MINDFULNESS AND SELF COMPASSION ~ NO CHARGE INTRO

What is the first thought that comes to your mind when you read the words self compassion? Do you think, “Oh! Self care is good. It is in my best interest to attend to my physical, emotional, and spiritual needs”. Or do you think to yourself, “taking care of me is selfish. I always put others’ needs before my own”. If you are in the last category, let me ask you something. How is that working for you?

Do you ever find yourself feeling angry and resentful because your own wants and needs are never met?

Do you expect others to read your mind and anticipate your needs?

Do you even know what it is that you want and need? What if I said that if you don’t take care of you, no one else is going to?

We are often our own worst enemies. While we might not be unkind to others, we often tend to beat ourselves up with harsh, judgmental thoughts that are repeated relentlessly and habitually, and automatically. These judgmental thoughts lead us to feel shame, guilt, anxiety, and depression and resentment. The way out of these negative feeling states begins with self-compassion. When we can approach our own emotional pain with kindness and curiosity, the healing begins.

Kindness and a compassionate stance toward ourselves allows us to be skillful in our responses to stress, particularly the stress we place on ourselves to do more and to do better and perhaps, to do it perfectly. When we are kind to ourselves, we can improve our own emotional and physical well-being, as well as improve our relationships with others. We can face our own pain in a manner that is helpful and healing.

To paraphrase, “If mama (and dad) are happy then everyone around them is happier”. Our compassion and kindness for ourselves translates into positive and loving relationships with others.

If you want to learn more about self compassion, mindfulness, and mindful meditation, then please join us for a two hour, no charge, interactive introduction to Mindfulness and Self Compassion. We will experience some mindful meditative practices, participate in self-compassion exercises, and learn about the mental, physical, and emotional benefits of a self compassionate life. Please join us as we undertake the journey toward inner and outer peace.

Susan Faurot is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist. She ran a successful private practice in Orange county for 21 years and has been working in a department of psychiatry at Kaiser-Permanente for the last 8 years. She has extensive training and experience in Mindfulness Based Compassion and Mindfulness Based Cognitive Therapy for Anxiety and Depression and has been leading groups utilizing these programs for the last 4 years. Susan is re-entering the world of private practice and is looking forward to helping others transform their lives through the cultivation of Self Compassion practices.