Mindful Self-Compassion (MSC) Course – an 8 week program facilitated by Mary O’Callaghan. It starts on Thursday the 27th of April and runs until the 15th of June, 2023. Classes will be held on Thursday evenings from 7.00 pm – 9.45 pm. There will be a half day of practice on Sunday the 11th of June from 10.00 am – 2.00 pm. Please note, the classes will be held in person rather than online. The fee is €350.

Mindful Self-Compassion?

While many of us would be quick to complain about being treated harshly by a loved one, friend or colleague, the reality is that we tend to treat ourselves in ways we would never treat anyone else. When things go wrong for us, how quickly we use expressions of self-blame such as what’s the matter with me? or what have I done now? or there I go again!. This habit of negative and critical self-talk is undermining, unproductive and stressful.

Mindful self-compassion helps us, first to recognise these habits as they arise (mindfulness) and then to let go of our harshness towards ourselves and, instead, to develop understanding, tenderness and kindness (self-compassion).

Who would benefit from the programme?

This eight week programme is for anyone who has some previous experience of mindfulness and who wants to cultivate compassion for themselves and for others.

After engaging in this programme you will be able to:

• Practice self-compassion in daily life
• Motivate yourself with kindness rather than criticism
• Handle difficult emotions with greater ease
• Transform challenging relationships, old and new
• Manage caregiver fatigue
• Practice the art of savouring and self-appreciation

Testimonials

I said in the class I was like ‘a tough old boot’, that’s the way I saw myself, but this course has allowed me to see how fragile I am also. It has opened up a world of awareness around kindness, understanding and compassion for myself, and the fragility of all human beings who need this soothing compassion too. It has also shown me a new way to respond to difficult and testing times.

I feel I gained quite an understanding at how harshly and judgmentally I treated myself and others without thinking. From the first week I found myself thinking in a more softer, gentler way. This new way of being was fundamental in creating a new voice inside my head. The course I feel, has allowed me space to be more reflective, kinder not just with myself, but others with whom I share my life.

I feel I benefited from the course and would love to do another one.

I found Mary’s style fun, interactive and warm.

Ina, Psychotherapist

You can read more feedback from participants in our Mindfulness Section.

Mary O’Callaghan, MA, EAP, is the founder-director of Oscailt. Mary is an accredited psychotherapist and supervisor and has also been exploring meditation practices for nearly 40 years. During that time, she spent eight years living as a Buddhist nun and underwent intensive training in Eastern psychology and meditation. She has led meditation retreats in Europe and Asia and is passionate about integrating mindfulness into everyday life.