The principles of MSC

MSC offers the opportunity to take some time to have a fresh look at your life and learn some practices that will help you take care of yourself in a consciously kind way, and as a result look after those around you in the same way. It has its challenges, which is why it's great to do this with a group.

MSC brings together three strands

o A mindful approach to life, really noticing what’s going on, paying attention, learning to be aware of early indicators of stress or difficulty; it's about being your own observer so instead of being swept along by life you can make better, and kinder, choices. Mindfulness is a pivotal therapeutic tool for observing our behaviour and how it has been affected by past experience, and for providing resources to get the very best out of life for ourselves and others.

o An acknowledgement that life for everyone involves a degree of difficulty, suffering, struggle and that this is our common humanity; my struggle is different to yours, but we all have difficulties and are not alone even when it feels like it

o The introduction of deep compassion for ourselves and for others, in a way that, instead of being judgemental, is kind and open-hearted; this starts with learning to be kind to ourselves in the same way we are naturally kind to our family and friends.

The MSC course

What I've written might sound straightforward, but it takes time and practice to allow it to mean something; we are “hot-wired” for survival, most of us have an “inner-critic” and MSC has to overturn a lot of assumptions and practices. This is why the full MSC course is intensive, with some challenging material, and some wonderful practices to do together and to take away to use every day.

The course takes place over eight weeks (one session each week) of about two and a half hours per session plus a Retreat morning or afternoon. There is a fee that includes teaching and recorded meditation practices, and I ask you to buy the Mindful Self-compassion Workbook. This is a big commitment, but worth it as I can testify from my own experience and as previous participants have discovered. It allows you to experience this life-changing approach rather than simply learn about it.

I currently teach the course online and it works really well and avoids the hassle and expense of having to get somewhere on time. It also means groups can be a rich mix of people and backgrounds from a variety of places. I can run a course for your school or organisation at your workplace. 

You can feel completely safe on the course itself because there is very little personal disclosure, and it is entirely up to you what you share about personal matters. It is part of my role to know what is going on for you and I provide personal support (again online) in between sessions for those who want it, normally included, though an additional fee might be necessary if a lot of personal support is needed.

What kind of people have taken this course?

I’ve run the course quite a few times now, and some participants have been looking for self-development, others feel they’re getting it “wrong”, and others (who found me because I used to work in a school) want to be better parents. You’ll see from the feedback on the website that participants are grateful for the insights and skills they learn on the course to help improve relationships throughout their lives, being better and more effective friends, leaders, brothers and sisters; and for many have learnt to be good enough parents. 

Here’s some feedback from previous participants.

I instantly felt safe, the course breeds trust from the beginning, it's a window of mindful peace on a noisy day. The group will stay in touch afterwards as it's so rare to bond on this level with strangers.

My Journey with the Mindfulness and Self-Compassion Course was simply Transformative. Enrolling was a pivotal moment in my life. It was more than just learning; it was a profound journey towards self-healing and self-love. This course taught me to let go of past burdens, transforming them into positive life lessons. The experience was life-changing. I learned to embrace my imperfections, understand my worth, and cultivate inner peace. The course's scientifically-backed techniques and wisdom have empowered me to love and value myself in new, profound ways. I highly recommend this course to anyone seeking meaningful personal growth. It's an investment in a happier, more self-compassionate you.
A relevant and practical course. Something for everyone, especially during these challenging times.

This course came at a very difficult period in my life. I was very resistant to it at the beginning and some of the work was challenging and triggering for me. However, with John's kindness, compassion and understanding I slowly felt 'stuff' dissolving and more enabled to be gentle with myself and others.

I have better awareness of my need for inner self compassion, I have more tools to practice this with, and I felt safe with John and very well supported as I made progress. 

Thank you John for being so calm, kind, knowledgeable and insightful. The course helped me immensely-again.

Very safe pair of hands. Whatever the comment, John was able to use it and expand on it with the course intention in mind. 

The course has made a big difference to my thinking. I take a pause and a breath to situations that have been difficult and give thought to how that thinking can be shifted in a kind and compassionate way

A good balance of seriousness and humour, pulling us up on our language in a kind way rather than correcting us.

I have recommended it to several people in my life and I have started a daily practice. 

Perfect. I was surprised how easy it was to make it part of my life, and without having to follow it in the book! I think that's very skillful.

I have started to feel self compassion and compassion through all areas of my life. This course has had a positive effect on my life.

You can tell that John has a real passion for mindfulness and self compassion as it really shone throughout this course. His calm voice really helped me during the meditations. John practices what he preaches and it shines through. Good question handling too. Patient, gentle, kind and humorous.

I love John's "no nonsense/practical approach" with compassion :) You were brilliant John. You taught us with grace, allowing the teachings to sink in at the right pace for me, and I felt you were present all the way through.

I am very glad I did it and would encourage anyone to do it. It has been immensely valuable and enriching. A heart opening experience. 

Mindfulness with John can be more fun than you think, and it starts with kindness.

John is the best teacher I've ever had.

I take a look at the vulnerability underneath the hurt I am carrying so I can understand and attend to what I am really needing.

You demonstrated great skill in managing a group of diverse people, with varying needs, within the constraints of a 2 1/2

 hour window. You also showed great sensitivity and understanding with the various issues that came up.

A relevant and practical course. Something for everyone, especially during these challenging times.

I have better awareness of my need for inner self compassion, I have more tools to practice this with, and I felt safe with John and very well supported as I made progress. 

Thank you John for being so calm, kind, knowledgeable and insightful. The course helped me immensely.

Very safe pair of hands. Whatever the comment, John was able to use it and expand on it with the course intention in mind. 

The course has made a big difference to my thinking. I take a pause and a breath to situations that have been difficult and give thought to how that thinking can be shifted in a kind and compassionate way

A good balance of seriousness and humour, pulling us up on our language in a kind way rather than correcting us.

I have recommended it to several people in my life and I have started a daily practice. 

Perfect. I was surprised how easy it was to make it part of my life, and without having to follow it in the book! I think that's very skilful.

I have started to feel self compassion and compassion through all areas of my life. This course has had a positive effect on my life.

You can tell that John has a real passion for mindfulness and self compassion as it really shone throughout this course. His calm voice really helped me during the meditations. John practices what he preaches and it shines through. Good question handling too. Patient, gentle, kind and humorous.

I love John's "no nonsense/practical approach" with compassion :) You were brilliant John. you taught us with grace, allowing the teachings to sink in at the right pace for me, and I felt you were present all the way through.