8-Week Mindful Self-Compassion Course

Orientation: Tuesday, January 16, 2018, 10:00-11:30 a.m.
8-Week session: Tuesdays: February 6-April 10, 2018, 10:00 a.m. to 12:15 p.m. (no class on March 13th due to weather)
Half-Day Retreat: Tuesday, March 20th from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 pm. (bring your own lunch).

IDEAL FOR: All levels including beginners. Meditation experience is not necessary.
Please note: This MSC course satisfies a prerequisite for becoming a MSC program teacher.

Research shows that 70% of the population is kinder to their friends than they are to themselves. Mindful self-compassion helps us change this common dynamic by cultivating good will toward ourselves, especially when we’re suffering. Instead of judging ourselves for our personal inadequacies and shortcomings, MSC helps us meet our failings with kindness and understanding. It is a life-transforming practice that changes lives and relationships from the inside out.

What is the MSC Course?

Mindful Self-Compassion is an eight-week course that is based on the evidence-based Mindful Self-Compassion program developed by Kristin Neff, Ph.D. and Chris Germer, Ph.D., both world-leading experts in self-compassion. MSC teaches three core practices:

• Mindfulness, or the practice of being in the present moment with our struggles
• Recognizing that your suffering and imperfections are part of common humanity and therefore you are not alone in your suffering
• How to bring self-kindness to yourself through our attitudes, intentions and actions

Studies have reported benefits of self-compassion practices, which include less depression, anxiety and stress, improved coping skills, and greater social connectedness, optimism and happiness.

Who should attend?

The MSC course is for everyone. It is ideal for newcomers to mindfulness as well as those who have completed the MBSR course. MBSR practitioners will find that MSC deepens and enhances their foundation of mindfulness with the practice of self-compassion. Professionals who wish to integrate self-compassion into their work will also benefit from this course, including mental health professionals who can in turn teach clients to self-regulate strong emotions, decrease negative self-talk and improve relationships.

What is the course format?

Format will include lecture, group sharing, guided meditation, written reflection and small group sharing. It begins with a free orientation and includes a four-hour retreat on March 14, 2017.

Tuition is $475.