We are all caring and compassionate people, but for complex reasons most of us seem to exclude ourselves from our own circle of caring. That has consequences. First, we can’t be all we want to be for those around us. Second, we can’t depend on the one person who could support us through thick and thin: ourselves.

 

Self-compassion provides emotional strength and resilience, allowing us to admit our shortcomings, motivate ourselves with kindness, forgive ourselves when needed, relate wholeheartedly to others, and be more authentically ourselves. Research demonstrates that self-compassion is strongly associated with emotional wellbeing, less anxiety, depression and stress, maintenance of healthy habits such as diet and exercise, and satisfying personal relationships. And it’s easier than you think.

 

In this session, you will learn about what self-compassion is and how it does—or does not—show up in your life. We’ll talk about research on the benefits of cultivating self-compassion, and also address common misgivings, such as the perception that self-compassion is ‘weak.’ We will then offer some simple practices to bring more self-compassion into your life.