Mindful Self-Compassion
with
Dr. Jorge Armesto & Courtney Mace
Teachers
Jorge Armesto, PhD, EdM, C-IAYT, is a bilingual clinical psychologist and yoga therapist serving linguistically and culturally diverse communities in Massachusetts and Rhode Island. His work integrates psychology, mindfulness, compassion, neuroscience, and somatic practices to support people in transforming suffering and cultivating peace. Jorge is a Certified Mindful Self-Compassion teacher and teacher trainer who offers MSC and other mindfulness-based programs in collaboration with nonprofit organizations. He practices in the Plum Village Tradition and is a member of the Order of Interbeing. For more information: www.goslowly.com.
Courtney Mace, C-IAYT, Courtney is a yoga therapist, yoga instructor and reiki practitioner based in NYC. Her work focuses on the Mind-body relationship and the cultivation of inner compassion for healing and psycho-emotional well-being. Drawing from somatic-based therapy, heart-centered awareness and contemplative practices, Courtney helps students to develop greater self-connection and understanding through a kinder, more loving relationship with themselves and their experience. Courtney is a C-IAYT Yoga therapist, E-RYT 500 Yoga Instructor, Certified Life Coach, Reiki practitioner and Embodied Self-Compassion teacher. For more information: www.courtneymaceyoga.com.
Mindful Self-Compassion (MSC) Live Online Course
Thursdays April 2–May 21, 2026 - 6–8 PM EST + Sunday, May 24, 9-12PM
About the Course
Mindful Self-Compassion (MSC) is an evidence-based, 8-week mindfulness-based program designed to cultivate the skill of self-compassion. Developed by Kristin Neff and Christopher Germer, MSC brings together mindfulness and compassion practices to help us meet life’s difficulties with more warmth, understanding, and stability.
Over eight weeks, we will explore how to respond to challenges with kindness instead of criticism, how to motivate ourselves with encouragement rather than fear, and how to deepen our capacity for joy, balance, and connection. Each session includes guided meditation, short talks, experiential exercises, and opportunities for sharing in a supportive community. This course is suitable for both new and experienced practitioners. No prior meditation experience is required—only a willingness to turn gently toward your own experience with curiosity and care.
The Benefits of Self-Compassion
Research on self-compassion shows that learning to treat ourselves with understanding and care can:
Increase emotional resilience and the capacity to stay present with difficult feelings.
Reduce anxiety, depression, and shame, while supporting more stable well-being.
Strengthen healthy motivation, making it easier to learn from mistakes without harsh self-judgment.
Support more authentic and compassionate relationships with others.
As we learn to relate to ourselves with kindness, we become more able to show up for the suffering of others and the world without burning out. Self-compassion is not selfish or self-indulgent; it is a way of caring for our own heart so we can continue to care for life around us.
This MSC course is offered in harmony with the spirit of the Plum Village mindfulness tradition. We will approach self-compassion as a way of cultivating understanding, non-harming, and deep listening—toward ourselves and others.
By learning to hold our own suffering with mindfulness and kindness, we touch the insight that we are not separate. The healing we offer ourselves naturally extends to our families, communities, and the Earth. Practicing in this way supports ethical living, right livelihood, and engagement that is grounded in peace rather than reactivity.
Our aspiration is to share these teachings in a way that honors their roots: simple, accessible, non-dogmatic, and focused on concrete practices that can be brought into everyday life.
Dana (Donation)
Across many spiritual and wisdom traditions, generosity is understood as a sacred practice—an offering made in gratitude and in recognition of our interconnection. Some traditions call this dana, but the spirit of the practice transcends any one path. Rather than a transaction or payment, this kind of giving expresses appreciation and shared stewardship. The teachings themselves are considered invaluable, and generosity helps care for the conditions that allow them to be offered freely and sustainably.
When we offer our resources — whether financial support, time, or presence — we participate in nourishing the community and sustaining the work. Those who are able to give more help create access for those with fewer financial resources, allowing the circle to remain open and inclusive.
Your contribution supports Jorge and Courtney in dedicating their time and energy to this offering and helps ensure that gatherings like this can continue to unfold.
Registration
We warmly invite you to reflect carefully on whether you can attend most or all of the 8 sessions, as each class builds on the previous one and the practices deepen over time. Your steady, committed presence helps create a safe and trusting container for everyone, allowing the group to go more deeply into the work together. By registering, you are not only supporting your own learning, but also contributing to a nurturing environment for the whole community.
To complete registration, please click here. We will review each application thoughtfully, in the order received, and will contact you soon with further details. We are grateful for your interest and for the possibility of gathering in shared practice and community.
With peace and ease,
Jorge and Courtney