On Wednesday, July 15th, from 9:30AM – 1:30PM EDT, Anne Kertz Kernion will present The Neuroscience and Spirituality of Self-Compassion: Caring for Ourselves in Unsettling Times virtually via Zoom at The Center at Mariandale. 

“We need to care for ourselves now more than ever,” says Kernion, a frequent lecturer and retreat leader on topics that combine neuroscience and positive psychology.

Kernion’s two books focus on self-compassion: “A Year of Spiritual Companionship” was published by SkyLight Paths in 2016, and her upcoming book, “Spiritual Practices for the Brain: Caring for Mind, Body and Soul,” will be published this October (2020). Through her own family and friends, Kernion has seen that the people who are especially giving and service-oriented often forget about themselves. 

This retreat is a chance for participants to think about how they can lend themselves compassion during this strange time in our world.

“In this time when we have such stress and uncertainty about our lives, none of us knows what life is going to look like in six months,” Kernion says. “If your compassion doesn’t include yourself, it’s incomplete.”

The program, which will run from 9:30AM – 1:30PM EDT, is for anyone and everyone: sisters, staff, friends of Mariandale, and the public. The session will include chair yoga, discussion, creative activity, and instruction. Kernion hopes that participants come away with a greater awareness on the need to be self-compassionate, as well as tools to use in their daily lives.

“My goal is that they’re able to model for others (siblings, family members, spouses, communities, friends) that compassion for ourselves translates into greater tenderness and a greater ability to care for others, as well,” Kernion says.

How do we soften into our body? How do we nourish our spirit? How do we relate to others? Join us on Wednesday the 15th to find out. Sign up at Mariandale.org.