Instinctually, women are caring, kind and compassionate people. We carry empathic traits honed over generations of caregiving and kinship that have allowed humans to survive. Yet, pressures to perform at the highest levels, strive for excellence, and also protect personal time, are unprecedented and growing. Naturally, women may feel the strain of appearing that they have it together and that work-life balance is a myth. No matter how well-educated, resourced or supported one may be—at work or at home—the demands may exceed any one’s ability to cope, leading to discontent and burnout. Certain self-defeating patterns may emerge, including negative inner dialog of never being or doing enough. The goal of Tara’s session is to redirect attention to ways of increasing self-compassion and resilience, rekindling joy in your work, and reclaiming a sense of confidence. The talk will address three areas:

• Cultivating Self-Compassion
• Understanding Social and Emotional Contagion
• Inspiring Workplace Positivity

Attendees can purchase Tara Cousineau's book, The Kindness Cure: Using the Science of Compassion to Heal Your Heart and Your World, at the event ($20, cash or check only). A portion of each payment goes to Bridge over troubled Waters, a program for homeless teens in Boston.