Hello Friends of Self-Compassion,

As we mark June as a month for Pride in the LGBTQIAP2S+ community, I’m reflecting on what it means to lead an organization that is dedicated to creating space and opportunity for inclusion. For me, it’s very personal, having lived decades in some form of “don’t ask, don’t tell” about my lived experiences and daily life as a queer person. The repetition of hiding for safety created isolation and self-judgment. Thankfully, practices like Mindful Self-Compassion offered me an invitation: you belong, dear one.

This message of belonging rings especially true during global Pride celebrations, gatherings created with a hope to transform suffering through connection and radical acceptance. By practicing mindful awareness and kindness, we do more than just accept ourselves — we engage in a bold act of self-celebration. This joy, both vibrant and deeply personal, is further enriched by celebrating our shared humanity. To hold our hearts together with joy and kindness amidst negativity and fear, can truly be lifesaving.

Wherever you are on your journey and experiences of life, I wish for you the liberating power of truly being yourself and knowing you belong.
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With gratitude,

Elijah Zimmerman (He/They)
CMSC 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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Self-Compassion and Pride

Written by James Rosser, a Trained Teacher for the Center for Mindful Self-Compassion

When Pride season arises, many LGBTQIAP2S+ people encounter questions as to why pride celebrations are important. I’ve been asked many times why we need a pride celebration and why “straight “people do not. For us in the Queer community, who experience micro-aggressions frequently, this kind of questioning is not new. It is the product of living as a marginalized group in a society that still struggles with any difference. It is a little like the idea of a fish swimming in water that does not know what water is. In this case, the water is the dominant cultural view of what is “normal.” It can be difficult for people to see the prejudices deeply embedded in our world because they are not challenged to do so.

Meditation: Affectionate Breathing with Jorge Armesto

Experience "Affectionate Breathing" with Jorge Armesto, a soothing meditation that invites you to focus on your breath with tenderness and care. This guided practice helps you connect with your breath as a source of comfort and warmth, fostering a sense of inner peace and self-compassion. Perfect for cultivating mindfulness and emotional well-being.

Jorge Armesto is a Certified Teacher of Mindful Self-Compassion; highly experienced in teaching both online and in-person who will be leading the next LOMSC Course you can find here.

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Introduction to Self-Compassion Workshop with Kristin Neff

Learn the essentials of self-compassion practice in this workshop with MSC co-founder Kristin Neff, Ph.D.

Saturday, June 22, 2024

Hours: 9:00 am - 12:00 pm PT / 12:00 - 3:00 pm ET

Click here to view the Time Conversion Chart.​

$125

Learn the Essentials of Self-Compassion Practice in This Workshop.

Self-compassion involves treating ourselves kindly, like we would a good friend we cared about. Rather than continually judging and evaluating ourselves, self-compassion involves generating kindness toward ourselves as imperfect humans and learning to be present with the inevitable struggles of life with greater ease. It motivates us to make needed changes in our lives not because we’re worthless or inadequate, but because we care about ourselves and want to lessen our suffering.

This introductory workshop will provide some of the essential ideas and key practices of the 8-week Mindful Self-Compassion in a brief format. It will provide simple tools for responding in a kind, compassionate way when we experience painful emotions. Through discussion and experiential exercises, you will gain practical skills to help bring self-compassion into your daily life. You will learn how to stop being so hard on yourself; handle difficult emotions with greater ease; and motivate yourself with kindness rather than criticism. This course is relevant for the general public as well as for practicing mental health professionals.

Mark Your Calendar! Celebrate the First Annual International Self-Compassion Day & Fundraiser on Saturday, July 20, 2024!

International Self-Compassion Day is coming soon on Saturday, July 20, 2024! This inspiring first-time-ever event, created and sponsored by the Center for Mindful Self-Compassion (CMSC), invites you, your family and friends, co-workers, schools, businesses, and any communities you’re a part of from around the world to come together in a celebration of self-compassion.
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International Self-Compassion Day aims to increase global awareness of self-compassion and this year, raise $50,000 to support CMSC’s mission to alleviate suffering and enhance well-being through the transformative practice of self-compassion.

How You Can Get Involved: Share Your Story

We have a lot of inspiring plans we’re excited to share with you over the next six weeks and we’d love to hear from you! Do you have a personal story of how self-compassion has impacted your life? Share your experiences with us and inspire others by telling your story in video, audio, text, or email. Learn more or share your story here or click on the button below.
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Additionally, if you’re interested in volunteering or sponsoring this event, please contact Mary Marcdante at marym@centerformsc.org.

Keep an eye out for our upcoming detailed schedule of teachers and practice sessions, and don’t forget to spread the word! Let’s make this inaugural International Self-Compassion Day a transformative experience for everyone involved. Together, we can build a more compassionate and connected global community.

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

Fierce Self-Compassion 8 Week Course with Ali Lambie and Christine Grace McMulkin

June 11 - July 30, 2024

This course meets every Tuesdays from 8:00 - 10:30 am PT. Click here to view a Time Conversion Chart.

Cost: $595

Registration Closes 5pm PT, June 9th

This unique course explores the action-oriented side of self-compassion that begins with the inner work of fierce self-compassion. Previous experience with self-compassion is required, before taking this course. This course will take you one step further as you learn how self-compassion can help you speak up and claim your power.

Prerequisite for registration: completion of 8-wk or 10-wk Mindful Self-Compassion Course, the 5-Day Intensive MSC Course or a MSC Core Skills Course.If you have any questions concerning your eligibility, please email our support team at hello@centerformsc.org.
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This course is suitable for everyone who has completed the prerequisite instruction, including the general public, mental health and healthcare professionals, meditation and mindfulness instructors, yoga teachers, wellness coaches, and educators at all levels.

DEIB Empowerment Series with Dr. Robyn L. Gobin

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 our 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 the September 7-Day In-Person Teacher Training.​

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

Apply for Teen Teacher Trainings

​Live Online Teacher Training Teens – 10 Weeks Starting October 7, 2024 (Mondays) with Karen Bluth and Marina Barnes​

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.