Mindful Self-Compassion (MSC) is a research-based, 9-week training program designed to cultivate the skill of self-compassion. MSC teaches participants to respond to difficult moments in their lives with kindness, care, and understanding.
3 components of Self-Compassion
· Self-kindness opens our hearts to suffering, so we can give ourselves what we need.
· Common humanity opens us to our essential interrelatedness, so that we know we aren’t alone.
· Mindful awareness opens us to the present moment, so we can accept our experience with greater ease.
Benefits of Self-Compassion
Self-compassion can be learned by anyone, even those who didn’t receive enough affection in childhood or who feel uncomfortable when they are good to themselves. It’s a courageous attitude that stands up to harm, including the harm that we unwittingly inflict on ourselves through self-criticism, self-isolation, or self-absorption. Self-compassion provides emotional strength and resilience, allowing us to admit our shortcomings, motivate ourselves with kindness, forgive ourselves when needed, relate wholeheartedly to others, and be more authentically ourselves. Rapidly expanding research demonstrates that self-compassion is strongly associated with emotional wellbeing, less anxiety, depression and stress, maintenance of healthy habits such as diet and exercise, and satisfying personal relationships. And it’s easier than you think. After participating in this workshop, you’ll be able to: •Practice self-compassion in daily life •Understand the empirically-supported benefits of self-compassion •Motivate yourself with kindness rather than criticism •Handle difficult emotions with greater ease •Transform challenging relationships, old and new •Manage caregiver fatigue •Practice the art of savoring and self-appreciation
5 ways you will learn self-compassion
· meditation
· short talks
· experiential exercises
· group discussion
· home practices
Upcoming Course Dates
Fall 2023 Course Dates
Wednesday, October 11, 2023 to Wednesday, December 13, 2023
Time: 4:00 pm to 6:30 pm
Location: IDW 115A
*Note: November 22 will be skipped to observe the holiday. Class will resume on November 29
Additional Information
MSC is primarily about practicing self-compassion, not learning mindfulness.
Though MSC may lead to personal growth, it is not psychotherapy.
Beneficial change can occur naturally as we learn to treat ourselves more kindly. However, some difficult emotions may arise along the way.
Participants should plan to attend every session and practice mindfulness and self-compassion at least 30 minutes.