How Self-Compassion Builds Inner Resilience and Motivates us to Take Climate Action

Acknowledging the suffering of our planet is an uncomfortable reality that can be hard to bear. As a society, we tend to view pain as a dysfunctional and undesirable feeling that we should ignore, fix or turn away from. However, to be eco-aware we must shift our approach and find ways to honor the difficult feelings and emotions that arise in relation to the climate crisis. Self-compassion is an invaluable resource-building tool that can help us to meet this challenge.

In this interactive workshop, we will explore some of the proven benefits and misgivings of self-compassion, based on the pioneering research of Kristen Neff and clinical expertise of Chris Germer who co-created the Mindful Self-Compassion (MSC) program. Drawing upon their work and my own experience as a MSC teacher and practitioner, I will share how self-compassion builds inner strength and resilience, and has many other benefits that support planetary health and wellbeing. 

Through guided practice, personal reflection and group discussion we will cover the three components of Mindful Self-Compassion – mindfulness, self-kindness and common humanity – and explore how these components support us in moving through the ecological awareness cycle. 

Participants will learn:

• Practical tools to meet difficult emotions and cultivate self-compassion in daily life
• How self-kindness is a more effective motivator than self-criticism
• How self-compassion can be both tender and fierce 
• How mindfulness and self-compassion can reduce our sense of separation and isolation, and expand our compassion outwards