Finding Self Compassion

For most of us, having a good sense of self esteem seems important. When we have it, we feel good about ourselves and more positive and motivated in our lives. Conversely, with low self esteem we are likely to feel bad about ourselves which often leads to a lack of self care and can contribute to depression.

The problem with self esteem isn’t having it but how we often try to get it; through self judgement, social comparisons, unhealthy competitiveness and holding ourselves up to higher and higher standards that are increasingly difficult to maintain. For many of us, our usual way of trying to uphold these self-standards is through self criticism . . .ouch!

Self Compassion on the other hand has been shown to provide all the benefits of self esteem but without the downsides. Just when our self confidence and self esteem seems to let us down, Self Compassion can be a wonderful source of comfort that all of us can discover within ourselves.

In this midweek retreat John will introduce Self Compassion experientially, looking at ways to cultivate a deeper sense of warmth and kindness towards ourselves, not because of how well our lives are going but because of just how difficult our lives can sometimes seem to be.

In this course we will be learn and practice skills of how to:

• use awareness to be more present to our thoughts and emotions
• self-soothe some of our more difficult feelings
• be less self critical and more compassionate to our weaknesses and vulnerabilities
• feel less alone in the stress and challenges we face in everyday life

Research has shown that learning to be more compassionate to ourselves can:

• make us happier in our lives
• reduce stress
• increase our resilience

This retreat will comprise a mixture of short presentations, guided meditations and small group discussions. This is not an academic course and active participation in small groups is a key element of this weekend.

“I found a peace and contentment over this weekend that I have not felt in many years”. Aoife

We hope you’ll be able to join us.

Location

The retreat will be held in our new Dzogchen Beara Temple. With expansive views across the bay, the temple is a modern example of a traditional Tibetan monastery, a form of architecture designed to be an inspiring symbol of the Buddha’s teachings for our times.

Catering

Vegetarian lunches and evening meals are provided as part of your fee.