Self-compassion Workshop

What is self-compassion?

To understand self-compassion, we need to start by defining what compassion means. In a nutshell, compassion is the feeling that arises when you are confronted with another's suffering and feel the motivation to relieve that suffering. So, when we talk about self-compassion, we are talking about the capacity to foster these feelings and attitudes and direct them internally towards ourselves.

When exercising self-compassion, we become aware of our pain and that we are suffering and direct feelings of kindness and care towards ourselves instead of just ignoring what is happening to us or becoming self-judgemental.

We need self-compassion when we have difficult times, when we fail or when we become aware of something that we don’t like about ourselves. Instead of just ignoring what is going on or becoming very self-critical and self-judgemental, self-compassion can be a kinder and more helpful alternative.

Why is self-compassion important?

Most women tend to show a compassionate, caring, loving, and kind attitude towards others (family, friends, partners, etc.) but at the same time, the instinct to protect others can get in the way of attending to their own needs for self-compassion. Although we all tend to be self-critical, women are more likely to criticise themselves on a regular basis and in different areas (body weight, appearance, relationship, career and financial situation).

Research has shown that self-compassion is associated with emotional well-being and increased feelings of happiness, optimism, curiosity and connectedness. Similarly, self-compassion activates our soothing system which leads to decreased levels of anxiety, depression, rumination and fear of failure.

Practising self-compassion can be difficult!

For some people, being kind to themselves can be very difficult and unfamiliar. They would treat themselves far worse than they would treat others who are going through similar circumstances. Sometimes negative beliefs or different assumptions about self-compassion make it difficult to adopt a more positive way of relating to oneself. Practising self-compassion can also be difficult due to early life experiences.

Who is this workshop for?

This is an introductory workshop for women who might be interested in learning to relate differently to themselves in a more positive way that does not involve self-criticism or social comparisons but rather the fostering self-compassion. This workshop might be particularly interesting for those going through life transitions such as new motherhood, peri/menopause, health conditions, changes in family dynamics, or any other life change when self-compassion is most needed.

What to expect?

This is a 3 hours workshop where the participants will become familiar with the basic concepts of self-compassion theory and put some of these into practice through experiential exercises.

Catalina Mena Garcés Offering on Saturday 26th November 3pm to 6pm

If you would like to access the Women Supporting Women Fund to subsidise this treatment, find more details here.

Not currently available

Sorry, we don’t currently have any classes/events/courses of this type coming up. Please check back again soon.