Fostering Resiliency and Care: Integrating Self-Compassion Into a Graduate Course

Authors

Heather Burns, Portland State University

Abstract

Self-compassion, which involves mindful awareness of feelings and offering ourselves compassion, has been shown to support balancing emotions, overcoming challenges, and achieving goals. This action research study integrated self-compassion theory and practice in a graduate course in which students wrote their final comprehensive papers in sustainability education. This study found that self-compassion practice resulted in more self-awareness, more acceptance of difficult emotions, and more ability to handle stress. Additionally, students experienced more clarity and calm in the writing process and began to integrate self-compassion into their lives and work. This study points to the promise of self-compassion as a beneficial contemplative practice in academic settings, and also highlights the personal and relational benefits of mindful self-compassion practice.

Recommended Citation

Burns, Heather (2021) "Fostering Resiliency and Care: Integrating Self-Compassion Into a Graduate Course," Journal of Contemplative Inquiry: Vol. 8: No. 1, Article 6.
Available at: https://digscholarship.unco.edu/joci/vol8/iss1/6