Self-compassion can be learned by anyone. Rapidly expanding research has clearly demonstrated that self-compassion enhances emotional well-being, reduces anxiety and depression, helps to maintain healthy habits such as diet and exercise, and is related to better relationships.

The emphasis of the mindful self-compassion (MSC) program is on enhancing emotional resources and personal capacities to meet life challenges. While researchers are still striving to understand post-COVID-19 “long-haul” and cancer conditions, complementary approaches like MSC training may provide better tools to cope with them.

The program is not group therapy, although participants are encouraged to share their learning experiences as they develop MSC. The instructor is committed to providing an environment of safety, support, privacy and individual responsibility within a dynamic group experience. With some individuals, a group class may not be appropriate. In the rare case that this is so, at the instructor’s discretion participants may be respectfully asked to bow out of the class.

In-class activities include lectures, guided mindful self-compassion exercises and discussions. The class is developmental by design, so that each session builds upon previous sessions. Therefore, we suggest that participants not sign up for the course if they will miss more than two classes.

Target Audience: For participants post COVID-19 with symptoms persisting more than four weeks, as well as those who have completed oncology therapy

Learning Objectives: Following this activity, participants should be able to:

• Describe key research supporting the benefits of mindful self-compassion
• Identify the three fundamental components of mindful self-compassion
• Employ the skill of mindfulness to identify opportunities for self-compassion
• Relate to difficult emotions with greater moment-by-moment mindfulness, acceptance and ease
• Integrate core mindfulness and self-compassion exercises and skills into daily life