Week of February 14-19, 2010

The Art and Science of Self-Compassion

Self-compassion is a simple yet remarkably elusive state of mind that involves sending warmth and understanding toward ourselves when we suffer, fail, or feel inadequate, rather than fighting our pain or flagellating ourselves with self-criticism. Self-compassion also means holding our difficulties in mindful awareness and feeling our essential humanness.

Self-compassion is a skill that anyone can learn. It’s the practice of evoking goodwill toward ourselves, including the deepest desire for all living beings to live happily and free from suffering. As the Dalai Lama says, self-compassion is the basis of compassion for others.

Two psychologists—an expert in the clinical application of mindfulness and a leading researcher on self-compassion—lead this innovative workshop that focuses on self-compassion as a healthy response to the inevitable pain in everyone’s life. Designed for psychotherapists and other health care practitioners, all participants are nonetheless welcome.

This immersion in mindfulness and self-kindness includes meditation, talks, personal stories, research, and discussion, all supported by the natural beauty of Esalen. Special emphasis is given to the art of loving-kindness (metta) meditation. By the end of the course, helping professionals in particular will be able to teach self-compassion skills to their clients, and practice mindful self-compassion themselves to deepen their therapeutic presence, enjoy clinical work more thoroughly, and experience an overall sense of wellbeing.

CEUs available for psychologists.

CEUs available for MFTs and LCSWs.

Reservations Information (Accommodations & Pricing)