When I published the first academic papers defining and measuring self-compassion in 2003, not many people had heard of the construct outside of Buddhist circles. Since then, the field of psychology and the culture at large has recognized the life-changing power of being kind and compassionate to oneself. And the worldwide movement keeps on growing.
In 2024 the Center for Mindful Self-Compassion held the first annual International Self-Compassion Day (ISCD). The commemoration is held the third Saturday of every July, and we celebrated the second ISCD on July 19th, 2025.
We want as many people as possible around the globe to learn about the inner resource of self-compassion, which involves being mindfully aware of moments when we’re struggling, remembering our shared humanity, and responding to ourselves with kindness, warmth and support.
Well over 9,000 research studies have shown that self-compassion enhances mental, emotional and physical health, increases our motivation, and provides the resources needed to be compassionate to others without burning out. But it’s not enough for people to know about the empirical benefits of self-compassion, they need to experience it personally to see how it immediately enhances inner strength and resilience.
That’s where you come in.
On the third Saturday of every July, I invite you to tell your friends, co-workers and family about ISCD and encourage them to practice self-compassion for the day. It’s an opportunity to intentionally treat ourselves with the same kindness, encouragement and understanding that we might naturally show a friend we cared about, so we can witness the transformative power of self-compassion first-hand.
You can honor ISCD in any way you choose, including doing one of your favorite self-compassion practices or sharing your favorites with others. You can find ideas for ISCD practices from the Center for Mindful Self-Compassion or from my Self-Compassion website.
Let’s spread the good news – when we’re struggling, support is just a breath away. By turning our attention inward with kindness, things become easier to bear. Self-compassion is not just a practice—it’s a global movement. Be a part of making our world a more compassionate place!
