BEGIN:VCALENDAR VERSION:2.0 PRODID:-//Mindfulness Hamilton - ECPv6.15.20//NONSGML v1.0//EN CALSCALE:GREGORIAN METHOD:PUBLISH X-WR-CALNAME:Mindfulness Hamilton X-ORIGINAL-URL:https://mindfulnesshamilton.ca X-WR-CALDESC:Events for Mindfulness Hamilton REFRESH-INTERVAL;VALUE=DURATION:PT1H X-Robots-Tag:noindex X-PUBLISHED-TTL:PT1H BEGIN:VTIMEZONE TZID:America/New_York BEGIN:DAYLIGHT TZOFFSETFROM:-0500 TZOFFSETTO:-0400 TZNAME:EDT DTSTART:20150308T070000 END:DAYLIGHT BEGIN:STANDARD TZOFFSETFROM:-0400 TZOFFSETTO:-0500 TZNAME:EST DTSTART:20151101T060000 END:STANDARD BEGIN:DAYLIGHT TZOFFSETFROM:-0500 TZOFFSETTO:-0400 TZNAME:EDT DTSTART:20160313T070000 END:DAYLIGHT BEGIN:STANDARD TZOFFSETFROM:-0400 TZOFFSETTO:-0500 TZNAME:EST DTSTART:20161106T060000 END:STANDARD BEGIN:DAYLIGHT TZOFFSETFROM:-0500 TZOFFSETTO:-0400 TZNAME:EDT DTSTART:20170312T070000 END:DAYLIGHT BEGIN:STANDARD TZOFFSETFROM:-0400 TZOFFSETTO:-0500 TZNAME:EST DTSTART:20171105T060000 END:STANDARD BEGIN:DAYLIGHT TZOFFSETFROM:-0500 TZOFFSETTO:-0400 TZNAME:EDT DTSTART:20180311T070000 END:DAYLIGHT BEGIN:STANDARD TZOFFSETFROM:-0400 TZOFFSETTO:-0500 TZNAME:EST DTSTART:20181104T060000 END:STANDARD BEGIN:DAYLIGHT TZOFFSETFROM:-0500 TZOFFSETTO:-0400 TZNAME:EDT DTSTART:20190310T070000 END:DAYLIGHT BEGIN:STANDARD TZOFFSETFROM:-0400 TZOFFSETTO:-0500 TZNAME:EST DTSTART:20191103T060000 END:STANDARD BEGIN:DAYLIGHT TZOFFSETFROM:-0500 TZOFFSETTO:-0400 TZNAME:EDT DTSTART:20200308T070000 END:DAYLIGHT BEGIN:STANDARD TZOFFSETFROM:-0400 TZOFFSETTO:-0500 TZNAME:EST DTSTART:20201101T060000 END:STANDARD BEGIN:DAYLIGHT TZOFFSETFROM:-0500 TZOFFSETTO:-0400 TZNAME:EDT DTSTART:20210314T070000 END:DAYLIGHT BEGIN:STANDARD TZOFFSETFROM:-0400 TZOFFSETTO:-0500 TZNAME:EST DTSTART:20211107T060000 END:STANDARD END:VTIMEZONE BEGIN:VTIMEZONE TZID:UTC BEGIN:STANDARD TZOFFSETFROM:+0000 TZOFFSETTO:+0000 TZNAME:UTC DTSTART:20150101T000000 END:STANDARD END:VTIMEZONE BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20200314T093000 DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20200425T170000 DTSTAMP:20260417T124259 CREATED:20191227T194317Z LAST-MODIFIED:20191230T141939Z UID:10000231-1584178200-1587834000@mindfulnesshamilton.ca SUMMARY:Mindful Self Compassion 8 session course DESCRIPTION:  \nMindful Self Compassion is an empirically-supported\, 8 session\, training program designed to cultivate the skill of self-compassion and is based on the groundbreaking research of Kristin Neff and the clinical expertise of Christopher Germer. \nMindful Self Compassion enables you to: \n\nPractice self-compassion in daily life\nUnderstand the empirically supported benefits of self-compassion\nMotivate yourself with kindness versus criticism\nHandle difficult emotions with greater ease\nTransform challenging relationships\, old and new\nManage caregiver fatigue\nPractice the art of savoring and self-appreciation\n\nWhat to Expect During the Program \nCourse activities include meditation\, short talks\, experiential exercises\, small and large group discussion and home practices. MSC teachers are committed to providing a safe and supportive  environment for this process to unfold and to making the journey interesting and helpful for everyone. Studies confirm that practicing Self Compassion results in less stress\, anxiety and depression; maintenance of healthy habits like diet and exercise as well as more relational satisfaction! \nNo previous experience with mindfulness or meditation is required to attend MSC \nINSTRUCTORS \nBarbara Smith MFA\, MS psych\, RP\, Trained MSC Teacher for 5 years \nSally Dwyer MS\, RP\, Trained MSC Teacher \nMarch 14 & 21st 9:30-12:30 \nApril 4\, 11 & 18 9:30-3:30 \nApril 25 2-5:00 \nFor more information or to register: please bsmiththerapist@gmail.com\, sallydwyer@protonmail.com or info@mindfulselfcompassionhamilton.ca \nEarly Bird $425.00 before March 1st\, $475 after March 1st \nThe cost of the course may be covered by third-party insurance. \nContinuing Education Units (CEU’s) are also offered. Check with your workplace/college. URL:https://mindfulnesshamilton.ca/event/mindful-self-compassion-8-session-course LOCATION:Melrose United Church\, 86 Homewood Ave\, Hamilton\, Ontario\, Canada ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://mindfulnesshamilton.ca/wp-content/uploads/pic-for-Barbs-course.png ORGANIZER;CN="Barbara Smith":MAILTO:info@mindfulselfcompassion.ca END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;VALUE=DATE:20190615 DTEND;VALUE=DATE:20190616 DTSTAMP:20260417T124259 CREATED:20190417T002711Z LAST-MODIFIED:20190417T002711Z UID:10000219-1560556800-1560643199@mindfulnesshamilton.ca SUMMARY:The First Mindful Self Compassion Retreat for Graduates of MSC 8 week program DESCRIPTION:MINDFUL SELF-COMPASSION \nFULL DAY RETREAT \nJUNE 15\, 2019 \nRefresh\, Renew\, Restore and Reconnect \nwith \nMindful Self-Compassion \nPlease join us for the first Mindful Self-Compassion full day retreat for MSC graduates. \nOne of the wonderful things about self-compassion is the more we practice\, the more self-compassion reveals itself to us and the more we are transformed. We will be introducing Forgiveness Practice and Mountain Meditation as well as revisiting core practices from the program. Wherever you are on your self-compassion journey\, we invite you to deepen your practice\, rejuvenate your spirit and reconnect with our growing MSC community. \nLocation: Melrose United Church\, 86 Homewood\, Hamilton \nDate: June 15\, 9:30 am – 4:30 pm \nCost: $100.00 \nTo register: please email Barbara Smith at bsmiththerapist@gmail.com URL:https://mindfulnesshamilton.ca/event/the-first-mindful-self-compassion-retreat-for-graduates-of-msc-8-week-program LOCATION:Melrose United Church\, 86 Homewood Avenue\, Hamilton\, Ontario\, L8P2M2\, Canada ORGANIZER;CN="Barbara Smith":MAILTO:info@mindfulselfcompassion.ca END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20190112T093000 DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20190131T123000 DTSTAMP:20260417T124259 CREATED:20181203T222748Z LAST-MODIFIED:20190212T215213Z UID:10000097-1547285400-1548937800@mindfulnesshamilton.ca SUMMARY:Mindful Self Compassion 8 Week Course DESCRIPTION:Mindful Self Compassion 8 week course\n\n\n\nJanuary 12 – March  9\, 2019   9:30-12:30  Retreat  February 16 12:30-4:30\n\n\n\nMelrose United Church\, 86 Homewood Avenue\nHamilton\, Ontario L8P2M2 Canada + Google Map \nmindfulselfcompassionhamilton.ca \ninfo@mindfulselfcompassionhamilton.ca \nPLEASE NOTE THE ABOVE CURRENT CORRECT WEBSITE AND EMAIL ADDRESSES. \nMindful Self-Compassion (MSC) is an empirically-supported\, 8-week\, training program designed to cultivate the skill of self-compassion. Based on the groundbreaking research of Kristin Neff and the clinical expertise of Christopher Germer\, MSC teaches core principles and practices that enable participants to respond to difficult moments in their lives with kindness\, care and understanding. \nThe three key components of self-compassion are self-kindness\, a sense of common humanity\, and balanced\, mindful awareness. Kindness opens our hearts to suffering\, so we can give ourselves what we need. Common humanity opens us to our essential inter-relatedness\, so that we know we aren’t alone. Mindfulness opens us to the present moment\, so we can accept our experience with greater ease. Together they comprise a state of warm-hearted\, connected presence. \nSelf-compassion can be learned by anyone\, even those who didn’t receive enough affection in childhood or who feel uncomfortable when they are good to themselves. It’s a courageous attitude that stands up to harm\, including the harm that we unwittingly inflict on ourselves through self-criticism\, self-isolation\, or self-absorption. 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. \nRapidly expanding research demonstrates that self-compassion is strongly associated with emotional well-being\, 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. \nAfter participating in this workshop\, you’ll be able to: \nPractice self-compassion in daily life\nUnderstand the empirically-supported benefits of self-compassion\nMotivate yourself with kindness rather than criticism\nHandle difficult emotions with greater ease\nTransform challenging relationships\, old and new\nManage caregiver fatigue\nPractice the art of savoring and self-appreciation \nFacilitators: Barbara Smith and Mary Linda Burgess\, Trained MSC teachers since 2015 \nEarly Bird $375 before December 21st; after December 21st. $400 \nmindfulselfcompassionhamilton.ca \ninfo@mindfulselfcompassionhamilton.ca \nPLEASE NOTE THE ABOVE CURRENT CORRECT WEBSITE AND EMAIL ADDRESSES. URL:https://mindfulnesshamilton.ca/event/mindful-self-compassion-8-week-course-3 LOCATION:Melrose United Church\, 86 Homewood Avenue\, Hamilton\, Ontario\, L8P2M2\, Canada ORGANIZER;CN="Barbara Smith":MAILTO:info@mindfulselfcompassion.ca END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20180926T173000 DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20181114T203000 DTSTAMP:20260417T124259 CREATED:20180615T145239Z LAST-MODIFIED:20180730T194958Z UID:10000214-1537983000-1542227400@mindfulnesshamilton.ca SUMMARY:Mindful Self Compassion 8 week course DESCRIPTION:September 26\, 2018 – November 14\, 2018        Retreat  October 27 9:30-1:30 \nMelrose United Church\, 86 Homewood Avenue\nHamilton\, Ontario L8P2M2 Canada + Google Map \nmindfulselfcompassionhamilton.ca \nMindful Self-Compassion (MSC) is an empirically-supported\, 8-week\, training program designed to cultivate the skill of self-compassion. Based on the groundbreaking research of Kristin Neff and the clinical expertise of Christopher Germer\, MSC teaches core principles and practices that enable participants to respond to difficult moments in their lives with kindness\, care and understanding. \nThe three key components of self-compassion are self-kindness\, a sense of common humanity\, and balanced\, mindful awareness. Kindness opens our hearts to suffering\, so we can give ourselves what we need. Common humanity opens us to our essential inter-relatedness\, so that we know we aren’t alone. Mindfulness opens us to the present moment\, so we can accept our experience with greater ease. Together they comprise a state of warm-hearted\, connected presence. \nSelf-compassion can be learned by anyone\, even those who didn’t receive enough affection in childhood or who feel uncomfortable when they are good to themselves. It’s a courageous attitude that stands up to harm\, including the harm that we unwittingly inflict on ourselves through self-criticism\, self-isolation\, or self-absorption. 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. \nRapidly expanding research demonstrates that self-compassion is strongly associated with emotional well-being\, 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. \nAfter participating in this workshop\, you’ll be able to: \nPractice self-compassion in daily life\nUnderstand the empirically-supported benefits of self-compassion\nMotivate yourself with kindness rather than criticism\nHandle difficult emotions with greater ease\nTransform challenging relationships\, old and new\nManage caregiver fatigue\nPractice the art of savoring and self-appreciation \nFacilitators: Barbara Smith and Mary Linda Burgess\, Trained MSC teachers since 2015 \n  \n  URL:https://mindfulnesshamilton.ca/event/mindful-self-compassion-8-week-course-2 LOCATION:Melrose United Church\, 86 Homewood Avenue\, Hamilton\, Ontario\, L8P2M2\, Canada ORGANIZER;CN="Barbara Smith":MAILTO:info@mindfulselfcompassion.ca END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=UTC:20180117T173000 DTEND;TZID=UTC:20180117T203000 DTSTAMP:20260417T124259 CREATED:20171122T191757Z LAST-MODIFIED:20180215T085447Z UID:10000193-1516210200-1516221000@mindfulnesshamilton.ca SUMMARY:Mindful Self Compassion 8 week course DESCRIPTION:  \n\nNext Course: Wednesdays Jan 17 to Mar 7\, 2018\n 5:30pm to 8:30pm\n Retreat: Sat. Feb 17\, 2018\, 9:30am to 1:30pm\nLocation:  Melrose United Church;                                                                                                                  86 Homewood Ave\,                                                                                                                                         Hamilton\, ON L8P 2M4                                                                                                                                             in the Parlour Room \nMindful Self-Compassion (MSC) is an empirically-supported\, 8-week\, training program designed to cultivate the skill of self-compassion. Based on the groundbreaking research of Kristin Neff and the clinical expertise of Christopher Germer\, MSC teaches core principles and practices that enable participants to respond to difficult moments in their lives with kindness\, care and understanding. \nThe three key components of self-compassion are self-kindness\, a sense of common humanity\, and balanced\, mindful awareness. Kindness opens our hearts to suffering\, so we can give ourselves what we need. Common humanity opens us to our essential inter-relatedness\, so that we know we aren’t alone. Mindfulness opens us to the present moment\, so we can accept our experience with greater ease. Together they comprise a state of warm-hearted\, connected presence. \nSelf-compassion can be learned by anyone\, even those who didn’t receive enough affection in childhood or who feel uncomfortable when they are good to themselves. It’s a courageous attitude that stands up to harm\, including the harm that we unwittingly inflict on ourselves through self-criticism\, self-isolation\, or self-absorption. 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. \nRapidly expanding research demonstrates that self-compassion is strongly associated with emotional well-being\, 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. \nAfter participating in this workshop\, you’ll be able to: \nPractice self-compassion in daily life\nUnderstand the empirically-supported benefits of self-compassion\nMotivate yourself with kindness rather than criticism\nHandle difficult emotions with greater ease\nTransform challenging relationships\, old and new\nManage caregiver fatigue\nPractice the art of savoring and self-appreciation URL:https://mindfulnesshamilton.ca/event/mindful-self-compassion-8-week-course LOCATION:Melrose United Church\, 86 Homewood Avenue\, Hamilton\, Ontario\, L8P2M2\, Canada ORGANIZER;CN="Barbara Smith":MAILTO:info@mindfulselfcompassion.ca END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=UTC:20170506T093000 DTEND;TZID=UTC:20170506T133000 DTSTAMP:20260417T124259 CREATED:20170216T184950Z LAST-MODIFIED:20170219T002426Z UID:10000037-1494063000-1494077400@mindfulnesshamilton.ca SUMMARY:Mindful Self Compassion 8 week program DESCRIPTION:May 6 – June 24     \n $350.00 Early Bird (suggested) before April 22 $400.00 afterward \nMelrose United Church\, 86 Homewood Ave.\, Hamilton \n\n\nMINDFUL SELF-COMPASSION (MSC) is an empirically-supported\, 8-week\, training\nprogram designed to cultivate the skill of self-compassion and is based on the\ngroundbreaking research of Kristin Neff and the clinical expertise of Christopher\nGermer.\n\n\n\nResearch has demonstrated that self-compassion is strongly associated with emotional well-being\, less anxiety\, depression and stress\, maintenance of healthy habits such as diet and exercise\, and satisfying personal relationships.\n\n\n\n\nWHAT TO EXPECT DURING THE PROGRAM\nMSC includes 8 weekly sessions of 3 hours each\, in addition to a 4-hour retreat.\nParticipants should plan to attend every session and practice mindfulness and\nself-compassion at least 30 minutes per day throughout the program.\nNo previous experience with mindfulness or meditation is required to attend MSC.\n\n\n\n\n\nPrograms are led by Trained Mindful Self-Compassion Teachers\n\nSee website for instructor profiles\n\n\n\n\nVisit www.mindfulselfcompassionhamilton.org for more information URL:https://mindfulnesshamilton.ca/event/mindful-self-compassion-8-week-program LOCATION:Melrose United Church\, 86 Homewood Avenue\, Hamilton\, Ontario\, L8P2M2\, Canada ORGANIZER;CN="Barbara Smith":MAILTO:info@mindfulselfcompassion.ca END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=UTC:20161005T173000 DTEND;TZID=UTC:20161005T203000 DTSTAMP:20260417T124259 CREATED:20160712T034713Z LAST-MODIFIED:20161104T230051Z UID:10000073-1475688600-1475699400@mindfulnesshamilton.ca SUMMARY:Mindful Self Compassion DESCRIPTION:October 5 to November 23\, 2016 from 5:30-8:30 \nwith a 4 hour retreat November 5th 9:30 -1:30 \n\nMelrose United Church\, \n86 Homewood Ave\nHamilton\, Ontario Canada URL:https://mindfulnesshamilton.ca/event/mindful-self-compassion-4 LOCATION:Melrose United Church\, 86 Homewood Avenue\, Hamilton\, Ontario\, L8P2M2\, Canada ORGANIZER;CN="Barbara Smith":MAILTO:info@mindfulselfcompassion.ca END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=UTC:20160604T093000 DTEND;TZID=UTC:20160723T123000 DTSTAMP:20260417T124259 CREATED:20160509T220104Z LAST-MODIFIED:20160510T053240Z UID:10000069-1465032600-1469277000@mindfulnesshamilton.ca SUMMARY:Mindful Self Compassion DESCRIPTION:Barbara Smith and Mary Linda Burgess \nMelrose United Church \n86 Homewood Ave \nJune 4- July 23\, 2016 \n9:30am to 12:30 \n“love reveals everything unlike itself.” \nMindful Self-Compassion (MSC) is an empirically-supported\, 8-week\, training program designed to cultivate the skill of self-compassion. Based on the groundbreaking research of Kristin Neff and the clinical expertise of Christopher Germer\, MSC teaches core principles and practices that enable participants to respond to difficult moments in their lives with kindness\, care and understanding. \nThe three key components of self-compassion are self-kindness\, a sense of common humanity\, and balanced\, mindful awareness. Kindness opens our hearts to suffering\, so we can give ourselves what we need. Common humanity opens us to our essential inter-relatedness\, so that we know we aren’t alone. Mindfulness opens us to the present moment\, so we can accept our experience with greater ease. Together they comprise a state of warm-hearted\, connected presence. \nSelf-compassion can be learned by anyone\, even those who didn’t receive enough affection in childhood or who feel uncomfortable when they are good to themselves. It’s a courageous attitude that stands up to harm\, including the harm that we unwittingly inflict on ourselves through self-criticism\, self-isolation\, or self-absorption. 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. \nRapidly expanding research demonstrates that self-compassion is strongly associated with emotional well-being\, 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. \nAfter participating in this workshop\, you’ll be able to: \n\nPractice self-compassion in daily life\nUnderstand the empirically-supported benefits of self-compassion\nMotivate yourself with kindness rather than criticism\nHandle difficult emotions with greater ease\nTransform challenging relationships\, old and new\nManage caregiver fatigue\nPractice the art of savoring and self-appreciation\n\nWhat To Expect \nProgram activities include meditation\, short talks\, experiential exercises\, group discussion\, and home practices. MSC is a workshop rather than a retreat. The goal is for participants to directly experience self-compassion and learn practices that evoke self-compassion in daily life. \n MSC is primarily a compassion training program rather than mindfulness training like Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR)\, although mindfulness is the foundation of self-compassion. MSC is also not psychotherapy insofar as the emphasis of MSC is on building emotional resources rather than addressing old wounds. Positive change occurs naturally as we develop the capacity to be with ourselves in a kinder\, more compassionate way. \nIt is said that “love reveals everything unlike itself.” While some difficult emotions may arise when practicing self-compassion\, MSC teachers are committed to providing a safe\, supportive environment for this process to unfold\, and to making the journey interesting and enjoyable for everyone. \nMSC includes 8 weekly sessions of 3 hours each\, in addition to a 4-hour retreat. Prior to registering\, participants should plan to attend every session and practice mindfulness and self-compassion at least 30 minutes per day throughout the program. \nNOTE this program is arranged for 9 weeks to accommodate the 4 hr retreat. \nPrerequisites \nNo previous experience with mindfulness or meditation is required to attend MSC. To insure safety\, participants are asked to provide background information when they register for the program. \nIt is recommended that participants read one or both of following books before or during the program: \n\nSelf-Compassion: The Proven Power of Being Kind to Yourself\, by Kristin Neff\nThe Mindful Path to Self-Compassion\, by Christopher Germer\n\nThis program fulfills one of the prerequisites for becoming a MSC teacher. For more information on MSC and MSC Teacher Training\, please visit www.CenterForMSC.org. \nBarbara Smith\, MFA\, GIT\, MS\,psych. Trained Mindful Self Compassion teacher \nMary Linda Burgess MSW\, RSW\, student of Mindful Self Compassion\, and Mindfulness \nRegistration please contact info@mindfulselfcompassionhamilton.org for inquiries \nInformation www.mindfulselfcompassionhamilton.org \nCOST Early Bird:$325.00 before May 20/16; $350 after May 20/16 URL:https://mindfulnesshamilton.ca/event/mindful-self-compassion-3 LOCATION:Melrose United Church\, 86 Homewood Ave\, Hamilton\, Ontario\, Canada ORGANIZER;CN="Barbara Smith":MAILTO:info@mindfulselfcompassion.ca END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20160130T093000 DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20160326T213000 DTSTAMP:20260417T124259 CREATED:20151122T200615Z LAST-MODIFIED:20151122T200615Z UID:10000009-1454146200-1459027800@mindfulnesshamilton.ca SUMMARY:Mindful Self Compassion DESCRIPTION:Barbara Smith and Mary Linda Burgess \nMelrose United Church \n86 Homewood Ave \nJanuary 30-March 26 \n9:30am to noon \n“love reveals everything unlike itself.” \nMindful Self-Compassion (MSC) is an empirically-supported\, 8-week\, training program designed to cultivate the skill of self-compassion. Based on the groundbreaking research of Kristin Neff and the clinical expertise of Christopher Germer\, MSC teaches core principles and practices that enable participants to respond to difficult moments in their lives with kindness\, care and understanding. \nThe three key components of self-compassion are self-kindness\, a sense of common humanity\, and balanced\, mindful awareness. Kindness opens our hearts to suffering\, so we can give ourselves what we need. Common humanity opens us to our essential inter-relatedness\, so that we know we aren’t alone. Mindfulness opens us to the present moment\, so we can accept our experience with greater ease. Together they comprise a state of warm-hearted\, connected presence. \nSelf-compassion can be learned by anyone\, even those who didn’t receive enough affection in childhood or who feel uncomfortable when they are good to themselves. It’s a courageous attitude that stands up to harm\, including the harm that we unwittingly inflict on ourselves through self-criticism\, self-isolation\, or self-absorption. 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. \nRapidly expanding research demonstrates that self-compassion is strongly associated with emotional well-being\, 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. \nAfter participating in this workshop\, you’ll be able to: \n\nPractice self-compassion in daily life\nUnderstand the empirically-supported benefits of self-compassion\nMotivate yourself with kindness rather than criticism\nHandle difficult emotions with greater ease\nTransform challenging relationships\, old and new\nManage caregiver fatigue\nPractice the art of savoring and self-appreciation\n\nWhat To Expect \nProgram activities include meditation\, short talks\, experiential exercises\, group discussion\, and home practices. MSC is a workshop rather than a retreat. The goal is for participants to directly experience self-compassion and learn practices that evoke self-compassion in daily life. \n MSC is primarily a compassion training program rather than mindfulness training like Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR)\, although mindfulness is the foundation of self-compassion. MSC is also not psychotherapy insofar as the emphasis of MSC is on building emotional resources rather than addressing old wounds. Positive change occurs naturally as we develop the capacity to be with ourselves in a kinder\, more compassionate way. \nIt is said that “love reveals everything unlike itself.” While some difficult emotions may arise when practicing self-compassion\, MSC teachers are committed to providing a safe\, supportive environment for this process to unfold\, and to making the journey interesting and enjoyable for everyone. \nMSC includes 8 weekly sessions of 3 hours each\, in addition to a 4-hour retreat. Prior to registering\, participants should plan to attend every session and practice mindfulness and self-compassion at least 30 minutes per day throughout the program. \nNOTE this program is arranged for 9 weeks to accommodate the 4 hr retreat. \nPrerequisites \nNo previous experience with mindfulness or meditation is required to attend MSC. To insure safety\, participants are asked to provide background information when they register for the program. \nIt is recommended that participants read one or both of following books before or during the program: \n\nSelf-Compassion: The Proven Power of Being Kind to Yourself\, by Kristin Neff\nThe Mindful Path to Self-Compassion\, by Christopher Germer\n\nThis program fulfills one of the prerequisites for becoming a MSC teacher. For more information on MSC and MSC Teacher Training\, please visit www.CenterForMSC.org. \nBarbara Smith\, MFA\, GIT\, MS\,psych. Trained Mindful Self Compassion teacher \nMary Linda Burgess MSW\, RSW\, student of Mindful Self Compassion\, and Mindfulness \nRegistration please contact info@mindfulselfcompassionhamilton.org for inquiries \nInformation www.mindfulselfcompassionhamilton.org \nCOST Early Bird:$300.00 before Jan 15/16; $325 after Jan 15/16 URL:https://mindfulnesshamilton.ca/event/mindful-self-compassion LOCATION:Mindful Self Compassion\, 86 Homewood\, Hamilton\, ON\, L8P 2M4\, Canada ORGANIZER;CN="Barbara Smith":MAILTO:info@mindfulselfcompassion.ca END:VEVENT END:VCALENDAR