The Heart & Science of Self-Compassion with Amy Finlay-Jones.

Deepening Self-Compassion

Always we hope someone else has the answer, some other place will be better, some other time it will all turn out. This is it; no one else has the answer, no other place will be better, and it has already turned out. At the center of your being, you have the answer; you know who you are and you know what you want. There is no need to run outside for better seeing. Nor to peer from a window. Rather abide at the center of your being; for the more you leave it, the less you learn. Search your heart and see the way to do is to be. - Lao Tzu

Your task is not to seek for love, but merely to seek and find all the barriers within yourself that you have built against it - Rumi

The practice of self-compassion can transform the way we relate to ourselves, experience others, and respond to the various challenges life brings. Decades of research now demonstrates that self-compassion is a fundamental cornerstone of wellbeing, resilience, and personal growth. While we all have an innate capacity for compassion, many of us are unfamiliar with treating ourselves with genuine acceptance, understanding and kindness. This workshop is designed to introduce you to a range of practices to facilitate a more compassionate relationship with yourself, deepen self-awareness through inquiry and dialogue with others, and extend your understanding of the science of self-compassion.

Testimonials

Amy Finlay-Jones' workshop on the art and science of compassion would have to be among the most profound experiences of my life. Both provocative and deeply consoling, the workshop helped me to examine various aspects of my relationship with myself and with others in a powerful and enlightening way. The skilful interweaving of reflection exercises, meditations, and experiential learning with the fascinating content delivered made this such a stimulating and valuable experience. Amy is a gifted teacher and facilitator who is able to create a space of safety and invitation for all participants, no matter where they are on their journey. I hope to attend more of her workshops in the future.

Who is the Workshop For?

The workshop is for anyone interested in learning more about the intentional cultivation of self-compassion, or those who wish to deepen their practice in a supportive group environment. You do not need any prior experience with self-compassion or contemplative practice to apply.

Workshop Structure and Inclusions

The workshop will be held on the La Gonette estate and will be run in a small group format. The workshop and group discussion will be facilitated in English, and the workshop will involve meditation practice, group dialogue, partner exercises, reflective exercises and gentle movement.

Participants are asked to arrive at 9.00am for a 9.30am start, and lunch will be provided. All participants will receive access to resources to support their practice following the workshop.

About the Facilitator

Associate Professor Amy Finlay-Jones is a researcher, therapist, and contemplative practice facilitator who is dedicated to helping others cultivate more balanced, connected, and meaningful lives through compassion and mindfulness practice. She is a skilled group facilitator with over 10 years of experience delivering mindfulness- and compassion-based approaches in clinical, community, and organisational settings. Amy’s teaching draws on many years of personal practice, her passion for social justice and activism, as well as her lived experience of long-term chronic illness. 

Amy is a Stanford University-certified Compassion Cultivation Training (CCT) facilitator and a trained Mindful Self-Compassion (MSC) teacher. She is also trained to teach the Mindfulness Based Compassionate Living program and the Mindful Self-Compassion for Teens program.

Amy holds Masters degrees in Clinical Psychology and Health Economics and a PhD in Clinical Psychology. She is involved in ongoing research that investigates the effects of compassion training on intra- and interpersonal wellbeing. She has developed several online self-compassion training programs, and is the lead editor of the Handbook of Self-Compassion.

Location

The workshop is held in person at Chateau de la Gonette, Quartier le Seris, 04150 Simiane-la-Rotonde, France.