Mindful Self-Compassion Workshop with Jeff Gianelli
About This Workshop:
WHAT IS MINDFUL SELF-COMPASSION?
Mindful Self-Compassion (MSC) is an empirically supported 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.
The 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 interrelatedness, 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.
Self-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.
Rapidly expanding 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.
After participating in this workshop, you’ll be able to:
- Practice self-compassion in daily life
- Understand the empirically supported benefits of self-compassion
- Motivate yourself with kindness rather than criticism
- Handle difficult emotions with greater ease
- Transform challenging relationships, old and new
- Manage caregiver fatigue
- Practice the art of savoring and self-appreciation
Registration Information
This is a 12-session workshop.
We will meet at the Community Center on the following Thursday evenings from 6:30-8:00pm:
- March 2, 9, 16 & 23
- April 6, 13 & 27
- May 4, 11 & 25
- June 1 & 8
Saturday, April 29th from 1-5pm at the Community Center will be the Mindful Self-Compassion Retreat.
Space is limited to 16 students.
The basic fee for this program is $36.00 which covers only the cost of the facility rental. The teacher is generously offering this program for dana, the Pali word for donation. Click Here for details on the practice of generosity in spiritual traditions.
Registration has closed for this event. If you have questions, you may contact Jeff directly at onwardleading@protonmail.com or through his website at https://www.onwardleading.com/contact/.
What to Expect
Program 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.
MSC is primarily a compassion training program rather than mindfulness training, 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. Beneficial change occurs naturally as we develop the capacity to be with ourselves in a kinder, more compassionate way.
Compassion is a positive, energizing emotion. However, it is said that “love reveals everything unlike itself.” While learning self-compassion, some difficult emotions may arise. MSC teachers are committed to providing a safe and supportive environment for this process to unfold, and to making the journey enjoyable.
MSC includes 12 weekly sessions of 1.5 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.
Prerequisites
Everyone is welcome, including people of all backgrounds and identities. No previous experience with mindfulness or meditation is required to attend MSC. Participants will be asked to provide some personal information when they register for this course to help teachers determine their safety and readiness for this kind of emotional work.
The following book is recommended as a companion to the MSC course:
The Mindful Self-Compassion Workbook, by Kristin Neff and Christopher Germer (2018).
And for those who wish to integrate MSC into their professional activities, the following book is also recommended. However, please plan to take MSC primarily for your own personal insight and development.
Teaching the Mindful Self-Compassion Program, by Christopher Germer and Kristin Neff (2019).
This program fulfills one of the prerequisites for becoming an MSC teacher. For more information on MSC or MSC Teacher Training, please visit www.centerformsc.org.
Jeff Gianelli
Jeff Gianelli is a Trained Teacher of the Mindful Self Compassion Program having completed the training led by Kristen Neff and Chris Germer in 2018.
Jeff is also a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW). He currently operates a private practice in Wilmington, NC called Onward Leading PLCC, where he concentrates on trauma-informed psychotherapy employing modalities such as EMDR and Internal Family Systems (IFS).
Jeff began practicing mindfulness 11 years ago and has studied mindfulness/compassion practices and techniques extensively, including the 2-year Dharmacharya Program offered through Heartwood Refuge.