Mindful Self-Compassion Program for Faculty

The Contemplative Pedagogy initiative, offered by the Centre for Teaching and Learning, includes a variety of workshops, activities, and resources on contemplative pedagogy for Concordians in order to re-energize our teaching and learning community during this time of constant change.

As we emerge from the isolation of remote work and teaching, it is important to focus on restoring and enhancing our well-being in order to re-energize our relationship with teaching and learning. Mindfulness, compassion and contemplative pedagogy offer entry points to starting new practices which support safe, welcoming and healthy learning environments.

Mindful Self-Compassion (MSC), as evidenced in the research of Dr. Kristen Neff and Dr. Christopher Germer, is proven to reduce stress, increase connection to others and strengthen emotional resilience. It also offers the possibility of fostering community and action-based compassionate understanding.

Program Objectives

After participating in this program, you will be able to:

• Integrate self-compassion practices in daily life
• Motivate yourself with kindness rather than criticism
• Handle difficult emotions with greater ease
• Transform challenging relationships, both old and new
• Manage caregiver fatigue
• Practice the art of self-appreciation
• Deepen authentic mindfulness and a loving relationship with yourself

Program Details

Mindful Self-Compassion includes 9 weekly sessions of 3 hours each, including a 3-hour retreat. Participants should plan to practice MSC for at least 30 minutes per day throughout the program.

Program activities include meditation, short talks, experiential exercises and group discussions.

Audience: Faculty at Concordia
Dates: Nine (9) Fridays from January 30 to April 3, 2023, inclusive.
Time: 9 am to 12 pm
Format of delivery: Online via Zoom
Spaces available: 20
Cost: Free for Concordia faculty
Facilitators: Dr. Adrienne Gaudet M.D. & Sandy Sousa

Notes:

• You must commit to participating in the nine (9) weekly sessions, including the 3-hour retreat, to receive your certification. 
• To reach our program objectives, we will prioritize faculty currently teaching at Concordia, and we will aim to balance full-time and part-time faculty. We recognize many faculty need this type of program, so if you don’t meet the criteria and want to register, please reach out to teaching@concordia.ca.