Mindful Self-Compassion Core Skills Training March 7-8th, 2026

Mindfulness is the first step in emotional healing—being able to turn toward and acknowledge our difficult thoughts and feelings (such as inadequacy, sadness, anger, confusion) with a spirit of openness and curiosity. Self-compassion involves responding to these difficult thoughts and feelings with warmth and support so that we comfort ourselves when we’re hurting and take action to make needed changes. 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.

This workshop is offered as an in-person weekend retreat on the beautiful grounds of Bethlehem Centre, Nanaimo, B.C.  Program activities will include short talks, meditation, experiential exercises, group discussion, and home practices. The goal is for participants to directly experience self-compassion and learn practices that evoke self-compassion in daily life.

No previous experience with mindfulness or meditation is required to attend this introductory level workshop. The course is designed to be both relevant and accessible to practicing mental health professionals as well as other professionals interested in key research and practices in mindful self-compassion.

Join us for a weekend to yourself.  Taking time for yourself is not selfish.  It is important to reconnect with ourselves and what is truly meaningful.  Self-compassion training is about learning to include yourself in your arms of compassion for others.  This is the only way that we can sustain compassion for our families, our communities and our world without burning out.