Self-compassion is a way to train the heart and mind to respond to life’s difficult moments with kindness and compassion rather than self-criticism and judgment. It can be learned by anyone, even those who didn’t receive enough affection in childhood, or those who feel uncomfortable when they are good to themselves. It provides emotional strength and resilience, makes it easier for us to admit our shortcomings, motivate ourselves with kindness, forgive ourselves when needed, relate wholeheartedly to others, and be more authentically ourselves.
The Mindful Self-Compassion training is an 8-week, empirically supported course designed to cultivate and nourish the qualities of compassion, empathy, and kindness for oneself and others. Research demonstrates that self-compassion is strongly associated with emotional wellbeing, lower levels of anxiety & depression, a strengthening of healthy habits such as diet and exercise, and more satisfying personal relationships.
PARTICIPANTS WILL BE SUPPORTED IN LEARNING HOW TO:
– Increase kindness and compassion for one’s self and others
– Calm the mind and direct thoughts in a more positive way
– Motivate yourself with kindness rather than criticism
– Increase resilience during interpersonally challenging situations
– Manage caregiver fatigue
– Practice the art of savoring, and of self-appreciation
– Practice self-compassion in daily life
The weekly 2.5-hour class includes guided meditations, short talks, experiential exercises, and group discussion. In addition to the weekly class, there is a 4-hour mostly silent retreat. No previous meditation experience is required, although the willingness to develop a regular compassion-based sitting meditation practice is a key component of the training. Participants should plan to attend every session and be willing to practice the compassion-based guided meditations for at least 15 minutes a day, 5 days a week during the course. Please do not sign up for this course if you cannot commit to missing no more than two of the evening classes during the course. The class is limited to 10 participants. This class fulfills a prerequisite for becoming a Mindful Self-Compassion teacher.
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