Dear CMSC Community,

Have you ever wondered what goes on behind the scenes at the Center for Mindful Self-Compassion (CMSC)? Our small but dedicated team works each day to support a global community of teachers, course participants, and those in the world looking to practice self-compassion—all with the shared mission of alleviating human suffering and improving the collective well-being of the planet through the practice of self-compassion.

Here’s how we show up each day:

Working to Nurture Our MSC Teachers – Our team provides training, mentorship, and ongoing resources to ensure teachers feel supported in bringing MSC to their communities.

Creating Transformative Learning Spaces – From coordinating courses to offering free Circles of Practice, we design meaningful experiences for participants to deepen their self-compassion practice.

Reaching a Global Audience – Whether through partnerships, social media, or outreach efforts, we’re always working to make self-compassion accessible to people from all walks of life.

Expanding MSC Programs & Resources – We develop new courses, workshops, and retreats, ensuring MSC continues to evolve and meet the needs of our growing community.

Building Connection & Support – Whether responding to participant inquiries, guiding teachers through training, or fostering conversations on self-compassion, we’re here to listen, uplift, and empower.

Our team is passionate about this work because we’ve seen firsthand the power of self-compassion to transform lives. We’re honored to support this incredible community—and we’d love to hear from you! What brought you to MSC, and how has it impacted your life? Drop a comment or send us a message—we’d love to connect!

In the coming weeks we will be highlighting team members so you can get to know us better, the first highlight is below in this email and is me! I am so grateful to work with such a talented and collaborative team here at CMSC, and look forward to introducing you to each spectacular human.
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With kindness,

Kelin Welborn (She/Her)
​CMSC Strategic Brand 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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Long-term effectiveness of the Mindful Self-Compassion program compared to a Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction intervention: a quasi-randomized controlled trial involving regular mindfulness practice for 1 year

In recent years, mindfulness-based interventions have gained prominence as effective strategies for enhancing psychological well-being. Among these, Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) and Mindful Self-Compassion (MSC) programs have been extensively studied for their benefits in reducing stress, anxiety, and depression. While both programs share foundational mindfulness principles, MSC uniquely emphasizes the cultivation of self-compassion, aiming to foster a kinder and more understanding relationship with oneself.​

This recent study aims to compare the long-term effectiveness of the MSC program with the MBSR intervention over a one-year period. By employing a quasi-randomized controlled trial design, the research investigates how regular mindfulness practice influences psychological outcomes in participants engaged in either program. The findings seek to inform practitioners and individuals about the sustained impacts of these interventions, contributing to the optimization of mindfulness-based approaches for long-term mental health benefits.

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 this May for a rare in person MSC Core Skills Workshop. More information here.

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Meet Kelin Welborn – Weaving Self-Compassion into Life & Leadership

Kelin Welborn and her husband, Jason, skating on a pond in their community in Maine.

As a parent and as the Strategic Brand Director at the Center for Mindful Self-Compassion (CMSC), I know firsthand the power of self-compassion in both personal and professional life. ​ There was a time when self-doubt and the pressures of parenting felt overwhelming. Like many, I was my own harshest critic— starting my work here two years ago and my practice of Mindful Self-Compassion (MSC) has been life changing. Learning to pause, offer kindness to myself, and recognize shared humanity transformed not just how I parent, but how I approach leadership, creativity, and connection in my work. ​ I work to bring that same ethos to CMSC, shaping how self-compassion reaches people worldwide. Through storytelling, community engagement, and thoughtful brand strategy, I hope to help others find the resources and support they need to cultivate self-kindness in their own lives.

In-Person MSC Core Skills Training
​Santa Monica (Greater Los Angeles), CA

Join Chris Germer and Kristin Neff for this unique in-person opportunity this May!

Save $50! Use the Code Core50LA until midnight PT May 9th* ​
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Friday, May 30, 9:00 AM – 4:30 PM
Saturday, May 31, 9:00 AM – 4:30 PM
Location: Presbyterian Church, 1220 2nd St, Santa Monica, CA
​(This is a secular event)

For the first time in three years, MSC founders Dr. Kristin Neff and Dr. Chris Germer are offering a rare in-person Core Skills Workshop! This unique opportunity allows participants to experience their guidance firsthand in a live setting. The MSC Core Skills workshop, is designed for individuals who want to integrate self-compassion into their personal lives and professional work. It is open to the general public and provides a total of 12 hours of training over two days.

What You’ll Learn:

MSC helps you develop self-compassion through three core elements:

• Mindfulness – Turning toward difficult emotions, sensations, and thoughts with awareness and an open mind.
• Common Humanity – Recognizing that feelings of inadequacy and disappointment are universal and that suffering is part of the shared human experience.
• Self-Kindness – Offering warmth and understanding to ourselves when we suffer, fail, or feel inadequate.

This workshop is an empowering introduction for those new to self-compassion and a valuable refresher for MSC graduates looking to deepen their practice.

Save $50! Use the Code Core50LA until midnight PT May 9th*

*Missed codes will not be refunded after purchase is completed.

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

MSC Intensive for Caregivers: Loving Others Without Losing Ourselves

Early Bird Pricing End July 7th

Join us July 20–25, 2025 in Big Bear, California for a special 5-day, in-person retreat based on the empirically-supported Mindful Self-Compassion (MSC) program—designed specifically for caregivers.

This immersive training explores how to care deeply for others without losing ourselves in the process. Through meditation, group discussion, and experiential practices, participants will build self-compassion and mindfulness skills to navigate caregiver stress, reduce isolation, and find renewed strength and presence.

Open to all caregivers—personal, professional, or planetary—this retreat is a reminder: you are worthy of care, too.

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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 (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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