A Kinder Mind in Midlife: The Practice of Self-Compassion

Most offerings focus on adding more “shoulds” to your plate – more habits, more routines, more optimization. This workshop goes underneath all of that to how you speak to yourself when things are hard.

You’ll be learning directly from the preeminent researcher, Dr. Kristin Neff, who helped define and measure self‑compassion, and everything you practice is grounded in evidence, not just inspiration. It’s a set of concrete skills you can keep using in real life.

No. You don’t need to be in crisis to benefit. Many participants look steady and capable from the outside and are simply tired of being so hard on themselves inside. This workshop is for anyone who recognizes a harsh inner voice, wants a kinder way to stay motivated, and is moving through the kinds of changes midlife tends to bring – in health, work, family, or identity.

The tone will be grounded and practical. You’ll learn specific practices you can use on a walk, between meetings, or in the car outside an appointment. Kristin brings deep warmth, but she’s also a scientist – everything you’ll be doing has a clear purpose and a research base behind it. You can engage at a level that feels right for you.

There will be chances to share, but you always choose how much you’re comfortable with. You’re never required to disclose anything you don’t want to. Many people find it powerful to hear how common their struggles are, but it’s completely fine to participate more quietly and let the practices do the work.

This workshop can complement therapy very well. Therapy often focuses on your history and patterns – self‑compassion gives you a day‑to‑day way of relating to yourself inside those patterns. Many therapists integrate Kristin’s work into their approach. If you’re currently in therapy, you’re welcome to talk with your therapist about bringing these practices into your sessions.

That’s actually a great reason to come. A strong inner critic is common, especially among high‑responsibility, high‑caring people. You won’t be asked to “get rid of” that voice overnight. Instead, you’ll learn how to notice it, understand what it’s been trying to do for you, and gradually shift how you respond. Discomfort is normal – you’ll be guided through it at a manageable pace.

Your tuition covers three nights of lodging at MEA’s Rising Circle Ranch near Santa Fe, all meals and snacks prepared by our in‑house chefs, daily sessions with Kristin, experiential activities, and full use of the campus amenities. The only additional costs are your travel to Santa Fe and any optional add‑ons, like guided horseback rides

Most days include a morning session with teaching and guided practice, time for meals and informal conversation, afternoon sessions or experiential activities, and some spacious free time to rest, walk the land, or integrate what you’ve learned. Evenings often include a light gathering or reflection, with plenty of time for sleep and quiet.

If you notice that your default response to stress is to be hard on yourself, if midlife changes are bringing up more self‑doubt than you expected, or if you’re caring for a lot of people and rarely extend the same care to yourself, this is likely a good fit. If you’re unsure, you can always book a call with the MEA team below to talk through your situation and see whether this workshop matches what you need right now.