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2026 November 21 | Writing as Self-Compassion Practice

2026 November 21 | Writing as Self-Compassion Practice

$145.00 USD
$145.00 USD
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Writing as Self-Compassion Practice

Meeting this Moment with Wonder and Curiosity

Saturday, November 21, 2026
9:00 a.m.–1:00 p.m. Pacific Time (online)
with David Fredrickson and Aimee Eckhardt

Some seasons ask a lot of us. We warmly invite you to set aside your labors for awhile and join us in the curiously potent experience of Writing as Self-Compassion Practice. In this half-day workshop, we’ll practice loosening our grip and following our curiosity onto the page. What emerges may be tender, surprising, unruly, funny, or wonderfully alive. We won’t ask ourselves to perform gratitude or “look on the bright side.” Instead, we’ll make room for the full, colorful range of our lives and for whatever wants to be discovered there.

Why Writing as Practice?

Much like meditation, writing practice can reveal what lies beneath the surface of our habitual thinking. When responding to high-impact questions by simply keeping the pen moving without planning, editing, or steering toward a particular conclusion, something unexpected can emerge. No writing proficiency or artificial intelligence required. You have what is needed. Mindfulness helps us notice whatever appears. Self-compassion helps us to suspend judgment and meet both the writing and the person holding the pen with kindness.

This workshop will be co-facilitated by David Fredrickson and Aimee Eckhardt, who have offered Writing as Practice through the Community for Deepening Practice (CDP). They are delighted to bring this lively practice to CMSC’s wider community. Writing as Practice was developed by author, teacher, and longtime Zen practitioner Natalie Goldberg.

Come ready to move a little, write freely, and be surprised. There is nothing to prepare, nothing to perform, and no perfect way for the words to arrive. You’re welcome just as you are.


About Your Teachers

MSC Teacher David Fredrickson

David Fredrickson, PhD

Psychotherapist, Certified MSC Teacher, and author, David Fredrickson has worked with and learned from underserved and traumatized communities including at-risk children and families, the LGBTQIA+ community, and those affected by HIV/AIDS. Following his own health crisis, activated by caregiver fatigue, David discovered that his care often did not include himself. Mindful Self-Compassion (MSC) became part of his own healing and as a MSC teacher he is committed to bringing this powerful balm to others. He is a MSC teacher trainer and was honored to be part of Chris Germer’s development team for the Self-Compassion for Shame Course.

Aimee Eckhardt

Aimee Eckhardt is a Certified MSC Teacher and founder of the Community for Deepening Practice, where she and her team have devoted the last near-decade to teaching people to meet their lives with ever-deepening compassion. She’s also worked as CMSC’s Communications Director and actively teaches LOMSC for the Center. Her work and wellbeing are supported by her 24-year meditation practice, her family of teachers (both living and dead), her ongoing studies at the Upaya Zen Center, and the stunning land near where she lives in Colorado.

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The Magic of Practicing Together

Although we write individually, Writing as Practice becomes something different when we do it in community. After each writing period, those who wish may read a phrase, a sentence, or all of what they have written in a small group. There can be a quiet magic in this exchange and so much common humanity. Writing alongside others, offering compassionate attention, and allowing our own words to be witnessed can take the practice somewhere we may not reach alone.

Workshop Details

  • Workshop Outline

    Our time together will include:

    • Soft landing, introductions, and resource building
    • A lively introduction to Writing as Practice
    • A variety of writing warm-ups and themed practices 
    • Gentle movement, stretching, and opportunities to reset
    • Optional, but encouraged, sharing in small groups (free from feedback, critique, advice)
    • Large-group reflection and conversation
    • A closing practice to help carry the experience into the wor

  • Who Should Attend and Workshop Logistics

    • No writing experience is needed. You don’t need to enjoy writing or have anything particularly wise, beautiful, or important to say.
    • Please bring a pen and a notebook or several sheets of paper.
    • You won’t be sitting for the full four hours. We’ll weave in gentle, adaptable movement, stretching, opportunities to reset, and a longer break.
    • Sharing is always optional. You are welcome to read some or all of what you’ve written in a small group—or simply listen.
    • Small-group sharing will not be recorded in order to protect participants’ confidentiality.
    • The instructional portions will be recorded for those who need to participate asynchronously. While you’ll be able to engage with the practices through the recording, we encourage you to attend live to receive the full experience. This is not a lecture-based experience.

  • Learning Objectives

    • Writing freely without editing or striving
    • Following curiosity into the unknown
    • Meeting what emerges with mindful compassion
    • Listening without fixing, advising, or interpreting
    • Using movement and the body to support discovery



    Access to Materials and Session Recordings

    The recording of the workshop will be uploaded within 48 hours of the workshop's conclusion. Participants will have access to the recording for 90 days. Access will be provided through CMSC's online learning platform. If you need assistance accessing your materials, please contact us at hello@centerformsc.org.

  • Workshop Outcomes

    By the end of the workshop, participants will have:

    • A direct experience of writing as mindfulness and self-compassion
    • Greater freedom from perfectionism and self-judgment
    • Fresh insight into what nourishes and sustains them
    • A felt sense of connection and common humanity

FAQs & Important Information

How do I purchase Continuing Education credits for this workshop?

CE Availability Pending

If I'm unable to attend, can I request a refund?

Our entire Refund Policy is located here: https://centerformsc.org/cmsc-policies/

We encourage you to review the Refund Policy in its entirety. Below is important information that we would like you to be aware of before choosing to make a financial commitment with us.

All refund requests must be made via the refund request form at the link above.


Refunds must meet specific terms of eligibility to include the reason for requesting a refund.
Our Refund Policy (at the link above) includes details on when we are able and are not able to issue a full refund.


All refund request forms are reviewed by a small team of our staff. We ask for your patience and understanding when requesting a refund.


If you have any questions after reviewing our Refund Policy, feel free to reach out to us at hello@centerformsc.org

Important Info: Mindful Self-Compassion is not a substitute for Therapy

Our programs are designed to teach participants the tools needed to develop and cultivate a mindfulness and self-compassion practice.

It is not a substitute for mental health care, personal therapy or medical treatment.


Personal safety and emotional wellbeing are the foundation of self-compassion training and you are primarily responsible for your own safety.

Teachers and facilitators are not expected or able to provide medical and/or psychological care. Course experiences may bring up challenging memories or feelings.

If you have a history with a serious mental health condition or other concerns you think may impact your ability to take this course, please contact CMSC or your healthcare professional to determine if this course is right for you. Your personal contact information may be used in the event the teacher or facilitator reasonably determines a need to call emergency services on your behalf.

Important Info: Productive Participation in Courses & Workshops

Participation is at the discretion of the teachers and facilitators at all times.

If, in the opinion of the teachers and facilitators, you are unable to participate productively and appropriately in the course or workshop you have registered for, you may be asked to discontinue.

Decisions of removal are to ensure CMSC provides the safest space possible for our participants and teachers. Please see our refund policy regarding necessary participant removal.