Mindful Self-Compassion training offered in Wallingford
Mindful Self-Compassion (MSC) was developed by Christopher K. Germer, PhD, leader in the integration of mindfulness and psychotherapy (www.mindfulselfcompassion.org) and Kristin Neff, PhD, pioneering researcher in the field of self-compassion (www.self-compassion.org).
MSC combines the skills of mindfulness and self-compassion, providing a powerful tool for emotional resilience. Mindfulness is the first step in emotional healing - being able to turn toward and acknowledge our difficult thoughts and feelings (such as inadequacy, sadness, anger, confusion) with a spirit of openness and curiosity.
Self-compassion involves responding to these difficult thoughts and feelings with kindness, sympathy and understanding so that we soothe and comfort ourselves when we're hurting. Research has shown that self-compassion greatly enhances emotional well-being. It boosts happiness, reduces anxiety and depression, and can even help maintain healthy lifestyle habits such as diet and exercise. Being both mindful and compassionate leads to greater ease and well-being in our daily lives.
MSC can be learned by anyone. It's the practice of repeatedly evoking good will toward ourselves - especially when we're suffering - and cultivating the same desire that all living beings have to live happily and be free from suffering.
Most of us feel compassion when a close friend is struggling. What would it be like to receive the same caring attention whenever you needed it most? All that's required is a shift in the direction of our attention - recognizing that as a human being, you too, are a worthy recipient of compassion.
In MSC you will learn:
- How to stop being so hard on yourself
- How to handle difficult emotions with greater ease
- How to motivate yourself with encouragement rather than criticism
- How to transform difficult relations, both old and new
- Mindfulness and self-compassion practices for home and everyday life
- The theory and research behind mindful self-compassion
- How to become your own best teacher
A randomized, controlled trial demonstrated that MSC significantly increased self-compassion, compassion for others, mindfulness, and life satisfaction, as well as decreased depression, anxiety and stress. Improvements were linked to how much a person practiced mindfulness and self-compassion in their daily lives.
Schedule:
8 classroom sessions: Thursday evenings 6pm - 8:45pm, September 21st - November 16th (skipping October 19th)
Extended session: Saturday November 4th 9am - 4pm
Instructor: Richard Johnson, PhD, Mindfulness Northwest Senior Instructor
Location:
Good Shepherd Center
4649 Sunnyside Ave N
Seattle, WA 98103
(directions and map available here)
Cost:
$340 - $520 sliding scale (paying on the higher end makes the lower end possible, our usual built-in "scholarship" system).
The fee includes all 9 meetings and instructional materials (course manual and home practice CDs).
Payment plans are available during registration (4 equal monthly payments; no financing fee).
Financial Assistance: Scholarship assistance may be available for those unable to pay at the low end of the sliding fee scale. Please APPLY FOR A SCHOLARSHIP.
Registration:
REGISTER ONLINE or register by phone at 360-830-6439 ext 0.
Related Classes:
Getting Started with Mindfulness and Compassion in Seattle (3-week class)
Wednesday evenings September 13th, 20th and 27th
Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction in Seattle (8-week class)
Mondays mid-day from September 18th - November 13th
Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction in Kirkland (8-week class)
Wednesdays mid-day from September 20th - November 15th
Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction in Kirkland (8-week class)
Wednesday evenings from September 20th - November 15th
