Mindful Self-Compassion

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
• A copy of The Mindful Self-Compassion Workbook by Kristin Neff and Christopher Germer
• Group dialogue and small group exercises
• Eight 2.75 hour classroom sessions plus a 4-hour weekend retreat.

NOTE: In addition to wearing facemasks for the duration of class, all participants must provide proof of COVID-19 vaccination at the venue’s request. You will be asked to upload your proof when you register. See our COVID policy for more details.

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.

To learn more about whether the time is right for you to register for this course, please see What Are Our Classes Like? in the FAQs, from Executive Director Tim Burnett.

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.

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

MSC combines the skills of mindfulness and self-compassion, providing a powerful tool for emotional resilience. 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.