Self-compassion

Written By Lisa Vratny-Smith

This week I have been reflecting on the transformative power of self-compassion practices. From my first experience of lovingkindness meditation to teaching Mindful Self-Compassion courses, I am continually amazed at how these practices shift my perspective and allow me to hold myself with tenderness. When my inner critic rears into action, my compassionate self is now able to intervene and reframe whatever is happening with gentleness and kindness. If you’d like to tame your inner critic and strengthen your inner compassionate voice, I invite you to join me for The Short Course in Mindful Self-Compassion, Sundays in November.

This Sunday, October 25th is a Full Moon in Taurus. It’s energy may stir up old wounds and patterns that we need to review in order to let them go and move forward. With both Mercury and Venus in retrograde, we may also experience a sense slowing down that allows us to tune in with more presence in the moment and truly listen to our inner wisdom.

Yoga & Sound Healing

I would love for you to join me for Saturday Morning Yoga this weekend at 8:30 AM MT as we pause, listen to our bodies, and care for them with lovingkindness.

We will relax and soak in the energy of the Taurus Full Moon with a Full Moon Sound Bath Saturday October 24 from 3-4 PM. Join me in person or virtually.

Women’s Circles

What happens when the roles that have defined you begin to shift—and you finally have space to ask, “What do I want the next chapter of my life to look like?” Join our Circles of Audacious Wise Women to reconnect with what still feels true, question what no longer fits, and connect with other women asking the same questions. We will come together to honor our strengths and imperfections, all the versions of who we’ve been throughout our lives, and the inner knowing and accumulated wisdom that guides us as we move forward.

Registration is open for our Winter Session (January 10, 17, 24, & 31) and Spring Session (April 4, 11, 18, & 25). Both sessions take place from 1-3 PM at Harmonist Sanctuary.

Self-Compassion

Please join me 3 Sunday afternoons in November via Zoom for The Short Course in Mindful Self-Compassion. Learn to use the skills of mindfulness to develop the inner resource of self-compassion and enhance your capacity for emotional wellbeing. In the course we will explore the research supporting the benefits of self-compassion and barriers that often prevent us from being kinder to ourselves. Through practices, exercises, and discussion we will nurture and strengthen our inner self-compassionate voices and learn to quiet and redirect our harsh inner critics. 9 CEs available.

If you can’t make the course, here is another option:

Would you like to nurture your inner self-compassionate voice and quiet your inner critic? I am offering a 6 session, self-paced Self-Compassion Meditation Course to support you. Each recorded session includes a short reading and a guided meditation designed to support your journey toward greater lovingkindness and compassion for yourself. Your purchase of the course offers unlimited access to the recordings.

Retreats

SAVE THE DATE for a Winter Solstice Retreat for Rest & Renewal. Welcome the Winter Solstice with a restorative afternoon of Reiki infused restorative yoga, yoga nidra, and sound healing. Saturday December 19, 2-4 PM @ Harmonist Sanctuary.

REGISTRATION COMING SOON! Next year’s Mindfulness for Educators Retreat is scheduled for June 13-17, 2027, so save the dates and your pennies. We would love to have you join us!

UPCOMING EVENTS:

Remember to check out the FTBW Gear page and order your Finding the Balance Within, LLC logo gear. I love mine! Get yours and join the fun!

I would love to offer you an individual or group Reiki and/or Sound Healing session to support your own wellness journey. Contact me for scheduling options - lisa@findingthebalancewithin.com. Gift certificates to share with others are also available.

As always feel free to practice with previous recordings of Saturday Morning Classes as well as Evening Chair Yoga on my Youtube channel. You may also enjoy a growing variety of meditations I have available on the Insight Timer app that you can access for free, the latest is a Heartbeat Meditation. I’d appreciate your offering a rating on the meditations as well. Additionally, my friend Kate continues to offer live online classes Monday and Wednesday mornings from katekelly.yoga.

May you be safe, may you be happy, may you be healthy, may you live with ease. ~ Lisa ♥️

Lisa Vratny-Smith
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