Mindful Self Compassion Course | Dallas Centre for Mindfulness & Compassion

Most of us feel compassion for our close friends when they are struggling. What would it be like to receive the same caring attention from ourself when we needed it most? All that’s required is a shift in attention recognizing that as a human being, we, too, are worthy of compassion.

Such self-compassion involves the capacity to comfort and soothe ourselves, and to motivate ourselves with encouragement, when we suffer, fail, or feel inadequate. Self-compassion is learned in part by connecting with our innate compassion for others and including ourselves in that circle of compassion. The practice of self-compassion also helps to grow and sustain our compassion for others. It allows us to admit our shortcomings, motivate ourselvers with kindness, forgive others when needed, relate wholeheartedly to others, and be more authentically ourselves.

Research shows that self-compassion is strongly associated with

emotional well being
decreased anxiety, depression and stress
maintenance of healthy habits such as diet and exercise, and
more satisfying personal relationships.

In this course, we will learn to cultivate the skill of self-compassion. And it is easier than you think!

What is Mindful Self Compassion and how does it work?

Self-compassion can be learned by anyone, even those who didn’t receive reliable affection in childhood or who feel uncomfortable when they are good to themselves. It’s a courageous attitude that stands up to harm, including the harm that we unwittingly inflict on ourselves through self-criticism, self-isolation, or self-absorption. Self-compassion provides emotional strength and resilience, allowing us to admit our shortcomings, motivate ourselves with kindness, forgive ourselves when needed, relate wholeheartedly to others, and be more authentically ourselves.

The practices aim at developing a state of warm-hearted, connected, presence. As we engage with the three core principles and practices, we become more able to respond to difficult moments in our lives with kindness, care, and understanding through:

self-kindness, which opens our hearts to our own suffering so we can give ourselves what we need
a sense of common humanity, which opens us to our essential interrelatedness so that we know we are not alone in facing our challenges, and
balanced, mindful awareness, which opens us to the present moment so we can accept our experience with greater ease.

This 6-week program is based on the groundbreaking research of Kristen Neff and the clinical expertise of Chris Germer, both leaders in the integration of mindfulness and psychotherapy.

What to expect

The course includes 6 weekly sessions of 100 minutes each, in addition to a 4-hour retreat. Prior to registering, participants should plan to attend every session and practice mindfulness and self-compassion at least 15 minutes per day throughout the program.

Course activities include meditation, short talks, experiential exercises, group discussion, and home practices. The goal is for participants to experience self-compassion directly and to learn practices that evoke self-compassion in daily life. MSC is a training program that emphasizes strengthening the capacity to be aware (mindfulness) and building emotional resources (self-compassion). Positive change occurs as we develop the capacity to be with ourselves in a kinder, more compassionate way.

While some difficult emotions may arise when practicing self-compassion, a safe, supportive environment is created for participants to explore these practices, and to make the journey interesting and enjoyable for everyone.

After participating in this course, you will be able to:

practice self-compassion in daily life
understand the empirically-supported benefits of self-compassion
motivate yourself with encouragement rather than criticism
handle difficult emotions with greater ease
manage caregiver fatigue
practice the art of self-appreciation

Do I need to register separately for the half-day retreat?

As noted, the course includes a 4-hour retreat that will take place Saturday morning, May 9. The retreat will be open to the general public as well. PLEASE NOTE: the MSC course fee includes the fall retreat. If you register for the MSC course, you do not need to register separately for the retreat unless you want to make an additional donation to DCMC.

If you are not able to participate in the MSC course, you are still welcome to join the retreat separately.

6-week Mindful Self-compassion – ML

Mindful Self Compassion

Register here for the half-day retreat on TBD (9am - 1pm)

What is Mindful Self Compassion and how does it work?

What to expect

Do I need to register separately for the half-day retreat?

About the teacher

Cost and registration

DALLAS CENTER for MINDFULNESS and COMPASSION