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 Director and an MSC Teacher, it’s our mission: doing everything we can to share self-compassion with you and the world. And in those dark-night-of-the-soul moments, it’s the voice of a reassuring friend, my MSC practice, and grounding myself in a deeper sense of presence and belonging to this unfolding mystery of life we get to witness—in all its complexity of suffering and joy.
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This month, we invite you to return to what sustains you—whether that’s turning inward, reconnecting with what matters most, or simply pausing to hold it all with care. Join us for two heart-filled events: International Self-Compassion Day on Saturday, July 19, and our free live online Mid-Year Renewal Retreat, Standing Strong, Staying Kind, Finding Joy in Uncertain Times, on Saturday, July 26. Both are inspiring opportunities to reconnect with yourself and the wider circle of compassion in our CMSC community.
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At CMSC, we see you and we thank you. In those who teach and those who sit with each other in our Circles of Practice and Renewal Retreats. In those who deepen their practice through our workshops, courses, and training programs. And in the quiet generosity of our donors, whose financial support helps keep this work accessible to all.
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However you choose to engage—thank you for helping to keep the spirit of self-compassion alive and growing.

With warmth and appreciation,
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​Mary Marcdante (she/her)​
​CMSC Communications Director
MSC Teacher
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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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Blog Post: From Loneliness to Belonging: How We Sustain Ourselves—and Each Other

At CMSC, we often hear from our community, “I didn’t realize how much I needed this. Thank you so much. This was so helpful.” Moments like these remind us that even small acts of connection can ripple out in meaningful ways. In times of loneliness or uncertainty, belonging to something kind and bigger than ourselves—like CMSC’s community—can help sustain us.
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If you’ve ever been touched by this work at CMSC—through Circles of Practice, a scholarship, or a retreat, course, workshop, or training—it’s because many others helped make that moment possible for you. Teachers, donors, volunteers, staff, and fellow participants all play a part in creating the conditions for self-compassion to flourish. And if you’ve ever offered your time, presence, or support, you’ve helped make those moments possible for others. Thank you. This month’s blog explores how we sustain one another through the circle of giving and receiving—and how your generosity helps keep this circle open to all.

Meditation: Soft Landing with Lisa Baylis

Join this guided meditation led by Certified MSC Teacher and CMSC Education Director Lisa Baylis. Lisa brings her warmth, wisdom, grounded presence, and years of experience as a teacher and school-based counselor to gently support you in reconnecting with yourself. This practice invites you to arrive just as you are, offering a compassionate pause to center your attention and care inward—an opportunity to meet whatever is present with kindness and ease.

Lisa will be hosting the morning session of the live online Renewal Retreat on Saturday, July 26. Sign up for free to be gently welcomed by her in a soft landing meditation, followed by her steady presence as emcee for a morning of self-compassion practices led by three inspiring MSC teachers.

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Join Lisa for free at the July 26th Renewal Retreat. Sign up for free here.
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Free Mid-Year Renewal Retreat:
Standing Strong, Staying Kind, Finding Joy in Uncertain Times

Saturday, July 26, 2025 | 8:00 am - 11:00 am PT & 4:00 pm-7:00 pm PT

In a world that often feels uncertain and overwhelming, it can be hard to stay grounded in kindness and joy. That’s why we created the Mid-Year Renewal Retreat: Standing Strong, Staying Kind, Finding Joy in Uncertain Times—a free, live online self-compassion gathering designed to help you pause, reconnect with your inner strength, and remember what matters most.

Join us on Saturday, July 26, for six hours of MSC practice hosted by the Center for Mindful Self-Compassion (CMSC). Join us for one, two, or three hours, or all sessions. You’ll experience guided practice, heartfelt teaching, and a global community with world-renowned MSC teachers including Kristin Neff, Chris Germer, Susan Gitau, Mila de Koning, Angelike Dexter, and Ben Weinstein, with Lisa Baylis and Natalie Bell serving as hosts.

This event is freely offered and supported through voluntary donations to help CMSC continue offering free programs like Circles of Practice and twice-yearly online global retreats to thousands around the world. If you are unable to attend, sign up anyway, a replay will be available for free for seven days. Donate to CMSC by July 26th and receive thank you gifts including Retreat replay access for an additional year.

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.

Register

Register

Self-Compassion for Shame Course
with Carolina Bautista-Velez and David Fredrickson

Mondays, August 4 - September 29, 2025 | 9:00 am - 11:30 am Pacific

What would happen if you were able to care for yourself when you felt shame, rather than being immobilized by fear, attacking yourself, or zoning out? Developed by Dr. Chris Germer and the SC-Shame development team, this 8-week course offers a groundbreaking approach to working with shame through the lens of self-compassion. Rather than viewing shame as something to fix, we’ll explore its origins, motivations, and effects—gently, mindfully, and without judgment.

Through weekly themes like mindfulness of shame, body shame, self-forgiveness, and hidden parts, you’ll discover how to meet shame with compassion and stay connected, think in a balanced way, and make wise, healthy choices.

You’ll also have the option to join two live practice groups to help integrate what you learn into daily life.

If you’ve ever felt the weight of shame, this course offers a compassionate path toward greater freedom and well-being.

MSC Professional Training

Are you interested in teaching the MSC curriculum? Learn more about the prerequisites and Teacher Training Pathway here.

Upcoming Teacher Trainings:

2026 MSC Teacher Training Options

In-Person Training: February 7–13, 2026 — Nanaimo, BC, Canada

Live Online Teacher Training (LOTT-28): Spring 2026 | 8:00–11:00 am PT

Live Online Teacher Training (LOTT-29): Fall 2026 | 4:00–7:00 pm PT

​Application Fee & Apply Here​

Celebrate International Self-Compassion Day

Mark your calendar for International Self-Compassion Day (ISCD) on Saturday, July 19, 2025! Created by the Center for Mindful Self-Compassion in 2024, ISCD celebrates the proven power of self-compassion and honors the strengths, challenges, and common humanity that connect us across cultures and continents. Now in its second year, ISCD invites people of all backgrounds to pause, reflect, and reconnect with the healing practice of self-kindness. However you choose to participate—through rest, reflection, or reaching out in community—your self-compassion helps ease suffering and foster well-being for yourself and those around you.
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​Explore free ISCD resources and celebration ideas to plan how you can participate and share with your family, friends, co-workers, organization, or community.

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 (2x monthly) | Register​
• BIPOC Affinity Group (weekly) | Register​
• Hispanohablantes / Spanish speakers (weekly) | Register​
• Men’s Practice (monthly) | Register​
• SCHC Alumni Group (monthly | Register​

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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.

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