When I first came across the concept of self-compassion, it felt like a radical invitation. I realised I didn’t have to respond to my struggles with harshness or self-criticism and instead, I could meet myself with tenderness, care, and active kindness. What a revelation!
Over the years, I’ve had the joy of sharing this approach with many others—and I continue to be moved by the transformative power of simply being with ourselves in a compassionate way in the midst of challenges, keeping ourselves company.
But sometimes, after being with the difficulty, some questions linger, like what about the things that need to change? What about boundaries? Saying no? Standing up for ourselves?
That’s why I was delighted when, a decade after publishing Self-Compassion, Dr. Kristin Neff followed it up with Fierce Self-Compassion. While the first book explores the nurturing “yin” side of compassion, the second introduces the “yang” aspect: fierce self-compassion. This includes protecting what matters, providing for our needs, and motivating ourselves with clarity and strength.
Together, these two sides of compassion—tender and fierce—create a powerful foundation for responding wisely and effectively in challenging situations. They help us stand by ourselves with courage and care.
This autumn, I’ll be offering a 4-session course exploring both sides of self-compassion. The first session will set the scene with an exploration of both the tender and fierce aspects. The following three sessions will each focus on one of the core expressions of fierce self-compassion: protecting, providing, and motivating.
Drawing from Kristin Neff’s work, as well as insights from my own two decades of Buddhist and mindfulness practice, I’m excited to explore how this approach can help us live with more courage, balance, and integrity—and in doing so, show up for others more effectively too.
When: Wednesday 3 Sept, 8 Oct, 12 Nov, 17 Dec, 7–9pm
Where: Salisbury Centre, Edinburgh
Cost: sliding scale according to your available resources of £100 – £80 – £60, to be transferred by BACS online, through PayPal or in cash on the day.. If the price is an obstacle to you joining this course, please get in touch!
If you have any questions or would like to book: click here
earthy mindfulness 