Special Guest Introduction by
CMSC Programs Director, Natalie Bell (She/Her)

Hello Friends of Self-Compassion,

In this time of heightened tension our responsibility for self-care takes on even greater importance. Many of us find ourselves in caregiving roles—whether it’s for family, friends, or our clients at work. In the midst of caring for others it’s easy, and common, to overlook the person who also needs care—yourself! Whether you’re helping a loved one through a tough time, comforting a patient, or managing the challenges of the healthcare system, the weight of responsibility can take a heavy toll.

After years of teaching self-compassion to both professional and family caregivers, we've witnessed the profound, transformative impact it can have to uplift us. The great news is that self-compassion isn't about adding more to your to-do list. It’s about a new mindset, a different attitude, when things get hard. Self-compassion is about embracing a kind orientation towards yourself, a willingness to support yourself, especially during moments of stress or doubt. It's a practice that can nourish your heart, renew your energy, and ultimately help you to thrive in your caregiving role.

From a broader perspective, self-compassion gives you the space to be human so that even when you’re being self-critical you can still find a way to connect to care and strength. Instead of fighting yourself you make room to offer yourself grace. Or, you find a way to reconnect with what you need when you feel like you're shutting down. These in-the-moment skills are powerful tools to prevent burnout and foster your emotional well-being. Most of all, when we practice and share insights in community, a greater sense of common humanity gives us more strength and inspiration. So, thank you for the care you give—both to others and to yourself. May these practices support you in flourishing, day by day.

With Care and Gratitude,
Natalie Bell

CMSC Programs Director and SCHC Program Director
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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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Nurturing Resilience Through Self-Compassion in Times of Change

Read this note from Elijah Zimmerman, Executive Director at CMSC, reflecting on election-related fears and the power of mindful self-compassion to help us nurture resilience, kindness, and a sense of possibility.

Self-Compassion for Healthcare Communities: Exploring the Effects of a Synchronous Online Continuing Medical Education Program on Physician Burnout

Physician burnout is an increasingly pressing issue, and research shows that self-compassion training can make a meaningful difference. In a recent evaluation, the Self-Compassion for Healthcare Communities (SCHC) program was assessed for its impact on physician burnout and related outcomes. Conducted over six weekly online sessions, the program demonstrated significant reductions in burnout, secondary traumatic stress, and improvements in self-compassion, resilience, and job satisfaction. Participants valued the opportunity to connect with peers and practice self-compassion, highlighting the potential of SCHC to enhance physician well-being.

Meditation: Equanimity with Ben Weinstein, PhD

This meditation was recorded during our 2024 Election Day Silent Retreat offered by CMSC Circles of Practice Teachers and Leaders and starts at 8:00 minutes into the link below. No experience with meditation is required and you are welcome to share with your family, friends, neighbors, and anyone else with whom you would like to share the gifts of mindfulness, common humanity, and self-kindness.

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Communication and Mindful Self-Compassion with Dr. Robyn L. Gobin

November 21st, 9:00 -10:00 am PT

Cost: $35​
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Communication and Mindful Self-Compassion (MSC), as we embark on a journey to strengthen our communication skills in alignment with our mission of promoting mindfulness, common humanity, and self-kindness. In this transformative session, we will focus on enhancing communication skills essential for effective collaboration and teamwork, empowering you to navigate diverse environments with confidence and grace. Learn how to assert your needs and boundaries while fostering equity and inclusivity in all interactions. Through self-compassion practices, we will cultivate open dialogue and respectful discourse, creating spaces where empathy and understanding thrive. Don't miss this opportunity to deepen your communication toolkit and cultivate more meaningful connections both personally and professionally. Join us in building
a more compassionate and empathetic world, one conversation at a time.
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• Enhancing communication skills for effective collaboration and teamwork
• Holding your ground with your equity
• Fostering open dialogue and respectful discourse
• Building empathy and understanding in interpersonal relationships

Self-Compassion for Healthcare Communities (SCHC) Course with Adrienne Gaudet

November 11th - December 16th

This course meets on Mondays at 8:00 - 9:00 AM Pacific Time

Cost: $325 (CEs and CMEs are available for additional cost)

Self-Compassion Training for Healthcare Communities (SCHC) is a 6-wk adaptation of the evidence based Mindful Self-Compassion (MSC) program created by Kristin Neff, PhD and Chris Germer, PhD. Research on the SCHC program conducted in 2019 at Dell Children’s hospital in Austin, TX revealed significant increases in self-compassion, mindfulness, compassion for others and compassion satisfaction, and decreases in depression, stress, secondary traumatic stress and burnout in healthcare professionals.

This abbreviated MSC program was specifically designed for the general healthcare public to address the unique time constraints, workplace culture, and stressors of healthcare professionals. *This is not a Teacher Training program.

Live Online Mindful Self-Compassion

Learn the full practices and theories of self-compassion in our 10-week, live online programs or our new specialized MSC for Therapists 8-Week Course! These courses are 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

Live Online Self-Compassion for Caregivers Workshop with Kristin Neff

Thursday, December 5th, 2024

4:00pm - 7:00pm PT / 7:00pm - 10:00pm ET

Cost: $125

Caring for others without losing yourself.

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 how 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.

5-day In Person Silent Retreat with Steve Hickman and Aimee Eckhardt at Asilomar Retreat Space, Pacific Grove, California.

December 1st - 6th, 2024

Join us at the scenic Asilomar State Beach and Conference Grounds for our 2024 5-day In Person Silent Retreat. Asilomar sits nestled along the shoreline of the brilliant blue Pacific, serving as a tranquil oceanfront retreat cradled by towering pine forests, pristine sand dunes and the dramatic, rocky coastline of the Monterey Peninsula in California.

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​
• SCHC Alumni Group (monthly | Register​

Interested in Teaching MSC? Applications for 2025 Teacher Training now open.

Upcoming 2025 Live Online Teacher Trainings:

LOTT-26: February 5 – April 23, 2025 8:00 – 11:00am PT

LOTT-27: May 1 – July 17, 2025 4:00 – 7:00pm PT

What do you want to see
offered in 2025?

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.