The Circle of Practice Public Offering is a free, online, live program offered by the Center for Mindful Self-Compassion (CMSC). There are 2 of them every day of the week, and they last for about 40 minutes (there are 3-a-day on Sunday and Wednesday--see below). The host is a volunteer who is trained in teaching the Mindful Self-Compassion (MSC) course, and these sessions are for anyone who is interested in exploring the idea of self-compassion. I usually host 1-2 sessions every week—there are lots of other teachers that do this so you can learn from people from around the globe.

 

Each session usually starts with a brief arriving practice—called a Soft Landing in MSC. Then the host gives a brief talk on various subjects like cultivating self-compassion or working with the inner critic. Then there is a 20–25-minute guided meditation that is usually drawn from the MSC course. Finally, if there is time, there is a chance for participants to share their experience of the practice.  

 

You can check it out with camera off—there is no need to actively participate in any way. It will give you a chance to experience self-compassion with like-minded people from all over. It is a great way to feel connected to others as you do your daily meditation.  

 

The sessions are offered at 10 am and 7 pm Eastern US time every day. There are also sessions at 8 am Eastern US on Sunday and Wednesday. Sometimes no one is available to host the session, so participants listen to a recorded guided meditation together. These meditations are also available for free on the CMSC website.

 

To sign up you need to register at the CMSC Circle of Practice website, or use the button below. Please note that there are two types of Circles. The "MSC Graduate Circles of Practice" are only for people who have completed the full 8-10 week MSC program; you will need to fill out an application for approval. The "Circles of Practice Daily Public Offering" are open to all and that is where I usually teach. They will ask for your email and name and once you register you will get the link to attend any session.

 

This is a great way to get an idea of what self-compassion practices are like, and you don’t need to leave your home or even get gussied up for the camera! Just drop in as you wish…

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Photo by Luigi Manga on Unsplash