Hello Friends of Self-Compassion,

Here on the West Coast of North America, spring is offering flowers outside my window and this powerful beauty reminds me of April as Volunteer Month for the CMSC community. As a nonprofit charitable organization, we wholeheartedly cherish the countless hours and offerings our volunteers have contributed over the years to sustain this work. Their indispensable contributions are the backbone of our mission, allowing us to reach more hearts with the transformative power of self-compassion.

I recently had the privilege of meeting with our Circles of Practice volunteers, who are teachers that guide public participants and graduate participants in the ongoing practice of Mindful Self-Compassion. Their warmth and dedication radiated powerfully. This connection served as a heartwarming affirmation of the transformative power of mindful self-compassion. Similarly, in a recent meeting with our volunteer Board of Directors, I felt a wrap-around kind of hope in our collective efforts to sustain our mission, buoyed by their remarkable commitment of time and insight. On a global scale, thanks to our volunteer Translators, our MSC Teacher Guide is now available in 12 official languages! Their collective dedication serves to ensure every step we take is toward greater impact and deeper connection.

When our individual and collective lives feel fragmented and challenging, our community's collective action to embody mindful self-compassion stands as a beacon of hope. Being a part of this united journey towards cultivating a global culture of common humanity, self-kindness, and non-judgement is truly special. This Volunteer Month, we heartily thank all our volunteers for their invaluable contributions. Your dedication strengthens and inspires us all to keep practicing for a world with greater well-being and joy.

With kindness and gratitude,

Elijah Zimmerman (he/they)
CMSC Executive Director

Thank you to all our CMSC Volunteers, including our Circles of Practice Teachers, MSC Curriculum Translators, CMSC Board Members and Advisory Board, and all of you behind the scenes who have ever given of your time to CMSC. We are so deeply appreciative of your unwavering support and the compassion you bring to the world. Your generosity in sharing your expertise and creating a nurturing space for growth is deeply appreciated. Your time and commitment to guiding others on their journey of self-discovery and compassion are invaluable, and your contributions do not go unnoticed.

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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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Daily Micropractice of Self-Compassionate Touch Shows Positive Mental Health Benefits

ScienceDirect — A randomized controlled trial using the MSC practice of self-compassionate touch has shown in college students that short acts (<20 seconds) or practices of self-compassion done daily over 30 days can have positive mental health benefits including an increase in self-compassion and decreases in stress and psychopathology. Read the full article for insights that could transform your perspective on self-care and mental health.

Meditation: The 3-Center Check-in with Natalie Bell

Join Certified MSC Teacher, Natalie Bell in this brief mindfulness meditation that brings awareness to the body, emotions, and thoughts. It is a great way to "check in" with how you are doing. This practice is one of the practices within the Self-Compassion for Health Care course. Our next SCHC 6-Week course starts April 30th, 2024.

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Fierce Self-Compassion 8-Week Course with Natalie Bell and Laila Narsi

This course meets every Wednesday from 11:00am - 1:30pm PT – Click here to view the Time Conversion Chart​

Price: Early Bird $495 until April 10 (regular $595)

Since the publication of CMSC Co-Founder Kristin Neff’s ground-breaking book Self-Compassion, there has been a surge of interest in the science and practice of self-compassion. This has often focused on the tender, nurturing aspect of self-compassion, which involves “being with” ourselves in a compassionate way.

But self-compassion can be fierce as well as tender.

This unique course explores the action-oriented side of self-compassion that begins with the inner work of fierce self-compassion.

Fierce Self-Compassion Involves:

• Taking action in the world to protect, provide, and motivate ourselves to alleviate suffering and thrive
• Being able to say “no” to others who are hurting us – Beginning to draw our boundaries firmly
• Saying “no” to our own harmful behaviors, so that we can be safe and healthy
• Giving ourselves what we genuinely need – mentally, emotionally, physically and spiritually

Join Certified Mindful Self-Compassion Teachers Natalie Bell and Laila Narsi for eight inspiring weeks of immersion in the transformative power of fierce self-compassion.

Live Online Mindful Self-Compassion (LOMSC)

Learn the full practices and theories of self-compassion in our 10-week, live online programs! LOMSC is taught by certified MSC teachers around the world and helps 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.

Register

Register

Self-Compassion for Caregivers:
Caring for Others Without Losing Yourself
Live Online with Kristin Neff

This live online course meets on Saturday, April 27, 2024

Hours: 9:00 AM - 12:00 PM PT / 12:00 - 3:00 PM EST– Click here to view the Time Conversion Chart​

Cost: $125​

Think of all the generous, kind people you know who constantly give compassion and care to others, yet continually beat themselves up. Most of us are quite practiced at being supportive and giving to others, especially those of us who find ourselves in caregiver roles. Whether we have a special needs child, a parent with Alzheimer’s, an ill partner, or are in a caregiving profession such as being a doctor, nurse, therapist, or teacher, we know to give support, comfort and compassion to the people who need us. But how many of us offer that same level of compassion and care to ourselves?

Whether caring for family members or professional clients, if caring just goes one way - out but not in - you will eventually become drained and depleted. Self-compassion is crucial for caregivers because it allows us to resource ourselves so that we can sustain giving to others without burning out.

This workshop will present theory and research on the key role that self-compassion plays for caregivers. A variety of practices will be taught that can help individuals maintain equilibrium in difficult caregiving situations. We will also explore how to meet our needs in a balanced and fulfilling manner.

Learning objectives:

1. Describe the main components of self-compassion
2. Distinguish between empathy fatigue and compassion fatigue
3. Identity the link between self-compassion, stress, and burnout
4. Apply self-compassion in caregiving contexts

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Learn More

Learn More

Circles of Practice - Free Online Daily Meditations

Our MSC Circles of Practice program is a donation-based offering to our community and the public. CMSC offers 100 monthly free online daily practice sessions, all led by volunteer MSC teachers and supported by donations.These self-compassion meditation sessions are available on a daily, weekly, and monthly basis. Click on the links below to learn more and register for a session.

Join a session today:​

• MSC Graduates (7x weekly) | Register​
• General Public (2x daily, open to all) | Register​
• LGBTQI2S+ Affinity Circle (weekly) | Register​
• BIPOC Affinity Group (weekly) | Register​
• Hispanohablantes / Spanish speakers (weekly) | Register​
• Men’s Practice (monthly) | Register​

Are You Interested in
Teaching the MSC Curriculum?

MSC Teacher Training can be a rewarding career path or inspiring avocation for those interested in pursuing a deeper commitment to Mindful Self-Compassion and sharing it with others. Your journey begins by completing a standard MSC course as a participant followed by six months of personal self-compassion practice and attending a five-day silent retreat. Once these prerequisites are met, you can apply to join an upcoming 12-week online or six-day in-person MSC Teacher Training course. Once accepted into the Teacher Training program, you will complete several steps to become a Trained MSC Teacher, eligible to teach the standard MSC course. After teaching a minimum of three MSC courses, you can apply to start the process of becoming a fully Certified MSC Teacher eligible to teach approved MSC adaptations, in addition to the standard MSC course. Learn more or apply for our 2024 program.

Apply for April Live Online 12-Week or September 6-Day In-Person Teacher Training.​

​In-Person Teacher Training with Chris Germer starting September 28 - October 4, 2024 in North Carolina​

Looking for something else? Visit our new website and explore other courses and events on the horizon.

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.