Mindful Self-Compassion (MSC) is an evidence-based training programme helping participants to cultivate the life-changing skills of emotional regulation, and self-compassion (treating yourself as you would treat others when you are suffering i.e. with patience, warmth, understanding and seeing yourself in context, rather than seeing oneself as separate from others or as a fatally flawed individual). Please note it is not a therapy group, but a skills-based training group.
The course will help you to have:
Improved relationships with yourself, with your body and with others by managing the inner critic.
Better resilience in the face of life’s difficulties.
The courage to face your own blind spots, creating space for self-development.
An increased sense of connection to others.
More natural engagement in self-care behaviours e.g. exercise, eating well and drinking less.
Being less afraid of failure – helping you to live life more fully.
More self-confidence.
Connection to your core values, helping to guide you in a direction that resonates with you deeply.
And much more…
MSC is based on the research of Kristin Neff (University of Texas) and the clinical expertise of Christopher Germer (University of Harvard). MSC is a training programme designed to cultivate the skill of self-compassion. The sessions cover the core principles and practices that will help you to let go of the inner critic and enable you to approach difficult moments in your life with compassion, patience and understanding.
Each session will include short talks, easy and short meditations (suitable for all levels) exercises, some group discussion (participants are not obligated to speak if they do not wish to) and some manageable home practices.
Audios and handouts will be provided.
MSC combines the skills of mindfulness and self-compassion to enhance our capacity for emotional wellbeing. Mindfulness is the first step—turning with loving awareness toward difficult experience (thoughts, emotions, and sensations). Self-compassion comes next—bringing loving or supportive/motivating awareness to ourselves. Together, mindfulness and self-compassion comprise a state of warm, connected, presence during difficult moments in our lives and help us to keep going with resilience, wisdom and strength.
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In a randomized, controlled study, MSC significantly increased self-compassion, compassion for others, mindfulness, and life satisfaction, as well as decreased depression, anxiety and stress. Improvements were linked to how much a person practiced in their daily lives.
MSC is therapeutic but it’s not therapy. The emphasis of the program is on enhancing emotional resources to meet emotional challenges, old and new.Â
​© 2014 by ALEX NEWTE HARDIE