Soften
We begin with the inner critic. Self-compassion is not self-indulgence — it is the ground that makes everything else possible.
Online & in-person workshops
Open the heartbefore you ask for anything.
Being human is tough enough. Meet negative and unhelpful self-talk with self-compassion instead, so you can create the life you want from a place of warmth, love, and acceptance, not fear or hate.
Grounded in compassion science·Events capped at 16·Sliding-scale seats always held
OUR ETHOS
Most of us try to force change without ever questioning the old beliefs keeping us stuck. But when the nervous system settles and the heart opens, we can finally see those beliefs clearly enough to let them go. What we build from that clarity tends to include others, not just ourselves, which sits at the heart of our ethos.
Our curriculum draws on the compassion-work of Dr. James Doty and the research of Dr. Kristin Neff and Dr. Chris Germer
THE FOUR PRACTICES
A practice you can feel in one sitting
Every workshop moves through the same arc. Simple enough to remember on a hard morning, deep enough to keep returning to for years.
Open
Guided practice that shifts the body out of threat and into care, so warmth can move freely toward yourself and others.
Set
Only then do we set intention. What you want for yourself is held alongside what you want for everyone.
Serve
Practice becomes action — in families, hospitals, classrooms, teams. Compassion completes itself in the world.
Upcoming
Workshops & retreats
Live, human-led workshops and retreats. Choose the experience that is calling to you the most. Want to join in from the comfort of your home? Or come sit with us in the room?
Can't afford full price? Ask for a sliding-scale seat.
Live onlineFive 90-minute sessions
Self-Compassion for Everyday Life: The Coherent Heart Method
The foundation. Learn to soften self-criticism and give yourself warmth and understanding with self-compassion.
- Guided compassion meditations and practices
- Weekly journaling
- Small breakout circles
$297
BEGINS OCT 19 - 10% OF PROCEEDS GOES TO A NON-PROFIT ORGANIZATION
In personThree-hour workshop · 9 am – 12 pm
Self-Care Without Perfection: Building Healthy Habits That Actually Last
You already know what you "should" do, but stress, perfectionism, and self-criticism get in the way. Pick one area of your life, uncover one limiting belief, reframe it, and learn to meet setbacks with self-compassion instead of all-or-nothing thinking. Offered free in partnership with a non-profit.
- Guided meditation & journaling: who you are now vs. who you want to be
- Mantra-card craft time with music and tea
- Self-compassion tools for setbacks: common humanity, self-kindness, mindfulness
- Healthy snacks in a warm, candlelit room
Free
USUALLY $127 DEC 20 · AURORA, IL
Who guides the circle
Held by Bri Mesenbring
Our workshops are currently led by Bri Mesenbring, MS, CNS, LDN, LMT who is currently undergoing teacher training in self-compassion through the Center for Mindful Self Compassion (CMSC). Bri's background blends clinical, research, and hands-on approach through her massage therapy practice. No gurus. No performance. Just people who practice this every day and know how to hold space for all walks of life.
We teach from the idea that compassion is a skill that can be learned by anyone - at any age. We teach it the way it was taught to us: slowly, in groups, with evidence, and with a great deal of kindness.
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- Maximum circle size
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- LEARNERS GUIDED
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- ATTEND AT LEAST TWO SERVICES WITH US
VOICES FROM ATTENDEES
What people carry home
“My sessions with Bri have helped me immensely during a challenging time. She brings a caring, calming energy, and her studio is so peaceful I unwind the moment I walk in. Breathing exercises, aromatherapy, and head massage have made a huge difference for me. I highly recommend!”
“Her professionalism, attention to detail, and genuine commitment to her clients' well-being set her apart. I always leave feeling better and look forward to my next appointment. Highly recommend!”
“Twenty years as a nurse and no one ever taught me how to be gentle with myself. The Coherent Heart Method changed how I show up on shift.”
COMMON QUESTIONS
Before you sit with us
Still curious about something? Send us a note — we reply personally within two days.
Reserve a seat
Come sit with us
Tell us which workshop calls to you. We reply personally within two days.
- No experience needed — most people arrive skeptical.
- Every cohort holds sliding-scale seats.
- Miss a session and you keep the recording and notes.
Pass it on
Know someone who needs a softer place to land?
Compassion grows when it's shared. Send this page to a friend, colleague, or anyone who could use self-compassion in their life.