Mindful Self Compassion (3 hour course), Montreal , Quebec , Canada

Mindfulness and compassion have often been described as two wings of the same bird: each of us needs both to soar. In this workshop, Emily will guide participants in how to begin or enhance a mindful self-compassionate practice.

The three key components of self-compassion as taught by Dr. Kristen Neff  are self-kindness, a sense of common humanity, and mindful awareness. Kindness opens our hearts to the difficulties of life, so we can tune in and give ourselves what we need. Common humanity helps us feel more connected to others, reminding us that we are not alone. Mindfulness allows us to be more connected to the present moment, so we can accept our experience with less resistance and greater ease.

The practice of self-compassion provides emotional strength and resilience, creating a comforting foundation for any necessary changes or transitions we might need to face. Self-compassion teaches us to motivate ourselves with kindness rather than criticism and to more fully open our hearts to ourselves and others. Rapidly expanding research clearly demonstrates that self-compassion is related to emotional wellbeing, lower anxiety and depression, maintenance of healthy habits such as diet and exercise, and more satisfying personal relationships.

Location: 5369 St. Laurent, Art of Living Yoga Studio

Course Fee: $50 ($40 for students or if unemployed).

During this workshops, participants will learn:

• What is self-compassion and how this practice can help to relieve symptoms of stress, anxiety, depression and isolation.
• How to start a self-compassionate practice using straight-forward practices such as the “Self-Compassionate pause” and “Soothe, Soften and Allow” developed by Dr. Kristen Neff.
• How to identify the inner critic within and respond with a more loving, self-compassionate voice.
• Simple body movements and breathing exercises that help to foster a self-compassionate practice.
• Mindfulness practices that will support a self-compassionate practice and bring a greater sense of connection with oneself, others and the present moment.

Emily is a trained teacher with the Center of Mindful Self Compassion and has received direct training under the guidance of Dr. Kristen Neff and Dr. Chris Germer. She is currently in the process of becoming a fully certified MSC teacher. She has been teaching mindfulness-based groups for over 6 years and is excited to share her new passion for the growing area of mindful self compassion research and practice with you.