BEFRIENDING SELF WITH MINDFUL SELF-COMPASSION

4 Session Course – Each class is 1.5 hours - Participants are required to attend all 4 workshops.

Mindful Self-Compassion is an evidence-based model for befriending ourselves, just as we are. When we cultivate self-compassion, we do this in a warm, friendly, and compassionate way, letting go of treating ourselves with harshness and unkindness and beginning to become our own dear friends.

Together, we will explore the art, science, and practices of self-compassion to build a greater sense of self-confidence, self-worth, and self-kindness and reduce stress, overwhelm, and burnout.

22 October 2024 - Session 1: What is Self-Compassion

In this first class, we explore the circles of self-compassion: 1. Self-kindness vs. Self-judgement 2. Common humanity vs. Isolation 3. Mindfulness vs. over-Identification. We’ll reflect on meeting ourselves with the same friendly tone as we would a dear friend and practice ways to cultivate self-compassion.

5 November 2024 - Session 2: Practicing Self-Compassion

In our second class, we check in to find out how self-compassion may be beginning to arise in our daily lives. We explore the physiology of self-compassion and self-criticism. We also learn the art of soothing and regulating our nervous systems through simple mindful practices and an exercise called the Self-Compassion Break.

19 November 2024 - Session 3: Discovering Your Compassionate Voice

In this third class, we begin to discover our own inner compassionate voices. We learn about how self-criticism can be both protective and safe and how it can also hinder us. We explore how to motivate ourselves with self-compassion.

3 December 2024 - Session 4: Befriending Our Full Selves

This week we turn towards befriending our emotions, even the difficult ones. We learn how to recognise, name and soothe emotions and how to safely meet emotions that we may consider difficult. We go home with a practice called Soften-Soothe-Allow and set our intentions to keep growing self-compassion in our lives.

Who Is This Course For?

This is perfect for anyone:

Wanting to learn how to be more self-compassionate
Open to learning some simple ways of being with difficult emotions
Curious about mindful self-compassion
Wanting to grow their inner resources to help them in connecting with others
Great at supporting others through challenges but struggle to be on their own side when they need a great friend in their own corner

What To Expect

Program activities include:

Short talks
Experiential exercises
Group discussion
Suggested home practices
Reflections and conversations to help participants to explore how they typically respond when difficulties arise in their lives
Learning tools for becoming a warm and supportive companion to oneself

Possible Outcomes

A higher level of overall wellbeing
A more positive mindset
A greater level of self-confidence
A greater degree of self-belief
A stronger connection to and sense of compassion for others

Facilitator:

Karen Haddon Befriend’s Community Enrichment Facilitator

Karen is a trained Mindful Self-Compassion Teacher through the Centre for Mindful Self-Compassion USA and is authorised to teach using the Mindful Self-Compassion materials. She is an experienced program designer and facilitator in positive psychology and well-being. She has extensive training in mindfulness, self-compassion, laughter therapy, positive neuroplasticity, and, recently, Core Gift Master Facilitation. Karen brings warmth and compassion into her approach, complementing her trauma-informed practices.