Since the publication of Kristin Neff’s ground-breaking book Self-Compassion, there has been a surge of interest in the science and practice of self-compassion. This has often focused on the tender, nurturing aspect of self-compassion, which involves “being with” ourselves in a compassionate way.
But self-compassion can be fierce as well as tender.
Fierce self-compassion involves taking action in the world to protect, provide and motivate ourselves to alleviate suffering. It means saying “no” to others who are hurting us – drawing our boundaries firmly. Or saying “no” to our own harmful behaviors, so that we can be safe and healthy. It means giving ourselves what we genuinely need – mentally, emotionally, physically and spiritually.
This unique workshop explores the action-oriented side of self-compassion including protecting ourselves and drawing boundaries. Prior experience with self-compassion is recommended before taking this course. This course will take you one step further as you learn how self-compassion can help you speak up and claim your power.
Throughout the program we will discover that in order to be truly self-compassionate – in order to be whole – we need to integrate both versions of self-compassion, the tender and the fierce. If we are gentle without fierceness, we risk becoming complacent or disempowered; if we are fierce without tenderness, we risk becoming hostile or selfish. Like a tree with a solid trunk and flexible branches, we need to stand strong while still embracing others as part of an interdependent whole. We need love in our hearts so we don’t perpetuate harm, but we need fierceness in our belly to stand up to harm.
Who Should Attend?
This course is open to anyone who has completed the 8-wk or 10-wk Mindful Self-Compassion Course, the 5-Day Intensive MSC Course or the MSC 2-Day Core Skills Course.
Recommended Reading: Fierce Self-Compassion, How Women Can Harness Kindness to Speak up, Claim Their Power, and Thrive by Kristin Neff.
Also recommended: Fierce Self-Compassion 3-hr Workshop with Dr. Kristin Neff.
Class Fees
General Registration Fee: $595
Early Bird: $495*
* Early bird discounts are available up until 2 weeks before the start date of each course.
Scholarships
A limited number of scholarships are available. You can apply for a scholarship using this form Scholarship Application. Places will be offered in the order application forms are received. Places are confirmed once payment is received. (Please note that scholarships are based on personal financial need, separate from being financially over-extended or over-committed.)
Cancellation Policy
Course registration fees will be refunded or transferred to future FSC dates if cancellation occurs at least 2 weeks prior to the start date of each course. After that date a 50% refund will be given if requested up to 1 week before the start of class. No refunds will be offered if canceling within 1 week of the course (except on compassionate grounds for extenuating circumstances). To process any refund, there will be a $50 dollar fee charged by the system. The refund is for tuition fees, and any miscellaneous expenses incurred related to this course will not be refunded.
Fierce Self-Compassion Involves:
- Taking action in the world to protect, provide, and motivate ourselves to alleviate suffering
- Saying “no” to others who are hurting us – drawing our boundaries firmly
- Saying “no” to our own harmful behaviors, so that we can be safe and healthy
- Giving ourselves what we genuinely need – mentally, emotionally, physically and spiritually
Course Objectives:
- Describe how the three key components of self-compassion manifest when protecting ourselves, providing for our needs, and motivating change
- Begin to recognize and transcend the blocks to drawing effective boundaries
- Learn to work with and harness your anger as a constructive support
- Identify your needs and give yourself permission to meet them
- Develop skills to motivate yourself with encouragement rather than criticism
- Understand how fierce self-compassion can be utilized for social change
