Ever noticed how some people seem to surf life's ups and downs with relative ease - without getting stuck in the mire? Or are able to motivate themselves to achieve big things without too much obvious angst? And overall all seem happier at work and in their relationships, and healthier in their mind and body? Seems like these people have something in common - SELF-COMPASSION; a powerful attitude of courage and self-kindness which can be learned. With practise - self-compassion becomes like an invisible cloak that wraps you up and holds you safely through life's inevitable trials and tribulations, and then goes with you everywhere. I will be teaching MINDFUL SELF-COMPASSION (MSC) developed by Drs Chris Germer and Kristin Neff, in an 8-week course starting TUESDAY FEBRUARY 6.The course meets once a week (on a Tuesday evening from 6.15) and will be held at St Luke's Community Centre in Remuera. Enrol via the website www.annafriis.com to secure your place. 

"Self-compassion involves treating ourselves kindly, like we would a good friend. It motivates us to make needed changes in our lives not because we’re worthless or inadequate, but because we care about ourselves and want to lessen our suffering. You will learn simple tools for responding in a kind, compassionate way whenever we are experiencing painful emotions. Through discussion, meditation, and experiential exercises, you will gain practical skills to help bring self-compassion into your daily life."

Specific Learning Objectives 

Identify the three key components of self-compassion

Describe key research that supports the benefits of self-compassion

Understand the difference between self-compassion and self-esteem

Practice techniques to increase self-compassion in everyday life

Motivate yourself with kindness rather than self-criticism

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The feedback on these introductory weekends has been really heartwarming. Enrol soon if you would like to secure your place in the retreats booked for 2018. . Come and join us to learn more about mindfulness and self-compassion and to experience these powerful practises directly in your life.

"A special thankyou to you Anna and Megan words cannot convey the magic you both weaved over the weekend. The whole retreat was filled with both your love and compassion . From your skills to the scrumptious food you gave us the whole weekend was wonderful.Some of our groups closing words to describe our retreat were " Nourished , calmer , mindful , gratitude , acceptance, privileged to experience it ... Thankyou also to the wonderful group of people who shared this experience" .

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Wonderful to be on a panel with Matilda Rice and Makaia Carr, adding a scientific perspective to the conversation about the power and importance fo self-compassion. Live Well Festival was held at the Cloud in October and will no doubt be repeated next year - so get along if you missed out this year. It was great fun.

Ever noticed how some people seem to surf life's ups and downs with relative ease - without getting stuck in the mire? Or are able to motivate themselves to achieve big things without too much obvious angst? And overall all seem happier at work and in their relationships, and healthier in their mind and body? Seems like these people have something in common - SELF-COMPASSION; a powerful attitude of courage and self-kindness which can be learned. With practise - self-compassion becomes like an invisible cloak that wraps you up and holds you safely through life's inevitable trials and tribulations, and then goes with you everywhere. I will be teaching MINDFUL SELF-COMPASSION (MSC) developed by Drs Chris Germer and Kristin Neff, in an 8-week course starting TUESDAY FEBRUARY 6.The course meets once a week (on a Tuesday evening from 6.15) and will be held at St Luke's Community Centre in Remuera. Enrol via the website www.annafriis.com to secure your place. 

"Self-compassion involves treating ourselves kindly, like we would a good friend. It motivates us to make needed changes in our lives not because we’re worthless or inadequate, but because we care about ourselves and want to lessen our suffering. You will learn simple tools for responding in a kind, compassionate way whenever we are experiencing painful emotions. Through discussion, meditation, and experiential exercises, you will gain practical skills to help bring self-compassion into your daily life."

Specific Learning Objectives 

Identify the three key components of self-compassion

Describe key research that supports the benefits of self-compassion

Understand the difference between self-compassion and self-esteem

Practice techniques to increase self-compassion in everyday life

Motivate yourself with kindness rather than self-criticism

‍

Students starting to arrive! About to get underway with a lecture to Stage Three psychology students at University of Auckland. I'm talking about why kindness matters and how self-compassion is scientifically shown to be an important part of both psychological and physical health for all of us, -and particularly for people living with a chronic iillness such as diabetes.