform challenging relationships, old and new.
- Practice the art of savoring and self-appreciation.
Program activities include short talks, experiential exercises, group discussion, and home practices. This is an opportunity to explore how we typically respond when difficulties arise in our lives and to learn tools for becoming a warm and supportive companion to ourselves. This program is designed for members of the general public, based on the values of equity, diversity, inclusiveness and belonging.
This program is designed for everyone. Meditation experience is not necessary. All are welcome!
