Self-Compassion

The art and science of treating ourselves like a good friend.

Mindful Self-Compassion (MSC) is an empirically-supported training program designed to cultivate the skill of self-compassion for personal growth, developed by Chris Germer and Kristin Neff.

Self-compassion involves being caring and supportive to ourselves:

• Listening to ourselves with understanding
• Remembering we are not alone in our struggles
• Soothing and comforting ourselves in the midst of stress
• Making changes out of self-love and a commitment to growth. 

Rather than adding to our to-do list, the practice of self-compassion incorporates tools and perspectives to employ on-the-spot anytime, anywhere. Compassion is considered to be an energizing emotion, and can help us to feel more connected with others and with our own inner resources and wisdom. 

I am a Certified Mindful Self-Compassion Teacher, which means I have completed teacher training, taught a number of Mindful Self-Compassion courses, and have been mentored and recommended for certification by a senior MSC teacher.

More information about MSC:

• Dr. Kristin Neff: self-compassion.org
• Dr. Chris Germer: chrisgermer.com
• Center for Mindful Self-Compassion: centerformsc.org

Mindfulness

Bring kind, curious awareness to your experience in the present moment.

Mindfulness, or balanced, present moment awareness, can bring a sense of grounding and dramatically enhance our self-awareness.

I have trained to teach Mindfulness through the Nalanda Institute’s Mindfulness & Contemplative Psychotherapy certificate program, and through my graduate studies in Clinical Mental Health Counseling.

Learn more:

• Mindful.org
• Nalanda Institute Guided meditations
• UCLA Health Guided meditations

Designing Your Life

Explore new perspectives and creative solutions when feeling stuck.

Many of us experience life transitions — planned and unplanned, periods of feeling stuck, and changes within ourselves, at work, and in our communities. 

Designing Your Life (DYL), also called Life Design, is based on the work of Stanford Professors Bill Burnett and Dave Evans. The Life Design framework applies the design-thinking process to our own lives — meeting challenges and uncertainty with more flexibility and creativity, and practical strategies for flourishing.

Explore life’s wicked problems: Explore the meaning of life and work (for you); Re-design your day to enhance balance and energy; Reflect on life roles and what aspects resonate most for you; Learn from failure; and more!

Bias to Action: Identify small, actionable, affordable steps to build your way forward. Test out your ideas in real life, in low-risk ways. Like a designer, approach life with a creative, iterative approach, learn along the way, collaborate with others, be curious — and have fun.

Start where you are: Life design is possible, no matter your starting point.

I am a Certified Designing Your Life Facilitator and Coach. I also offer facilitation for groups and organizations with my colleagues at Fieldbrook Advising.

More information about DYL:

• www.designingyour.life