My Self-Compassion Journey

My Self-Compassion Journey

In 2014 I found myself at a week long intensive training in Mindful Self-Compassion on Whidbey Island, Washington and the trajectory of my life changed. The practices resonated deeply and challenged my inner self-critic that had been running the show for too long. I...
The Journey by Mary Oliver

The Journey by Mary Oliver

Leaving the self-critical voice behind and choosing kindness.  Enjoy this poem by the late Mary Oliver. One day you finally knew what you had to do, and began, though the voices around you kept shouting their bad advice – – – though the whole house began to tremble...
Forgiveness Practice

Forgiveness Practice

Forgiveness is an important part of self-care and an integral component of learning to manage difficult relationships in our lives. Mindfulness and Self-Compassion can help us.  That is why Forgiveness Practice is included in Mindful Self-Compassion Training. The...
Mindful Self-Compassion 8 Week Training

Mindful Self-Compassion 8 Week Training

Most of us feel compassion when a close friend is struggling. What would it be like to receive the same caring attention whenever you needed it most? All that’s required is a shift in the direction of our attention—recognizing that as a human being, you, too, are a worthy recipient of compassion.

Mindful Self-Compassion 8 Week Training

Mindful Self-Compassion 8 Week Training

Mindful Self-Compassion combines the skills of mindfulness and self-compassion, providing a powerful tool for emotional resilience. 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 kindness, sympathy and understanding so that we soothe and comfort ourselves when we’re hurting. Research has shown that self-compassion greatly enhances emotional wellbeing. 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.