Dear Friends,
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We want to pause and extend our deepest gratitude to our incredible CMSC community. Your generosity and commitment have made it possible for our Renewal Retreats and Circles of Practice to remain free and accessible to all who seek support, connection, and compassionate practice.

Over the past months, so many of you stepped forward with donations to help sustain these beloved offerings. Your contributions are more than financial support. They are an expression of the mindful self-compassion values we share: caring for one another, recognizing our common humanity, and creating spaces where everyone can belong and grow.

We are deeply grateful for the engagement, participation, and support that make CMSC thrive. Every donation, every retreat attended, every Circle joined, and every act of community connection helps advance our mission of making mindful self-compassion accessible to more people around the world. Following our Midyear Renewal Retreat, we were also able to provide 822 replay scholarships to people who requested financial assistance—helping ensure that cost was not a barrier to accessing these practices and teachings.

If you are looking for additional ways to support CMSC, we invite you to explore our courses, workshops, and training programs. If a busy schedule or limited time has kept you from experiencing an MSC course, consider joining our upcoming six-week MSC for Busy People course beginning September 17. By participating in these offerings, you not only deepen your own practice but also help sustain the programs and resources that bring compassion, resilience, and well-being to so many.

Thank you for being part of this compassionate community and for helping ensure that Renewal Retreats and Circles of Practice remain a free resource for all who need them.

With warmth and gratitude,
​Michael Reved​
Interim Executive 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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Meditation: Arriving Practice with Megan Prager

Take a few minutes to arrive fully in the present moment with Certified MSC Teacher and Teacher Trainer Megan Prager in this gentle guided meditation. Through breath, awareness, and a compassionate check-in, Megan invites you to notice how you are right now, soften where you can, and ask yourself the same caring questions you might offer a dear friend: How are you? What do you need?

This simple “arriving practice” is also a beautiful reminder that sometimes our bodies have arrived before our minds have caught up. Meditation can help bring the two back together—creating a little more space, presence, and kindness in the midst of a busy life.

Megan will be teaching our new six-week MSC for Busy People course beginning September 17, designed to make the practices of Mindful Self-Compassion more accessible within the realities of a full life. See below for course details and registration.

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Exchanging Self-Criticism for Self-Compassion
with Chris Germer

Wednesday, September 9, 2026 | 9:00 am - 12:15 pm PT
​Cost: $145

We all have an inner critic—that familiar voice that questions, judges, and pushes us to be better. But what if that voice isn’t helping as much as we think? What if there’s another way to relate to ourselves—one that supports growth and well-being?

Join Chris Germer for a live online workshop, Exchanging Self-Criticism for Self-Compassion, on Wednesday, September 9, 2026, from 9:00 am–12:15 pm PT. This 3-hour session offers a practical, research-informed path for transforming harsh self-talk into a kinder, more supportive inner dialogue.

Through teaching, reflection, and guided practices, you’ll explore how self-compassion reduces stress, enhances resilience, and improves relationships. You’ll also learn the PEACE process—a step-by-step way to work with the inner critic and respond to yourself with greater understanding and care.

Whether you’re new to self-compassion or looking to deepen your practice, this workshop offers a meaningful opportunity to experience a powerful shift: moving from self-judgment to self-kindness—one moment at a time.

NEW COURSE: MSC for Busy People
with Megan Prager

September 17, Thursdays, 9:30-10:30 am PT,
Course: 6-Week Mindful Self-Compassion (MSC)
​Dates: September 17 - October 22, 2026
​Cost: $325
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​Discover how just a few moments of self-compassion can make a meaningful difference in your day.

Life is busy, and caring for yourself can easily fall to the bottom of the list. MSC for Busy People is a new, accessible introduction to Mindful Self-Compassion designed for those who want practical tools to navigate stress, overwhelm, and burnout without committing to a longer course.

Whether you're a busy professional, healthcare worker, educator, caregiver, or simply curious about self-compassion, this course offers simple, effective practices you can integrate into everyday life. It's also an excellent option for individuals looking to explore MSC for the first time or those who aren't yet ready p to commit to a full 10-week program.

Through focused lessons and practical exercises, participants will learn how to respond to challenges with greater kindness, resilience, and emotional balance, bringing the benefits of self-compassion into even the busiest schedules.
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​Join us for a f​ree 30 minute information session here. You can receive $50 off the full registration fee of $325 for coming to the Information Session (not valid with other discount codes).

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If you're interested in becoming a Mindful Self-Compassion teacher, or a Self-Compassion in Healthcare Communities Facilitator, explore our 10-Week LOMSC (Live Online Mindful Self-Compassion) course which meets those prerequisites.

Starting September 18, Fridays 9-11:30 am PT, FSC 8-Week Course with Laila Narsi

What if self-compassion could help you do more than comfort yourself during difficult times? What if it could also empower you to set boundaries, advocate for your needs, and make positive changes in your life? Join Fierce Self-Compassion (FSC), an engaging 8-week online course led by Laila Narsi, and discover how self-compassion can be both gentle and strong. ​

Running September 18 through November 6, 2026, this course explores the protective and action-oriented side of self-compassion. Participants learn practical skills for saying “no” when needed, creating healthy boundaries, motivating themselves without self-criticism, and providing themselves with the care and support needed to thrive.

Whether you are continuing your self-compassion journey after an MSC course or have developed familiarity through personal study and practice, FSC offers a welcoming and transformative space to deepen your growth. The course is taught live online and is designed to help participants bring compassion into everyday life in meaningful and empowering ways. ​

Not sure if Fierce Self-Compassion is right for you? We invite you to attend the FREE Fierce Self-Compassion Information Session, where you'll learn more about the course, explore the balance of tender and fierce self-compassion, and have an opportunity to ask questions before registering. As an added benefit, participants will receive a $100 discount code toward the full Fierce Self-Compassion course following the session.​

The Courage to Care: Compassion for Ourselves & Our World

With Rick Hanson, PhD; Chris Willard, PsyD; and Lisa Baylis, MEd; with a welcome and introduction from Chris and Kristin

A Masterclass & Fundraiser for CMSC​
​Saturday, October 10, 2026 | 9:00 am–12:00 pm PT

In honor of World Mental Health Day, we invite you to join us for a special three-hour live online masterclass and fundraiser for CMSC, The Courage to Care: Compassion for Ourselves & Our World.

This special program will feature psychologist, best-selling author, and founder of the Global Compassion Coalition Rick Hanson, PhD; psychologist, author, and Harvard Medical School faculty member Chris Willard, PsyD; and CMSC Education Director and MSC Teacher Trainer Lisa Baylis, MEd; with a welcome and introduction from CMSC co-founders Kristin Neff, PhD, and Christopher Germer, PhD.

Together, they will explore how compassion can help us meet the challenges of our lives and our world with greater resilience, connection, and courage—and how caring for ourselves can strengthen our capacity to care for others.

Your participation not only offers three hours of learning and practice with leading voices in mindfulness and compassion, but also supports CMSC’s work to make self-compassion teachings and resources more widely accessible around the world.

Registration includes the live three-hour masterclass plus 90 days of replay access.

As a member of the CMSC community, you’re invited to save $25 on registration through September 30 with coupon code MSCCourage25.

Missed coupon codes cannot be applied or refunded after purchase.​
​Coupon codes cannot be combined with other discounts or promotional offers.
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More Opportunities to Learn in Community

MSC for Busy People​ ​Sept. 17 - Oct. 22 Thursdays, 9:30-10:30 am PT ​ Register

10 Week LOMSC​ ​Sept.27 - Nov. 29 Sundays 9-11 am PT ​ Register

Self-Compassion for Healthcare Communities​ ​Sept. 23 - Oct.28 Wednesdays, 9-10 am PT ​ Register

Self-Compassion for Shame 8 Week Course​ ​Oct. 21 - Dec.16 9 -11:30 am PT ​ Register

​Wednesdays, November 9, 2026, Self-Compassion in Healthcare Communities (SCHC) Facilitator Training​
​with Lisa Baylis and Mila de Koning
​Prerequisites: LOMSC and SCHC (August start date to qualify for November)

​November 11th - November 16th, 2026​
​Surrendering to the Flow of Life: Cultivating Wisdom, Compassion, and Belonging: A Silent Retreat Exploring Impermanence, Transitions, and the Heart of Compassion
with Noriko Harth and Carolina Bautista-Velez

Saturday, December 12, 2026
Year-End Renewal Retreat: Coming Home to Ourselves: Returning to Self-Compassion
​8-11 am and 4-7pm 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.