Special Guest Introduction by
CMSC Board Member, Marta Alonso (She/Her)

Hello Friends of Self-Compassion,

Have you ever thought that being good, generous, and sensitive would make you vulnerable to others? Have you ever thought that being good and innocent was synonymous with being stupid?

And when you have felt deep anger and resentment, have you criticized and judged yourself for it?

If your answers are affirmative, it is because perhaps you have only experienced one part of compassion and self-compassion (the tender part) and you have yet to internalize and practice the other half: Fierce Self-Compassion.

Kristin Neff had a profound insight that compassion and self-compassion could not possibly make us weak, passive, unmotivated and unprotected and she realized that there is a deep force within us, a warrior, a guardian that is capable of using power in the service of love, of turning love into wise action and of transforming anger into adequate protection to make our voice heard and say a deep and resounding NO:

NO to mistreatment of any form of life

NO to injustice

NO to discrimination….

And to affirm ourselves in a deep, firm and powerful YES:

YES to protecting others and protecting ourselves from any form of harm

YES to setting limits on any lack of respect

YES to satisfying our essential human needs.

Thanks to the practice of Fierce Self-Compassion and a wonderful team of expert teachers, you can also cultivate this power in the service of love. Self-Compassion makes us more generous and sensitive and it also empowers us to become stronger—without guilt. This perspective has truly transformed my life, and it can do the same for you!

With Kindness,

Marta Alonso (She/Her)

CMSC Board Member and FSC trainer.
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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
To translate newsletter, please copy and paste newsletter text here.
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Research Finds Self-Compassion Reduces Distress, Depression, and Anxiety in Displaced Syrians

The article "Self-compassion and association with distress, depression, and anxiety among displaced Syrians" explores the role of self-compassion in mental health among displaced Syrian populations. The study, conducted in conflict-affected settings, reveals that individuals with higher levels of self-compassion experience lower levels of psychological distress, depression, and anxiety. This research highlights the importance of fostering self-compassion as a potential protective factor in improving mental well-being for displaced populations dealing with trauma and adversity.

Meditation: Compassionate Walking Practice with Chris Germer

In this Compassionate Walking practice, Chris invites us to bring mindful awareness to each step, cultivating a gentle sense of presence and self-compassion as we move through our day. Whether you’re new to walking meditation or a seasoned practitioner, this guided experience offers a profound way to reconnect with your body, soothe your mind, and nurture kindness toward yourself with each stride.
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Join Chris this coming Sunday the 13th, along with Kristin Neff for a live on line workshop: Self-Compassion for Burnout.

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Mindful Self-Compassion for Burnout Workshop with Kristin Neff and Chris Germer

October 13th 2024, 9am - 12pm PT

Cost: $195

This workshop meets online Sunday October 13th, 9:00am - 12:00pm PT, you can check your local time here.​

Burnout affects 25-75% of workers worldwide, including healthcare professionals, teachers, and caregivers. It leaves people feeling drained and irritable, often caused by excessive workloads and lack of support. Those who care deeply about their work or tie their self-worth to it are especially prone to burnout.

Self-compassion offers an effective remedy. Programs like "Self-Compassion for Healthcare Communities" provide tools to combat burnout, and a new book, Mindful Self-Compassion for Burnout by Kristin Neff and Chris Germer, further explores these strategies. A 3-hour workshop based on these principles includes talks, exercises, and discussions to help participants manage burnout and apply self-compassion techniques in their work environments..

Fierce Self-Compassion 8 Week Course with Laila Narsi and Jorge Armesto

Mondays, October 28th - December 16th, 2024

Cost: $595 $495 Early Bird Until Oct. 14th​
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Since the publication of Kristin Neff’s ground-breaking book Self-Compassion, there has been a surge of interest in the science and practice of self-compassion. This has often focused on the tender, nurturing aspect of self-compassion, which involves “being with” ourselves in a compassionate way.
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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.

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

Register

Register

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.