Why MSC?
Interested in learning to be kinder to yourself when you’re suffering? Wish you had better tools for handling difficult emotions? Want to be able to motivate yourself with encouragement rather than criticism and start to leave that harsh inner-critical voice behind? The Mindful Self-Compassion (MSC) program includes exercises, meditations, and lessons on mindfulness, compassion for ourselves, difficult emotions, transforming the inner critic, and more.
We feel compassion and respond with kindness when a close friend is struggling. What would it be like to be able to offer yourself the same caring attention when you need it most?
What to Expect
This 8-week course includes:
- Guided instruction in mindful self-compassion practices and meditations
- Skill building exercises for managing difficult emotions and developing compassion
- Learning how to motivate yourself with encouragement rather than criticism
- Learning how to stop being so hard on yourself and open to more happiness and joy
- The Mindful Self-Compassion Workbook by Kristin Neff and Christopher Germer
- Group dialogue and small group exercises
- Eight 2.5 hour classroom sessions
- A weekend retreat day of practice
Each of the eight weekly classes includes instruction in mindfulness, compassion, emotional awareness and a series of skills. Far from being only “classroom learning,” each MSC unit includes hands-on experiential meditations and exercises along with opportunities to discuss your learning with peers and the instructor. Real-world tools are provided that you can try in between classes. There’s also an additional retreat session on the weekend to deepen your practice.
More about MSC
Mindful Self-Compassion (MSC) was developed by Christopher K. Germer, PhD, leader in the integration of mindfulness and psychotherapy, and Kristin Neff, PhD, pioneering researcher in the field of self-compassion. MSC combines the skills of mindfulness and self-compassion, providing a powerful tool for emotional resilience.
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
- Mindfulness and self-compassion practices for home and everyday life
- The theory and research behind mindful self-compassion
Mindfulness strengthens being able to turn toward and acknowledge our difficult thoughts and feelings with a spirit of openness and curiosity. Self-compassion involves responding to 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.
Preparing for MSC
We recommend watching this five-minute message from Executive Director Tim Burnett on what our classes look and feel like before enrolling in MBSR or MSC.
If you’re unsure about registering for a course, please contact the Mindfulness Northwest office. We want to be sure there is sufficient support for you and that the timing is right for taking our courses.
Wondering what this class is like? You can also sign up for a FREE 90 minute introduction to this curriculum:
SCHEDULE
Wednesdays, May 3 – June 21, 2023
6:00 – 8:30pm
All-Day Retreat: Saturday, June 10, 9am – 4pm
TEACHER
LOCATION
COST
Choose what’s right for you on our sliding scale: $445 – $680
- Scholarships – Limited scholarships available. No need to apply; just choose scholarship tuition during registration.
- Payment Plans – No interest, 4 month payment plan option is available during registration.
CONTINUING ED FOR EDUCATORS
Up to 26 Clock Hours are available for eligible Washington State (K-12) teachers, administrators, and educational staff associates who take this course. Please check this page to confirm eligibility for clock hours. Mindfulness Northwest is an approved provider through Washington State OSPI.
Carolyn is fantastic with presenting the material, helping everyone feel at ease, and holding space for people in a very warm and peaceful manner.
NOTE: Masking may be recommended or required depending on CDC's Community Covid Level or current State and County recommendations. See our current COVID policy.
Wondering what this class is like? You can also sign up for a FREE 90 minute introduction to this curriculum:
Register for this program
Registration is closed for this program.
