Mindful Self-Compassion Short Course

125 East State Street,Burlington WI 53105

30 January, 2023

Description

Mindfulness within self-compassion is about using mindfulness in a more targeted way, to support emotional development with overcoming feelings of personal suffering (Germer, 2009). Mindfulness is the first step—turning with loving awareness toward difficult experience (thoughts, emotions, and sensations). Self-compassion comes next—bringing loving awareness to ourselves. Together, mindfulness and self-compassion comprise a state of warm, connected, presence during difficult moments in our lives. Most of us feel compassion when a close friend is struggling. What would it be like to receive the same kindness and compassion that you give to others when you suffer, fail, or feel inadequate? All that’s required is a simple U-turn—including yourself in the circle of your compassion. Self-compassion is essentially a humble enterprise. Self-compassion involves the capacity to soothe, comfort, and validate ourselves, as well as to protect, provide for and motivate ourselves, when things go wrong in our lives. It is learned, in part, by connecting with our natural compassion for others. Learning how to be self-compassionate also helps us sustain and expand our compassion for others. What to expect In MSC you’ll learn to: -Practice mindfulness and self-compassion in daily life -Understand the science of self-compassion -Use self-compassion to live in accord with your values -Handle difficult emotions with greater ease -Motivate yourself with kindness rather than criticism -Work with challenging relationships -Manage caregiver fatigue -Practice the art of savoring and self-appreciation -Teach simple self-compassion skills to others MSC is designed for members of the general public. Meditation experience is not necessary to participate in MSC. All are welcome! The program is based on the values of equity, diversity and inclusiveness. Program activities include short talks, experiential exercises, meditation, group discussion, and home practices). MSC is a journey—an adventure in self-discovery and self-kindness. Self-compassion has the paradoxical effect of both soothing our emotional distress as well as opening us to the pain that we may have been unconsciously holding inside, often for many years. Therefore, challenging emotions are likely to surface during the program, including past trauma. MSC teachers are committed to helping participants feel safe and comfortable during the course. However, participants agree at the outset that they will take primary responsibility for their emotional wellbeing. PART 2 will be led in Early Spring 2023 Please purchase the book: The Mindful Self-Compassion Workbook by Kristin Neff and Chris Germer OR you may add as an add-on to this course the fee for the book and we will provide a copy for you. Sherry has been a lifelong teacher in community and higher education. She has degrees in Sociology, Education and Humanities. She is a published writer, group facilitator and a creative living consultant with Mind Your Muse. Her life goal is to stay zany and wild while pursuing a life overflowing with love, contemplation and light.