What is Self Compassion?

Many of us are used to thriving in high pressure jobs & dynamic social situations. We set the bar so high that we tend to beat ourselves up for anything less than perfection. Over time, these negative thoughts fill us with self-doubt, as opposed to open us to possibilities.

Self-compassion involves treating ourselves kindly, as we would a close friend or loved one. Rather than continually judging & evaluating ourselves, the practice of self-compassion encourages kindness toward ourselves as imperfect humans and learning to be present with greater ease when encountered with the inevitable struggles of life.

In a culture of endless striving & cutthroat competition, self-compassion might feel like a luxury we can’t afford. The truth is we can’t afford to be without it. Research has shown that self-compassion leads to healthy habits, lowers anxiety and depression, and supports more satisfying relationships.

Most of us feel compassion when someone close to us needs it. And we support them unconditionally. What would it be like to receive the same caring attention from yourself?

What to Expect?

Program activities include meditation, short talks, experiential exercises, group discussion, and home practices. MSC is a workshop rather than a retreat. The goal is for participants to directly experience self-compassion and learn practices that evoke self-compassion in daily life.

MSC is primarily a compassion training program rather than mindfulness training like Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR), although mindfulness is the foundation of self-compassion. MSC is also 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.

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

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

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