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

In eight sessions plus an afternoon retreat, this proven, enjoyable program helps you cultivate the skills of self-compassion, and gives you practical ways to comfort, soothe and be kind to yourself when you suffer, fail, or feel inadequate—strengthening the ability to be your own best friend as well as increase your compassion for others. The interactive class includes short talks, experiential exercises, meditations, group discussion, home practices, and a 50-page participant handbook. In a randomized, controlled study, the MSC program was found to significantly increase self-compassion, compassion for others, mindfulness, and life satisfaction among participants, as well as decreased depression, anxiety and stress. Improvements were linked to how much a person practiced in their daily lives.