8 Week Training on Salt Spring Island

5 October to 23 November 2017, plus half day retreat on 11 November

Thursday evenings 6:00-8:45

with Marcia Burton

“The time will come
when, with elation,
you will greet yourself arriving
at your own door, in your own mirror,
and each will smile at the other’s welcome.”

Derek Walcott

Mindful Self-Compassion (MSC) is an evidence-based, 8 week training program designed to cultivate the skill of self-compassion. Based on the groundbreaking research of Kristin Neff and the clinical expertise of Christopher Germer, MSC teaches core principles and practices that enable participants to respond to difficult moments in their lives with kindness, care and understanding.

Like Hakomi, this 8 week training is experientially based.  There is an emphasis on cultivating mindful awareness through individual and small group practices.  We use this mindful awareness to notice when we are suffering, and apply techniques to bring kindness to ourselves in these moments.  We will practice this in a variety of ways so that we begin to develop the habit of turning towards ourselves with kindness, gentleness, and care.  Program activities include guided meditations, short talks, experiential exercises, group discussion, and home practices. We want to directly experience self-compassion and learn practices that evoke self-compassion in daily life.

The three key components of self-compassion practice are self-kindness, a sense of common humanity, and balanced, mindful awareness. Kindness opens our hearts to suffering, so we can give ourselves what we need. Common humanity opens us to our essential interrelatedness, so that we know we aren’t alone. Mindfulness opens us to the present moment, so we can accept our experience with greater ease. Together they comprise a state of warm-hearted, connected presence.

After participating in this workshop, you’ll be able to:

• Practice self-compassion in daily life
• Handle difficult emotions with greater ease
• Transform challenging relationships, old and new
• Manage caregiver fatigue
• Practice the art of savoring and self-appreciation
• Understand the evidence-based benefits of self-compassion
• Motivate yourself with kindness rather than criticism

Rapidly expanding research demonstrates that self-compassion is strongly associated with emotional wellbeing, less anxiety, depression and stress, maintenance of healthy habits such as diet and exercise, and satisfying personal relationships. And it’s easier than you think.

 What To Expect

MSC is not “psychotherapy” insofar as the emphasis of MSC is on building emotional resources rather than addressing old wounds. Positive change occurs naturally as we develop the capacity to be with ourselves in a kinder, more compassionate way.  The 8 week training is designed to teach us to develop the habit of turning towards ourselves with kindness.  Although this may have psychotherapeutic benefits, the course is based on learning skills, rather than on “doing therapy” as a group.

It is said that “love reveals everything unlike itself.” While some difficult emotions may arise when practicing self-compassion, MSC teachers are committed to providing a safe, supportive environment for this process to unfold, and to making the journey interesting and enjoyable for everyone.

MSC includes 8 weekly sessions of 3 hours each, in addition to a 4-hour retreat. Prior to registering, participants should plan to attend every session and practice mindfulness and self-compassion at least 30 minutes per day throughout the program.

Prerequisites

No previous experience with mindfulness or meditation is required to attend MSC. To insure safety, participants are asked to provide background information when they register for the program.

It is recommended that participants read one or both of following books before or during the program:

• Self-Compassion: The Proven Power of Being Kind to Yourself, by Kristin Neff
• The Mindful Path to Self-Compassion, by Christopher Germer

This program fulfills one of the prerequisites for becoming a MSC teacher. For more information on MSC and MSC Teacher Training, please visit www.CenterForMSC.org.

Cost:  $275 for 8 x 3 hour sessions, plus one half day retreat

Early Bird Rate:  $225 if paid in full by September 20th, 2017

Contact: Marcia at [email protected] for details