Join InsightLA Senior Teacher Wendy Block, L.C.S.W. for a half-day workshop exploring the relationship between mindful creativity and self-compassion.
In this half-day, we will use Mindful Self-Compassion meditations, art, and journal exercises to deepen our understanding of self-compassion.
Both graduates of Self- Compassion and students interested in Self-Compassion can attend.
Bring a journal and a few simple art materials such as markers and crayons.
Self-compassion: What is It?
Self-compassion is the emotional attitude of bringing kindness to ourselves when things go wrong in our lives. Most of us easily treat our friends and loved ones with warmth, tenderness and patience when they struggle, fall short or fail at times in their lives, but we have a much harder time bringing those same qualities of compassion to our own selves in the same situations. Self-compassion is directed to the one who is suffering, and encourages us to consider the fundamental question of “What do I need?” By recognizing that difficulty is here (mindfulness), that these things are a part of every human life (common humanity), and connecting with our natural capacity for kindness toward suffering (self-kindness), we can develop healthy and enduring patterns of relating to all the circumstances of life.
Self-compassion: How to Learn It
Self-compassion can be learned by anyone, even those who didn’t receive enough affection in childhood or who find it embarrassing to be kind to oneself. It’s a courageous mental attitude that stands up to harm, including the discomfort that we unwittingly inflict on ourselves through self-criticism, self-isolation, and self-rumination when things go wrong. Self-compassion provides emotional strength and resilience, allowing us to admit our shortcomings, forgive ourselves, and respond to ourselves and others with care and respect, and be fully human.
Mindful Self-Compassion (MSC) is a program developed by Kristin Neff, the pioneering researcher in the field of self-compassion (www.Self-Compassion.org) and the author of Self-Compassion: Stop Beating Yourself Up and Leave Insecurity Behind; and Christopher Germer, a clinical psychologist who specializes in mindfulness and compassion-based psychotherapy (www.chrisgermer.com) and the author of many books including A Mindful Path to Self-Compassion.
In keeping with the principles of the dharma that underlies all of our activities, primarily non-harming, we are requiring that all attendees be fully vaccinated in order to attend any in-person event. Please read the Benedict Canyon location page for notes on parking (where to park and where not to park).
Max Capacity: 35
Masks: Required indoors for everyone attending this event. We will spend most of the class outdoors on the back patio where masks are optional.
Suggested Donation for Art Materials: $5
