Mindful Self-Esteem: Cultivating Self-Acceptance and Self-Compassion

Led by Janetti Marotta, Ph.D.

A 6-week course based on the book 50 Mindful Steps to Self-Esteem: Everyday Practices for Cultivating Self-Acceptance & Self-Compassion

Low self-esteem is such a common issue because we’re conditioned to look for comfort and security in outside factors that are constantly changing. We struggle to lock in a permanent stamp of approval that is unachievable. This “problem of self-esteem” is both a part of the human dilemma in general and at the center of Western culture in particular. 

Mindfulness shifts your perspective from outside-in to inside-out: self-worth arises by cultivating qualities that make it possible to embrace all parts of yourself, just as you are. This cultivation invites your inherent worth or Buddha nature to come to the surface. From an open, undefended position, you’re able to be truly present for yourself, others, and the experience of life.

As you learn to accept that everything changes, you recognize that success and failure wax and wane. When you begin to experience life as an unfolding process, you loosen the confines created by defining yourself as “this or that.” As described in 50 Mindful Steps: “From a Buddhist perspective, self-esteem can be defined as self without definition.”

This course will be taught through three sets of sequentially-based teachings, exercises, and practices:

1. Practices to still the mind and calm the body (mindfulness of breath and body);
2. Practices to cultivate self-acceptance (mindfulness of thoughts);
3. Practices to cultivate self-compassion (mindfulness of emotions).

For biographies and photos of our teachers, visit the Teacher’s Page.

COURSE LEVELS:
This course is open to all practitioners. It is designed as a level 2 course. Click this link for a key to course level designations.

REGISTRATION:
Registration is required for this course. Registration will open two-three months prior to the start date of each course. Registration fees are non-refundable. To register select an option under the Tickets heading at the bottom of this page. If you are viewing this page more than two months in advance of the course, the ticket feature may not have yet appeared, so please check back later to register.

The sliding scale fee range is from $360 to $90 and will be shared between IMSB and the teacher(s). The lower end of the sliding scale is intended for those with limited means. The basic rate of $90 is estimated to cover the most basic costs such as rent and insurance for the specific class period. The base rate does not factor in compensation for teachers or ongoing administrative expenses for IMSB. The scholarship rate of $45 offers an even lower rate for those with very limited financial means.

By choosing to give at the mid to high range of the sliding scale your generosity supports those with limited income to attend our programs, and it supports IMSB and the teachers, enabling the dhamma to thrive in the South Bay Area. We encourage you to choose the highest level that is appropriate for your economic situation. If you need additional scholarship assistance and can volunteer to help, please inquire with the registrar about service scholarships by contacting ThursdayClass.

Ticketing Tip: You may purchase series tickets on any day of the series. When you purchase a ticket you are registering for the entire class series. So you only need to register once.

TAX DEDUCTIBILITY:
The basic registration fee is not tax deductible and non-refundable. Donations above the base rate will be considered voluntary tax deductible contributions. Each January the IMSB treasurer sends donors letters that acknowledge the accumulated deductible donations from the previous year. This annual letter will acknowledge the amount given that is above the basic rate and serve as documentation for tax deduction purposes.

CANCELLATION POLICY:
All fees and payments are non-refundable. If it becomes necessary to cancel participation in a course, and the registrar is notified prior to the start of the first class meeting, your registration fee will be converted into a voucher creditable towards the fee for a future IMSB Thursday Class. Vouchers must be used within one year of the initial course start date, and may be transferred to only one future course. Cancellations that occur after the start of the first class are not eligible for the voucher credit.