Self-Compassion as a key competence for the future
Location/Date
Vienna (Austria) – please contact us for the next dates
Course Overview
In times of constant change and increasing demands, leaders are expected to remain resilient, clear, and grounded. The ability to bring kindness and non-judgmental awareness to one’s own experience—self-compassion—is emerging as one of the most vital inner skills for the future.
This program offers leaders a space to reconnect with themselves, to explore their own patterns of stress and self-criticism, and to discover the strength that arises from kindness. Rooted in mindfulness and the pioneering work of Jon Kabat-Zinn, Kristin Neff and Chris Germer, the course nurtures the inner qualities that allow leaders to act with wisdom and presence, even in complex environments.
Alongside mindfulness and self-compassion practices, the program draws inspiration from Social Presencing Theater (SPT), developed by Arawana Hayashi within the framework of Theory U. Through simple, embodied practices, participants can access a deeper awareness of their own inner states and of the “stuck patterns” that often limit authentic leadership. These explorations help cultivate a leadership presence that is more grounded, open, and attuned to the emerging future.
What the program offers
Through guided practices, structured exercises and reflection, you will:
- Strengthen self-awareness – Cultivate the ability to notice your inner landscape of thoughts, emotions, and body sensations with openness and curiosity.
- Regulate stress and restore energy – Develop simple yet powerful tools to remain centered and balanced in demanding situations.
- Transform inner dialogue – Replace patterns of self-criticism with an attitude of kindness and encouragement that sustains growth.
- Deepen embodied presence – Use SPT-inspired practices to sense your body as a compass for clarity, alignment, and grounded decision-making.
- Access resilience in difficulty – Learn to respond to challenges with compassion rather than reactivity, turning obstacles into opportunities for growth.
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Integrate mindfulness into daily life – Bring practices of breath, presence, and reflection into your leadership journey.
The course emphasizes personal transformation: when leaders cultivate inner clarity, compassion, and resilience, their influence naturally extends outward—shaping culture and inspiring others without effort or imposition.
Why this course matters for Leaders
- Inner work as the foundation of outer impact: When leaders shift their inner state, their presence naturally influences the systems around them.
- Embodiment as a pathway to awareness: SPT practices help leaders experience change not only intellectually, but also through the wisdom of the body.
- Resilience for the future: Self-compassion equips leaders to meet complexity and uncertainty without losing themselves.
- Sustainable personal development: By cultivating kindness toward oneself, leaders unlock a form of growth that is authentic, lasting, and transformative.
Approach & Methodology
The course is based on the methodological approach of experiential learning as a way to go deeper into the practice of mindful meditation, self-compassion and process inquiry allowing a deeper reflection, sharing of impact of the practices and appreciation of the experience.
A series of theoretical studies and research on the impact of meditation and in particular mindfulness and self-compassion will be shared and used as evidence to complement the individual and group experience.
Being the program is highly experiential, meditation, self-compassion exercises, SPT-inspired embodied practices, and appreciative inquiry are combined with research insights on mindfulness, self-compassion, and leadership.
Mindfulness
Mindfulness is the practice of paying attention to the present moment with openness, curiosity, and non-judgment. It trains our capacity to observe thoughts, emotions, and bodily sensations as they arise, rather than being carried away by them. For leaders, mindfulness offers a way to cultivate clarity, inner stability, and presence—qualities that enable wise and grounded action even in times of complexity.
Self-Compassion
Self-compassion is the skill of relating to ourselves with kindness and understanding, especially when we face difficulties, mistakes, or setbacks. Instead of fueling stress through self-criticism, self-compassion nurtures resilience, courage, and emotional balance. Leaders who practice self-compassion discover that true strength is not hardness, but the capacity to remain human, open, and supportive toward oneself—an inner stance that radiates naturally outward.
Social Presencing Theater (SPT)
Developed by Arawana Hayashi within the context of Theory U, Social Presencing Theater (SPT) is a set of embodied practices that make visible the often invisible dynamics of our inner and collective life. Through simple movement and awareness exercises, SPT allows leaders to sense “stuck” patterns and to connect with the deeper wisdom of the body. This embodied awareness supports a shift from reactive behavior to creative presence, opening space for new possibilities to emerge.
The learning environment also integrates sensory support—including, where appropriate, dōTERRA CPTG essential oils—to enhance focus and well-being.
Facilitated by Paola Bortini
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Paola is a leadership coach, trainer, and mindfulness practitioner with over two decades of experience in adult learning and organizational development. Her work bridges evidence-based mindfulness and self-compassion practices with embodied approaches such as Social Presencing Theater (SPT). Paola has trained with leading teachers including Jon Kabat-Zinn, Kristin Neff, Chris Germer, and Arawana Hayashi, and brings a deep commitment to creating spaces where leaders can reconnect with themselves, cultivate inner resilience, and develop a more compassionate presence. She is known for her warm, clear, and inspiring facilitation style that integrates intellectual insight with practical, lived experience. |
Fee & Logistics
Tuition: €590 (VAT included, course materials provided)
Participants arrange their own accommodation—we’re happy to assist with recommendations in Vienna.
Testimonials
