“Compassion literally means “to suffer together.” Among emotion researchers, it is defined as the feeling that arises when you are confronted with another’s suffering and feel motivated to relieve that suffering.” Self-Compassion is then the feeling that arises when we notice our own suffering AND we want to do something to alleviate this.
Our suffering might arise from rumination and negative self talk. It can also arise from how we react to what happens to us. Simply put, self-compassion is offering ourselves the same kindness and support as we would to a good friend who is experiencing a similar struggle.
Another way we cause ourselves suffering is with our negative self-talk which can lead to increased stress and unhappiness. There is another way to meet this inner critical voice by exploring ways to access your inner compassionate voice. Talking to ourselves in a gentle and kind way leads to a more positive view and outlook of ourselves.
Mindful Self-Compassion for Teens (MSC-Teens)
Upcoming class on Wednesdays starting on April 3, 2024 and ending on May 29, 2024. No class on May 1st. Meeting time is 4:00pm PST to 5:30pm PST.
Course Description
Our self-talk have a powerful impact on our perception and wellbeing. Negative self-talk and thoughts can lead to increased stress and unhappiness. The Mindful Self Compassion for Teens program (formerly known as Making Friends with Yourself) explores how our inner critical voice may contribute to this, and teaches strategies to decrease the volume of our inner critical voice and increase the volume of our compassionate voice.
Talking to ourselves in a more compassionate way leads to a more positive view and outlook of ourselves. The MSC Teens (MSC-T) program begins by creating a safe space in which participants explore how to treat themselves with the same compassion they would give to a good friend. Topics include:
- Why self-compassion is more reliable than self-esteem,
- Role of the inner critical voice (or inner critic),
- Finding our compassionate voice,
- Identifying our core values, and how we can treat ourselves compassionately even when we don’t meet our own standards.
We explore these and other topics through exercises, videos, discussions, meditations, and movement practices. The program closes with a look at the power of gratitude.
Instructors
Lea F. Christo, MSW, LICSW
Associate Professor of Practice, Department of Human Services and Rehabilitation Studies Assumption College, Worcester, MA
Marina Barnes
Self-Compassion Teacher & Coach, Bainbridge Island, WA
Logistics
Dates: Wednesdays starting on April 3, 2024 and ending on May 29, 2024. No class on May 1st. Meeting time is 4:00pm PST to 5:30pm PST
Time: 4:00pm PST to 5:30pm PST
Location: Zoom
Investment: US $350.00
Listen to Mindful Beautiful, & Thriving Podcast Series, Episode 5, . for a brief introduction to mindful self-compassion, or dive into one of the mindful self-compassion practices in Episode 6.
Here is how one teen discovered self-compassion on her own and how “This is the gift that keeps on giving.” Malavika Eby.