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Center for Mindful Self-Compassion

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San Diego, CA
Center for Mindful Self-Compassion

CMSC offers training in Mindful Self-Compassion based on research & established teaching methods. Founded in 2012 by Kristin Neff, PhD and Christopher K.
(1)

Germer, PhD, the center is a place where people can access self-compassion resources, discover MSC programs in their area, and explore MSC teacher training.

10/07/2025

💗 Many participants share that Live Online Mindful Self-Compassion (LOMSC) brings a new depth to their mindfulness practice—transforming awareness into genuine warmth and connection with themselves.

💬 “The LOMSC course has helped me find something in my own practice that was lacking before—the ability to truly feel caring for myself… not just watching thoughts and feelings, but meeting them with kindness. Much gratitude for MSC!”
— LOMSC Participant

✨ Learn to turn compassion inward, reduce self-criticism, and find more ease in daily life.

Explore upcoming LOMSC courses and start your own journey toward greater self-kindness, link in bio or:
🔗 centerformsc.org

10/01/2025

🍂✨ This October at CMSC ✨🍂

Autumn is the perfect time to deepen or start your self-compassion practice and nurture yourself in community. Join us for these upcoming live online offerings:

📅 October 4 – 10-Week LOMSC with Christine Grace McMulkin (Saturdays, 8–10am PT)
📅 October 11 – Essentials of Self-Compassion Workshop with Kristin Neff
📅 October 20 – 10-Week LOMSC with Jamie Lynn Tatera (Mondays, 9–11am PT)
📅 October 20 – LOMSC for Therapists with Jorge Armesto (Mondays, 8–10am PT)
📅 October 28 – Self-Compassion for Shame, 8-Week Course (Tuesdays, 9–11:30am PT)

Each course and workshop offers practical tools, guided practices, and the support of an MSC community.

🍁 Give yourself the gift of compassion this season—your mind, body, and heart will thank you.

👉 Explore and register here: https://centerformsc.org/

09/25/2025

💞 Self-Compassion Phrase: "I feel like this because
I just want to be loved! May I give myself the love I wish for from others."

Research shows that shame is a universal emotion rooted in our innate desire for love, appreciation, respect, and inclusion. CMSC Co-Founder and shame expert, Chris Germer has this to say about shame:
"When we are in the grip of shame and have the capacity to know that we’re caught up in shame (i.e., we’re mindful of shame), then offering ourselves the understanding, “And I only feel like this because I just want to be loved!” can reframe the entire experience. We would not feel shame if we didn’t wish to be loved."

Self-compassion phrases offer a respectful and caring way to meet shame and the underlying negative self beliefs (I'm a mess," "I'm a failure," "I'm unlovable" etc) and help you reconnect with your loving connected presence.

Today, see if you can identify a negative self-belief that causes you to feel shame. Then practice giving yourself compassion with whatever words help you feel held with kindness and care. Or try this: "And I only feel this way because I want to be loved. May I give myself the love I wish for from others."

09/19/2025

🦋 Art as a Pathway to Mindful Self-Compassion ✨
🗓 Tuesday, September 30, 11 am–1 pm PT
🌟 All are welcome

Ever felt drawn to create, but unsure how art could deepen your self-compassion practice? Join Jorge Armesto & Atabey Sánchez-Haiman for a special workshop open to all, where we’ll explore how awareness, reflection, and tenderness can bloom through creative expression.

This two-hour session will guide you to:
💫 Use art as a tool to support healing & joy
🌱 Deepen integration of MSC practices in your work & life
🌅 Gain fresh ideas to bring creativity into your teaching or personal practice

Whether you teach MSC or simply love exploring mindful art, this workshop is a place to show up, explore, and expand.

Reserve your spot & learn more here: https://centerformsc.org/products/tls-2-september-30th

09/16/2025

🌿 Meet Mary Marcdante Bringing Voice, Trust, and Belonging to Community 🌿

As CMSC’s Communications Director I’ve had the privilege of working with this inspiring organization and team since 2020. After completing MSC Teacher Training, I joined CMSC as a volunteer at the beginning of the pandemic to support the growing need for online self-compassion training.

My discovery of self-compassion came later in life. Even with decades of career success as a communication and stress management speaker and author in women’s health, I was driven by self-doubt, performance anxiety, and an underlying belief that I wasn’t enough. When I found MSC, I found a new friend within me who was reassuring, wise, courageous, and kind, and had my back in ways I hadn’t ever experienced, which strengthened my self-trust and confidence.
At CMSC, I help shape the voice of our work and outreach by listening to our community, sharing their stories, and creating pathways for deeper MSC connections. I oversee major events including International Self-Compassion Day, our annual Renewal Retreats and Fundraisers, and the Circles of Practice meditation program. My hope is that everything I do here at CMSC, and wherever our paths may cross — online, at a retreat, or even traveling — will help you remember: You are enough. You are not alone. You are welcome here.

09/08/2025

🍂 This September at CMSC: Opportunities to Grow with Self-Compassion 🌿

We’re excited to share a new season of courses and workshops designed to help you deepen your practice and bring more kindness into your daily life.

✨ Live Online Mindful Self-Compassion (LOMSC) Courses
Sept 10 | 9–11am PT | with Joel Grow
Sept 18 | 3–5pm PT | with Noriko Morita Harth

🔥 Fierce Self-Compassion – 8 Week Course
Sept 25 | 9–11:30am PT | with Natalie Bell & Heather Shaughnessy-Cato

💼 Self-Compassion for Leaders to Manage Burnout (Prevention) Workshop
Sept 25 | 9–11am PT

Wherever you are in your journey, there’s a compassionate space for you. 💜

👉 Learn more & register: https://centerformsc.org/

09/04/2025

💪💗 What if compassion could be both tender and fierce?

Join us for the upcoming 8-week Fierce Self-Compassion Course, starting September 25, 2025. Developed by Dr. Kristin Neff and taught by Certified MSC Teachers, this course helps you:

✨ Find balance between caring for yourself and taking empowered action
✨ Transform your inner critic into an ally
✨ Cultivate courage to set boundaries and stand strong in your values
✨ Deepen resilience while staying kind

📅 September 25 – November 20, 2025
🕘 Thursdays | 9:00–11:00 am PT
💻 Live Online

This is your chance to explore how self-compassion can fuel both strength and softness. 🌿

👉 Learn more & register link in bio or: https://centerformsc.org

08/29/2025

💞 Self-Compassion Phrase: "I notice my resistance and allow myself to be with what is."

Resistance often prevents us from accepting the present moment as it is. When we resist pain, discomfort, or difficult emotions, we often create more suffering for ourselves.

In MSC, we practice letting go of the struggle (e.g. tension, worry, fear) and we turn towards difficulty with kindness and support.

"If it's a struggle, it's not self-compassion."

When you find yourself feeling resistance today, pause and take a few slow, deep breaths, and repeat these three words, "Softening, Soothing, Allowing." Soften your body, soothe your emotions, and allow your thoughts. Self-compassion is here for you.

08/25/2025

Join Self-Compassion for Healthcare Communities (SCHC) — a 6-week, evidence-based course tailored just for healthcare professionals.

🗓 Wednesdays, Sept 3 – Oct 8
⏰ 9:00–10:00 AM PT
📍 Online

Led by Adrienne Gaudet, this program adapts the acclaimed Mindful Self-Compassion (MSC) curriculum created by Kristin Neff, PhD and Chris Germer, PhD, designed to fit the unique demands and stresses of healthcare work.

💡 Backed by research SCHC boosts self-compassion, mindfulness, and compassion satisfaction — while reducing depression, stress, secondary trauma, and burnout.

If you’re in healthcare and craving tools to support your well-being and resilience, this course is for you.

✨ Take care of yourself while caring for others. Sign up today! Link in bio or at https://centerformsc.org

08/15/2025

💪 Unlock Your Inner Strength with Fierce Self-Compassion Starts Sept 4, 2025 | with Natalie Bell & Heather Shaughnessy-Cato

Go beyond gentle self-care and discover how compassion can empower you to set healthy boundaries, harness anger as constructive energy, and take courageous action for yourself and others.

🌿 What you’ll gain:
• Motivation without self-criticism
• Skills to say “no” and protect your well-being
• Tools to meet your needs with strength + kindness

🎓 For anyone with some prior MSC experience—open to the public and professionals.
📅 Sept 4 – Oct 23 | Live sessions + 90-day replay access
🎟 Scholarships available

💥 Use the code MSCEARLYGRAD to save $100!💥
Missed Discounts: Refunds will not be given for missed coupon codes or discounts.

👉 Learn more & register here or link in bio: https://centerformsc.org/products/september-4-fsc

08/13/2025

💞 Self-Compassion Phrase: "May I give myself permission to savor and enjoy my food, one bite at a time."

Today’s phrase invites you to approach food with mindful and self-compassionate awareness. During your next meal or snack, give yourself permission to savor each bite you take in, honoring your body’s needs while connecting to the present moment.

Before you begin eating, take a moment to reflect on your relationship with food—how it has been shaped by your culture, family, and experiences. Notice how the food looks, smells, sounds, and feels, allowing each of your senses to be activated. Appreciate the earth, and the many hands that brought it to you, from the farmer to the grocer to the chef, restaurant server, or friend or family member (or yourself) who cooked for you.

As you eat, take it slow and notice each sensation: the anticipation of your first bite, the taste, the feeling of swallowing. Allow yourself to truly enjoy the act of eating, one bite at a time.

Afterward, check in with your body—ask yourself, "How do I feel now?" And then ask yourself, "How do I want to feel?" Letting go of judgment, what might you do at your next meal to nurture yourself? Eating can be an act of self-compassion.

08/07/2025

Feeling overwhelmed, frustrated, or just plain stuck in big emotions?

Join us on Wednesday, August 27th from 5–6:30pm PT for Working with Difficult Emotions through MSC with Noriko Morita Harth

This 90-minute experiential workshop offers practical tools from Mindful Self-Compassion (MSC) to help you meet anger, frustration, and emotional overwhelm with steadiness and care.

Learn to:
✨ Recognize and respond to difficult emotions in the moment
✨ Ground yourself with body-based practices
✨ Use self-kindness to regulate your nervous system and take wise action

Whether you're brand new to MSC or want to deepen your practice, you'll leave with a pocket-sized toolkit for emotional resilience.

💛 Open to all — no experience required.
📍 Online | 🎟️ Register now at https://centerformsc.org

Address

San Diego, CA

Opening Hours

Monday	8am - 5pm
Tuesday	8am - 5pm
Wednesday	8am - 5pm
Thursday	8am - 5pm
Friday	8am - 5pm
Saturday	9am - 7pm
Sunday	9am - 12pm

Website

http://www.centerformsc.org/

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