MAPs II Class (Apr 4 – May 15)

MAPs II (Cultivation of Self-compassion, a 6-week course)

In this follow up class to MAPs I, we will explore mindfulness practices to work with self-critical thoughts, and self-compassion practices to nurture kindness and compassion for ourselves and others.

Many of us struggle with issues of self-judgment and self-criticism. Our inner critic can show up with challenging emotions and painful thoughts such as, “I’m not good enough,” “how could I be so stupid?” and “I will definitely fail at this.” Although these thoughts and feelings may feel overwhelming and intractable, we can learn how to work with and lessen them, and develop more kindness for ourselves. Science has shown that you can actually change your brain through mindfulness and the cultivation of positive emotional states.

In this 6-week course, we will include sitting and walking mindfulness and kindness meditations, periods of silence, personal exploration, and discussion to help cultivate and encourage more self-compassion.

We will use various activities to cultivate mindful attention including sitting, walking, stretching and eating.