The Center for Mindful Self-Compassion is an international nonprofit organization dedicated to alleviating suffering and improving the collective well-being of the planet through self-compassion training and practice. Our vision is a world where each person matters and everyone belongs. We welcome your presence. Join us at www.centerformsc.org
πβ¨[CMSC October News]β¨π Courage and Kindness in the Face of Strong Emotions
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Dear Friends, It is deeply human to feel. To be moved, at times overwhelmed, by strong emotions. Fear, sadness, shame, even joy or awe can rise unexpectedly, sometimes pulling us off center or leaving us unsteady. Self-compassion teaches us that even in the midst of intensity, we have the capacity to stay grounded and present. We can learn to meet whatβs here with tenderness. To turn toward ourselves, moment by moment, with care. Especially in times of uncertainty, when so much feels out of our hands, this is something we can do. This month, Iβm grateful for the ways our community makes space for this practice. Whether you're just beginning with Kristin Neff's foundational workshop, or deepening into the tender work of healing shame led by Chris Germer, there is a place for you here. Being human is complex. Emotions move through us in many forms, sometimes quietly, sometimes boldly. At times we feel them alone, at times in community. But through it all we are reminded we are part of a common humanity. May this season offer you space to turn inward with warmth, to meet whatever arises with compassion, and to remember your experience matters. And you belong. With warmth and appreciation, Elijah Zimmerman (he/they)β Vielen Dank β’ Muchas Gracias β’ Tack sΓ₯ mycket β’ Veel dank β’ Merci beaucoup Compassionate NewsSelf-Compassion As An Antidote To ShameWe have compiled a few research articles highlighting the beneficial effects of self-compassion in soothing the felt-sense of shame. Some of the topics the articles examine are: the effects of self-compassion on stigma related shame, the role of self-compassion in supporting suicidal individuals and how the early childhood caregiving environment contributes to a felt sense of shame or self-compassion in young adults.
Meditation: Motivating Self-CompassionMSC Teacher Christine Grace McMulkin leads this meditation for Motivating Self-Compassion. This meditation is perfect for any time you want to make a change in your life, but feel stuck or blocked. Instead of shaming or bullying ourselves into changing who we are, we can use mindful self-compassion to motivate ourselves to make the changes that feel best for us.
Christine Grace will be teaching our next LOMSC starting October 4th, register here.β Featured Events and CoursesEssentials of Self-Compassion Workshop with Kristin NeffSaturday, October 11th, 2025
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| Learn More and Register Here |
Self-Compassion for Shame 8 Week Course
Tuesdays, October 28 - December 23, 2025 (skip Nov 25)β
Live Online 9:00 am-11:30 am PT
Cost: $695 Use the code MSCEARLYGRAD to save $100! (valid until Oct. 14)β
ββββMissed Discounts: Refunds will not be given for missed coupon codes or discounts.
"Shame strikes at the core of our being, but has nothing to do with who we really are."
- Chris Germer
Welcome to this groundbreaking program developed by Dr. Chris Germer and the SC-Shame development team! In this course, weβll take a unique, non-pathological look at shame through the eyes of self-compassion and discover how self-compassion is the antidote to shame.
Special topics include how to use self-compassion to work with:
- Mindfulness of Shame
- Origins of Shame
- Self-criticism
- Body shame
- Self-forgiveness
- Hidden Parts
- Social justice
Prior participants of the SC-Shame 8-wk course reported:
- 96% would recommend the course
- 96% said their experience of shame changed as a result of the course
- 89% would consider taking the course again
- 85% had better mental and emotional wellbeing after the course
| Learn More & Register Here |
Prerequisite for registration: completion of 8-wk or 10-wk Mindful Self-Compassion Course or the 5-Day Intensive MSC Course. Must be over the age of 18 yrs old.
5-Day Live Online Silent Retreat: Being with the Wisdom of Self-Compassionate Embodiment with Sydney Spears and Tracy Ochester
November 14 - 19th, 2025
Being with the Wisdom of Self-Compassionate Embodiment
Join us for a silent retreat with special attention toward deepening mind-body awareness and expanding the practice of embodied self-compassion.
Embodiment is the mindful practice of noticing and feeling the various sensorimotor (sensing and movement) experiences that are always present within us. While many of us lean toward thinking and verbal language as our primary ways of experiencing the world, our bodies are continuously communicating through sensations, emotions, postures, gestures, and countless forms of non-verbal expression. These somatic (bodily) expressions often hold valuable information, offering messages of wisdom about our experiences of joy, difficulty, needs, sense of self, relationships, and choices.
In this retreat, we will explore embodied practices through meditation, movement, reflective exercises, and other contemplative practices. Together, we will cultivate a self-compassionate mind-body balance and open a gateway to new awareness, deeper truth, and expansion toward our innermost self-compassionate way of being.
| Learn More & Register Here |
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.
Self-Compassion in Psychotherapy (SCIP) Training Pathway 2026 Applications Openβ
The SCIP pathway supports psychotherapists in deepening their personal and professional integration of self-compassion through a progressive, experiential process.
Bringing self-compassion to the heart of therapy, SCIP offers training and support for psychotherapists that helps them embody self-compassion in their self-care and integrate it into their clinical practice.
| Learn More & Apply Here |
teacher trainings
2025 MSC Teacher Training Options
In-Person Training - Hong Kong
βNovember 30 - December 6, 2025 β Hong Kong, China
β(This training will be fully hosted in English)
2026 MSC Teacher Training Options
In-Person Training - Canada
βFebruary 7β13, 2026 β Nanaimo, BC, Canada
Live Online Teacher Training (LOTT-28):
Tuesdays, April 7 - June 23, 2026 | 8:00β11:00 am PT
Live Online Teacher Training (LOTT-29):
Wednesdays, July 1 - September 16, 2026 | 4:00β7:00 pm PT
| Learn More & Apply Here |
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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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Center for Mindful Self-Compassion
The Center for Mindful Self-Compassion is an international nonprofit organization dedicated to alleviating suffering and improving the collective well-being of the planet through self-compassion training and practice. Our vision is a world where each person matters and everyone belongs. We welcome your presence. Join us at www.centerformsc.org
Dear Friends, As we step into 2026, we want to begin the year by pausing together in gratitude. The past year has been a beautiful reminder that self-compassion is both a personal practice and a collective one, strengthened by community, shared intention, and mutual care. We are deeply thankful for your generosity and support during our annual fundraising campaign. Because of you, CMSC can continue advancing our mission to make Mindful Self-Compassion (MSC) accessible worldwide. Your...
Dear Friends, December is here, and I've been sitting with a quiet gratitude for this community, for the way you show up for one another with care, presence, and courage. This year for Giving Tuesday, we're offering something different: Giving Back Tuesday, a day dedicated entirely to you. We want to meet you where you are with free practices, guided meditations, tools for navigating stress during the holiday season, and space to connect with others who are walking this path alongside you....
Guest Introduction From CMSC Board Member, Mari Behr Andrade. Dear Friends, I just wanted to give you a heartfelt thank you for being a part of this amazing community. Every time you stop, breathe, and give yourself compassion, you're helping us strengthen the community. Whether you've taken one of our courses, helped spread the seed of self-compassion to others, or contributed to the Center in some shape or form, you're helping us show how self-compassion can really be this incredible living...