8-Week Mindful Self-Compassion Course, Durham , NC , United States

Self-Compassion: “In challenging times, treating yourself as you would treat a good friend.” – Kristin Neff

In eight sessions plus an afternoon retreat, this class builds resources that support our capacity to comfort and soothe ourselves, and to motivate ourselves with encouragement, when we suffer, fail, or feel inadequate, and helps to increase compassion for others. 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. Self-compassion is a skill that can be learned by anyone.

Through course activities and exercises you will learn how to:
• Practice mindfulness and self-compassion in daily life
• Handle difficult emotions with greater ease
• Motivate yourself with kindness rather than criticism
• Transform challenging relationships, old and new
• Manage caregiver fatigue
• Practice the art of savoring and self-appreciation
• Teach simple self-compassion skills to others

Meditation experience is not necessary to participate. The interactive program includes short talks, experiential exercises, meditations, group discussion, home practices, and a 50-page participant handbook. In a randomized, controlled study, the MSC program significantly increased self-compassion, compassion for others, mindfulness, and life satisfaction, as well as decreased depression, anxiety and stress. Improvements were linked to how much a person practiced in their daily lives.