Meeting Your Inner Critic: Cultivating the Superpower of Self-Compassion

An Introduction to Mindful Self-Compassion with Dr. Jorge Armesto

For parents, caregivers, educators, and community members ages 18 and older.

As part of Kindness Week, Spark Kindness invites community members everywhere to explore an often-overlooked form of kindness: the kindness we extend to ourselves. Many of us offer patience and compassion to others while holding ourselves to a much harsher standard. The inner critic can become a powerful voice, increasing stress, self-doubt, and feelings of not being enough.

Self-compassion is the practice of becoming an active bystander to our own inner critic—learning to recognize harsh self-talk, interrupt unhelpful patterns, and respond to ourselves with greater kindness and care.

Join Dr. Jorge Armesto for an engaging introduction to the evidence-based practice of Mindful Self-Compassion. Through guided practices, reflection, and discussion, participants will explore how self-compassion can support resilience, emotional well-being, and a healthier relationship with themselves.

No prior mindfulness or meditation experience is required. Participants will:

• Learn what self-compassion is—and what it is not
• Explore the impact of self-criticism on well-being
• Experience introductory mindfulness and compassion practices
• Identify ways to bring greater kindness into daily life

The program will include guided practices, reflection, and an interactive Q&A with Dr. Armesto, providing an opportunity for participants to ask questions and learn how self-compassion practices can be applied in everyday life.

Accessibility

Spark Kindness is committed to providing events that are accessible to all community members. Please contact us with accommodation questions or requests at info@sparkkindness.org. Spark Kindness is an Autism Welcoming Organization. ASL interpretation is available upon request. Request must be made no later than 7 business days prior to event.

About Our Presenter

Jorge C. Armesto, Ph.D., Ed.M., C-IAYT is a bilingual clinical psychologist, yoga therapist, and mindfulness instructor. He is licensed in Rhode Island and Massachusetts and practices telepsychology across state lines to adults living in PSYPACT participating states across the United States. Jorge is passionate about the intersection of psychology, mindfulness, spirituality, and somatic practices.

Jorge is a Certified Mindful Self-Compassion teacher and teacher trainer, a Certified Yoga Therapist, and a trained MBCT and MBSR teacher. He serves as section faculty at the Institute for Meditation and Psychotherapy Certificate Program and as Senior Mindfulness Instructor at the Cambridge Health Alliance Center for Mindfulness and Compassion. He is also faculty in the Self-Compassion in Psychotherapy (SCIP) Certificate Program through the Center for Mindful Self-Compassion. Jorge practices in the Thich Nhat Hanh tradition and is a member of the Order of Interbeing.

There are many ways that Jorge cultivates seeds of joy, including hiking, cooking, dancing to the Afro-Cuban rhythms of salsa, building community, weaving, and collaging. Above all, Jorge loves spending time with family and friends. For more information: www.goslowly.com

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