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 what’s 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, I’m 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)​
​CMSC Executive 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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Self-Compassion As An Antidote To Shame

We 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-Compassion

MSC 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.

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Christine Grace will be teaching our next LOMSC starting October 4th, register here.​
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Essentials of Self-Compassion Workshop with Kristin Neff

Saturday, October 11th, 2025
Live Online 9 am - 12 pm PST

“Remember that if you really want to motivate yourself, love is more powerful than fear.”

― Kristin Neff

Research shows that self-compassion is one of the most powerful sources of coping and resilience we have available to us, enhancing both mental and physical health. It is also a skill we can learn and practice.

This workshop will provide an introduction to the basic concepts and research on self-compassion through lecture, discussion, and experiential exercises. You will gain practical tools to bring it into your daily life, including how to support yourself in difficult moments; work with distressing emotions; and motivate yourself with kindness rather than criticism.

The workshop is relevant for the general public as well as to practicing mental health professionals.

Self-Compassion for Shame 8 Week Course

Tuesdays, October 28 - December 23, 2025 (skip Nov 25)​

Live Online 9:00 am-11:30 am PT

Cost: $695 Use the code MSCEARLYGRAD to save $100! (valid until Oct. 14)​
​​​​Missed 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, we’ll 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

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.

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

​Special LOMSC Offering: Live Online Mindful Self-Compassion for Therapists with Jorge Armesto. October 20 - December 22, 2025, this course meets every Monday, 8:00 -10:00 am PT​

Self-Compassion in Psychotherapy (SCIP) Training Pathway 2026 Applications Open​

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.

2025 MSC Teacher Training Options

In-Person Training - Hong Kong
​November 30 - December 6, 2025 — Hong Kong, China
​(This training will be fully hosted in English)

2026 MSC Teacher Training Options

In-Person Training - Canada
​February 7–13, 2026 — Nanaimo, BC, Canada

Live Online Teacher Training (LOTT-28):
Tuesdays, April 7 - June 23, 2026 | 8:00–11:00 am PT

Live Online Teacher Training (LOTT-29):
Wednesdays, July 1 - September 16, 2026 | 4:00–7:00 pm PT

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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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