Dear CMSC Community,

As we move into May, I’ve been reflecting on the foundational role Mindful Self‑Compassion plays not only in our work at CMSC, but in my own life. Again and again, I return to this simple yet transformative truth: when we learn to meet ourselves with mindfulness, kindness, and a sense of shared humanity, something shifts at the core of how we live.

Mindful Self‑Compassion has a quiet power. It strengthens us in moments of difficulty, steadies us through change, and allows us to show up more fully, in our relationships, our work, and our communities. MSC has helped me navigate uncertainty in my own life with greater clarity and care, reminding me that I don’t need to be perfect to be worthy of compassion. From that place, courage grows. Creativity opens. Connection deepens.Through practice, I’ve found several MSC tools that truly resonate with me. One I often use is asking myself, “What do I need to hear right now?” and responding with care when I’m suffering. We would love to know more about what parts of MSC feel vital to your practice, if you feel inspired to share please let us know here.

This month also brings a meaningful opportunity to deepen or begin your practice together in person. I’m delighted to share that our Core Skills Workshop will be held May 16–17 in Montréal, Canada, led by CMSC Co‑Founders Kristin Neff and Chris Germer. Gathering face‑to‑face to explore and embody these practices is a powerful way to reconnect with ourselves and with one another. I hope many of you will be able to join us. For MSC Teachers, this is followed by the MSC Global Teacher Festival on May 18, a dedicated in-person gathering for our teacher community to connect and deepen practice together.

Thank you for being part of this community and for the many ways you are bringing mindful self‑compassion into the world. May this month offer you moments of gentleness, strength, and growth—exactly as you are.

With warmth and gratitude,
​Michael Reved​
Interim Executive Director

Vielen Dank • Muchas Gracias • Tack så mycket • Veel dank • Merci beaucoup
非常感谢你 • ありがとうございました • Thank you very much
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Research: Mindfulness practices that teach self-compassion have psychological and physical benefits

A growing body of research is demonstrating what many practitioners of Mindful Self‑Compassion have long experienced firsthand: learning to treat ourselves with kindness has profound effects on both psychological and physical well‑being. This research done in 2019 at the University of Oxford is an example of exploring how mindfulness practices that explicitly teach self‑compassion can reduce distress, improve emotional resilience, and support overall health. By examining measurable outcomes such as stress, mental health symptoms, and physiological markers, this work helps bridge scientific inquiry with lived experience, offering compelling evidence that self‑compassion is not only a supportive inner attitude, but a powerful resource for healing and growth.

Meditation: Self-Compassion Break with Kristin Neff

Take a short break to reconnect with yourself in this guided Self-Compassion Break Meditation led by Dr. Kristin Neff, co-founder of the Center for Mindful Self-Compassion. In just a few minutes, you'll learn how to bring mindfulness, common humanity, and self-kindness into a challenging moment—offering yourself the same care you'd give a good friend. A simple, powerful practice you can return to anytime.

​Join Kristin Neff and Chris Germer in-person this May in Montréal for a MSC Core Skills Workshop.

​

In‑Person MSC Core Skills Workshop in Montréal

May 16th – 17th, 2026 with Dr. Kristin Neff & Dr. Chris Germer
Saturday & Sunday, 9:00 am - 4:30 pm EDT

Join MSC co‑founders Dr. Kristin Neff and Dr. Chris Germer this May in Montréal for a rare, immersive in‑person MSC Core Skills Workshop—a special opportunity to learn directly from the pioneers who developed the Mindful Self‑Compassion program.

Over two transformative days, you’ll explore the essential practices of MSC through guided meditations, experiential exercises, short talks, and supportive group dialogue. This workshop distills the heart of the full 8‑week MSC course into a powerful 12‑hour experience designed to help you:

• Meet difficult emotions with greater ease
• Strengthen resilience and emotional well‑being
• Motivate yourself with kindness rather than criticism
• Deepen your sense of common humanity
• Cultivate a warm, connected presence in daily life

Whether you’re new to self‑compassion or looking to refresh and deepen your practice, this workshop offers a meaningful way to reconnect with yourself and others in community.

Dates: May 16–17, 2026

Location: Montréal, Canada (Agora, Heart of Science Pavilion on the campus of the University of Québec at Montréal (UQAM))

Open to: The general public, mental health professionals, educators, caregivers, and anyone seeking greater emotional balance and self‑kindness.

This is a rare chance to learn from the originators of MSC in a live, intimate setting. Spaces are limited—reserve your spot today.

Self-Compassion for Shame 8-Week Online Course*

Shame can quietly shape how we see ourselves—fueling self‑criticism, disconnection, and a sense of unworthiness. This 8‑week Self‑Compassion for Shame course offers a supportive, research‑based path to meet shame with understanding, courage, and kindness.

Beginning June 3, this live, experiential course draws on Mindful Self‑Compassion (MSC) practices to help participants:

• Understand how shame operates in the mind and body
• Work skillfully with inner critics and painful self‑beliefs
• Cultivate self‑compassion as a reliable source of resilience and healing
• Build greater emotional safety, self‑acceptance, and connection

This cohort will be offered a unique one-time info/Q&A Session with Dr. Chris Germer on Monday, June 29 from 10am - 11am!

Details

Wednesdays, June 3 – July 22 (skips July 1)
​10:00 AM – 12:30 PM PT​
​Live online

​Join the Free Info Session on May 13 and save $100!​

Join a free informational session on May 13 to learn more about the course, meet the instructor, and see if it’s a good fit for you. Participants who attend the info session and enroll will receive $100 off registration. Sign Up Here.

This course is open to anyone who has completed an MSC program or has prior experience with self‑compassion practices and is ready to go deeper in working with shame.

*Prerequisites for registration:

• Must be 18 years or older
• Must have completed a 8-wk or 10-wk Mindful Self-Compassion Course or the 5-Day Intensive MSC Course.

Live Online Mindful Self-Compassion (LOMSC)

Learn the full practices and theories of self-compassion in our 10-week, live online programs! These courses are taught by certified MSC teachers around the world and help you establish a consistent self-compassion practice founded in research and science. You'll learn how self-compassion can lessen anxiety, depression, and stress and improve your relationships, health, and resilience. Join a course today. Courses available monthly. Explore all upcoming LOMSC dates.

May 19 - July 21​ ​Tuesdays 8-10am PT ​ Register

June 10 - August 12​ ​Wednesdays 9-11am PT ​ Register

​Live Online Teacher Training (LOTT-29)​
​Wednesdays, July 1 - September 16, 2026 | 4:00–7:00 pm PT
​

Saturday, July 18, 2026​
​International Self-Compassion Day: Celebrating Common Humanity: Global Awareness Day.​
Attend a free MSC Circles of Practice session at 7 am or 4 pm Pacific.
​
​Saturday, July 25, 2026​
Annual Mid-Year Live Online Renewal Retreat, Saturday, July 25, 2026: “Belonging to Ourselves and Others”
8-11 am and 4-7pm PT
Practice MSC in companionable silence with Chris & Kristin and six other MSC Teachers. Registration opens June 1. Watch your email for updates.
​
​Saturday, October 10, 2026 ​
Masterclass and CMSC Fundraiser on "The Courage to Care: Compassion for Ourselves and Our World." with psychologist, Senior Fellow at UC Berkeley’s Greater Good Science Center, and New York Times best-selling author, Rick Hanson, PhD, and Friends.
8-11 am PT

Saturday, December 12, 2026
Year-End Renewal Retreat: Coming Home to Ourselves: Returning to Self-Compassion
8-11 am and 4-7pm PT

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The Center for Mindful Self-Compassion is an international nonprofit organization that serves over 250,000 people in our global community. We are dedicated to alleviating suffering and improving the collective well-being of the planet through scientifically researched self-compassion training and practice. Our vision is a world where each person matters and everyone belongs. Your donations allow us to share self-compassion training around the world and keep Circles of Practice free to those in need. Thank you in advance for any support you are inspired to donate.