This event is the online version of a hybrid class series which will take place both in-person and online. To register for the in-person version of this event, click here.
Learn the skills we all need to meet life’s challenges with more wisdom and kindness.
Our abridged 6-week course, The Short Course in Mindful Self-Compassion (SC-MSC), will teach you how to hold yourself with tenderness and compassion when you need it most — when you fail, feel inadequate and are suffering. Learn MSC’s key informal practices, as well as brief practices in mindfulness right from home.
Too often we meet pain and challenge with harshness and criticism. SC-MSC will teach you how to be present and courageous in the face of physical and emotional pain rather than fighting it or turning away from it – perfect for this season of uncertainty.
SC-MSC was developed by MSC’s pioneering researchers and clinicians Kristin Neff and Christopher Germer for those who were short on time and could not engage in the longer 2 ½ hour weekly class.
Schedule Thursdays (6:30-8pm PT):
March 21st
March 28th
April 4th
April 11th
April 18th
April 25th
Research:
Research has shown that self-compassion enhances emotional well-being. It boosts happiness, reduces anxiety and depression, and motivates you for life-long growth, while avoiding burnout. All that’s required is a shift in the direction of your attention – recognizing that as a human being, you, too, are a worthy recipient of compassion.
From the New York Times:
The research suggests that giving ourselves a break and accepting our imperfections may be the first step toward better health. People who score high on tests of self-compassion have less depression and anxiety and tend to be happier and more optimistic.
This idea does seem at odds with the advice dispensed by many doctors and self-help books, but Kristin Neff, a pioneer in the field and the co-creator of the MSC program, says self-compassion is not to be confused with lower standards.
“I found in my research that the biggest reason people aren’t more self-compassionate is that they are afraid they’ll become self-indulgent,” said Dr. Neff, an associate professor of human development at the University of Texas at Austin. “They believe self-criticism is what keeps them in line. Most people have gotten it wrong because our culture says being hard on yourself is the way to be.”
Imagine your reaction to a child struggling in school. Many parents would offer support including tutoring or other emotional support. But when adults find themselves in a similar situation – such as struggling at work or in relationships – many fall into a cycle of self-criticism and negativity. That leaves them feeling even less motivated to change.
“Self-compassion is really conducive to motivation,” Dr. Neff said. With self-compassion, if you care about yourself, you do what’s healthy for you rather than what’s harmful to you.”
Testimonials from JD ‘s MSC Students:
“I am so grateful to have had the privilege of experiencing The Mindful Self Compassion class with JD and Suzanne. Their embodiment of the practices as well as their skill in teaching, conveying and facilitating them in a group setting with great kindness and authenticity, helped me to retain what I learned and continue to practice on my own. I hope this class, or at least a refresher course, will be offered again. It is always good to be reminded of and to expand on what has been learned.”
“The training you gave affected my life in a meaningful way, at a time when I was at a critical crossroads. I am happy to report that my marriage is on the mend, in good part because I participated in your sessions and because they led to a daily meditation practice. My head is so much clearer, and my heart feels so much fuller, all from your kindness and generosity.”
“I am a metastatic cancer survivor and had a devastating loss of my parents to Parkinson’s disease and cancer and I was at a low point in my life when I decided to sign up for this workshop. While going through the course, I have learned how to accept, forgive, love, care and heal myself through JD and Suzanne’s gentle guidance of Meditation and Mindful Self-Compassion. The program was well organized and structured but still allowed participants to have freedom to take care of their needs while facing incredibly difficult emotions at times. This workshop helped me to deal better with my grief, fear, loneliness, and isolation. Through this workshop, I have found that I am more strong and resilient than I realized. After completing the course, I have a deep sense of gratitude for JD and Suzanne for helping me to improve my emotional and physical well-being. I can confidently recommend this workshop to anyone who is facing life’s difficulty or simply just to improve one’s self-awareness and confidence.”
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Continuing Education Hours:
Psychologists: Continuing Education Credit for this program is provided by UC San Diego Center for Mindfulness. The UC San Diego Center for Mindfulness is approved by the American Psychological Association to sponsor continuing education for psychologists. The UC San Diego Center for Mindfulness maintains responsibility for this program and its content. This course offers 6.0 CE credit.
California licensed MFTs, LPCCs, LEPs, LCSWs: Continuing Education Credit for this program is provided by UC San Diego Center for Mindfulness. The UC San Diego Center for Mindfulness is approved by the American Psychological Association to sponsor continuing education for psychologists. 6.0 CE credit may be applied to your license renewal through the California Board of Behavioral Sciences. For those licensed outside California, please check with your local licensing board to determine if CE credit is accepted.
Nurses: UC San Diego Center for Mindfulness is approved by the California Board of Registered Nursing, Provider Number CEP16351, for 7.0 CE credit.
Learning objectives for healthcare professionals:
- Describe the main components of self-compassion and mindfulness and how these may be integrated into the roles of healthcare professionals.
- Explain the difference between empathy and compassion and utilize strategies to avoid emotional exhaustion.
- Demonstrate strategies that can be used on the job to regulate difficult emotions while caring for others in pain.
