introduction
“Cultivating Self-Compassion: Extending Kindness Inward,” introduces students to the concept of self-compassion, defining it as a tenderness towards one’s own limitations and difficulties, combined with an awareness of one’s ability to cultivate greater well-being. They explore why self-compassion is beneficial and how they can cultivate it by extending kindness inward. Key to this cultivation is the Validate-Affirm-Plan framework, which guides individuals to acknowledge their emotions, affirm their strengths, and create a plan to address challenges, often utilizing positive self-talk. The learning experience also encourages students to identify how self-compassionate responses differ from self-criticism in challenging situations.