Special Guest Introduction by
CMSC Board President, Deirdre Maloney (she/her)

Hello Friends of Self-Compassion,

As I sit here, looking out my window, it is clear that the seasons are changing. And yet, life is not that simple. The winter skies don’t take a final bow one day, making way for spring’s permanent arrival the next. Instead, there is a holding on, a blending. Fresh spring morning air turns to frigid temperatures in the afternoon. Winter and spring combine into one…confusing…day. We are always, it seems, left guessing.

It took me a long time to understand that life is chock full of “ands”. We feel heavy with empathy for the suffering of others and filled with light after a fun conversation with a friend. We cry over a terrible loss and later laugh heartily at our favorite comedian. We care greatly for a family member, and they frustrate us to no end.

It can be tricky, embracing the “ands” of life. Messy. Guilt-ridden. After all, if we don’t have a clear line telling us which side is certain, how do we know where we fit? How to feel? How to be? Instead of expanding ourselves and allowing it all to be true, we may constrict and fight, creating extra suffering by working so hard – in vain – to force a side.

The good news is that we have Mindful Self-Compassion to help navigate the “ands.” We can become aware when we are needlessly fighting it. We can relax, taking solace in the knowledge that we are not alone in its discomfort. We can offer ourselves care to help us navigate through it.

As CMSC’s Board President, I so appreciate being surrounded by those who care greatly about the world around them and are willing to take care of themselves. It is humbling to be even a small part of something that helps navigate the nuance of the seasons, the world, and our own lives.

Thank you for being a part of this important work. I am truly grateful.

And that, I dare say, is certain.

Deirdre Maloney
CMSC Board President

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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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DEIB and the Importance of Self-Compassion

A Conversation with Sydney Spears, Ph.D., CMSC Director of Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Belonging

“Practicing Mindful Self-Compassion (MSC) is necessary when engaging in DEIB work. DEIB is highly complex, very exhausting at times and very challenging. MSC supports the times when I am exhausted by identifying my need to rest, take a break and/or set certain boundaries.

MSC also supports me when I need to take action despite holding the reality that the movement toward liberation and social justice has some potential risks. Yet, the journey is the reward.”

Meditation: Self-Compassion Break with Chris Germer (Short Version)

In this brief and impactful meditation, join renowned psychologist, self-compassion expert, and co-founder of CMSC, Chris Germer, as he guides you through the transformative Mindful Self-Compassion (MSC) Break . In just a few minutes, you'll practice techniques to cultivate the three foundational components of MSC, mindfulness, common humanity, and self-kindness, allowing you to navigate life's challenges with greater resilience and compassion.

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Save the Date! Celebrate the First Annual International Self-Compassion Day on Saturday, July 20, 2024!

We are delighted to introduce the first annual International Self-Compassion Day, created and sponsored by the Center for Mindful Self-Compassion (CMSC) and open to the global public. Starting this year, International Self-Compassion Day will be held on the third Saturday in July, with a mission to raise global awareness of self-compassion and to support CMSC’s mission to alleviate suffering and strengthen well-being worldwide through the proven power of self-compassion.
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The event, scheduled for Saturday, July 20th, 2024, will serve as a unique fundraising retreat featuring morning and evening donation-based hourly sessions. These sessions will focus on the three core pillars of self-compassion: mindfulness, common humanity, and self-kindness. This special day will include inspiring sessions led by renowned MSC Teachers from around the world, including CMSC Co-Founders Chris Germer and Kristin Neff.
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​Join our global movement of self-compassion to make the world a safer, kinder, and more supportive place to live. If you know someone who would be interested in sponsoring this event, please contact Communications Director, Mary Marcdante, at marym@centerformsc.org.

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

DEIB Empowerment Series with Dr. Robyn L. Gobin

Dates & Times:

MAY 21 Workshop 1: Self-Love and MSC
9:00 am to 10:00 am PT

AUG 21 Workshop 2: Equity and Equality and MSC
9:00 am to 10:00 am PT

NOV 12 Workshop 3: Communication and MSC
9:00 am to 10:00 am PT

Click here to view the Time Conversion Chart​

Cost: $35 per session ($90 for all three)

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 $495 Get the Early Bird rate now for $100 off! (discount ends May 28th)

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.

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​

Apply for Teen Teacher Trainings

​Live Online Teacher Training Teens Intensive – 5 Weeks Starting June 24, 2024 (Monday – Thursday, Skipping July 4th) with Jamie Lynn Tatera and Dominique Sullivan​

​Live Online Teacher Training Teens 5 – 10 Weeks Starting October 7, 2024 (Mondays) with Karen Bluth and Marina Barnes​

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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.