Dear Friends, September invites transition. The light shifts, school resumes, and the rhythm of life clicks back into a different gear after the looseness of summer. Whether we welcome this change or feel resistant to it, transition always stirs something. Sometimes excitement. Sometimes grief. Often both. In a world that asks us to lead at full throttle, to perform, to produce, and to be exceptional at all times, it’s easy to forget that we are already leading. We lead in our families, in...
about 2 months ago • 7 min read
Dear CMSC Community, As we step into August, I’m holding a deep appreciation for the heart and resilience of our global self‑compassion community. July offered two vivid reminders of what happens when we meet ourselves, and each other, with kindness. International Self‑Compassion Day invited personal pauses and shared reflections around the world; soon after, our Mid‑Year Renewal Retreat gathered thousands more to breathe, reconnect, and to share in compassionate community. These moments are...
3 months ago • 8 min read
Dear Reader, We’re so glad you’re registered for CMSC’s 2025 Mid-Year Renewal Retreat on Saturday, July 26th. Whether you signed up to attend live or just for the replay, you’re welcome to join us live—for the full retreat, a single session, or any portion that fits your schedule. Theme: Standing Strong, Staying Kind, Finding Joy in Uncertain TimesDate: Saturday, July 26, 2025Location: Zoom Webinar🔗 Link to Join: https://us06web.zoom.us/j/81346740290?pwd=qdMUyWcxbuSbGgwCmIXvMeqdqH2H93.1Be...
3 months ago • 2 min read
Dear CMSC Community, There are times in life when big questions can arise—quietly, urgently, or unexpectedly. Recently, someone asked me, “What keeps you going?” I’ve been sitting with that question—especially through all the uncertainty and cruelty going on in the world right now—and I offer it to you, too, in whatever way it resonates. For me, in day-to-day moments, what keeps me going is a smile, a hug, a kind word, or nature’s awe-inspiring beauty. At work, as CMSC’s Communications...
4 months ago • 7 min read
Dear CMSC Community, The work of easing suffering and nurturing kindness to ourselves matters now more than ever. These shared commitments give us the strength to navigate uncertainty and move forward with purpose. Whether you’ve taken a course, used CMSC resources, made a donation, or simply brought self‑compassion into your day, you’ve made this work possible. Thank you. Your participation drives our mission forward and shows the real‑world impact of compassion in action. Here’s our Mission...
5 months ago • 8 min read
Dear CMSC Community, Have you ever wondered what goes on behind the scenes at the Center for Mindful Self-Compassion (CMSC)? Our small but dedicated team works each day to support a global community of teachers, course participants, and those in the world looking to practice self-compassion—all with the shared mission of alleviating human suffering and improving the collective well-being of the planet through the practice of self-compassion. Here’s how we show up each day: Working to Nurture...
6 months ago • 6 min read
Dear CMSC Community, This month, I celebrate the heart of our community—all of you—with a special focus on our incredible volunteers, who show how self-compassion and compassion for others go hand in hand. Thank you to everyone who shows up with genuine care, whether you’re leading Circles of Practice, serving on our board, or offering support in other meaningful ways. Your dedication creates a community that actively reduces suffering and spreads joy through everyday acts of kindness. To our...
7 months ago • 7 min read
In Person MSC Core Skills Workshop with Chris Germer and Kristin Neff May 30th & 31st, Los Angeles, CA Register Now! Register before May 8th and save $50 with the code Core50LA Join Chris Germer and Kristin Neff for this unique in person opportunity this May!Friday, May 30, 9:00 AM – 4:30 PMSaturday, May 31, 9:00 AM – 4:30 PMLocation: Presbyterian Church, 1220 2nd St, Santa Monica, CA(This is a secular event) For the first time in three years, MSC founders Dr. Kristin Neff and Dr. Chris...
8 months ago • 2 min read
Self-Compassion in Action: How to Stay Kind to Yourself in Uncertain Times In a world that feels increasingly uncertain—whether from work stress, relationship challenges, or global unrest—it’s easy to turn our struggles inward, meeting them with self-judgment instead of understanding. Self-compassion helps us to see these inner conflicts and respond with support rather than self-criticism. By practicing self-compassion, we quiet the battles within and create space for inner peace—so that no...
8 months ago • 9 min read