41: Sydney Spears on Addressing Oppression with Mindful Self-Compassion

Noble Mind

Systems of oppression establish a hierarchy, giving one group power and privilege over others. And people who identify as BAME or BIPOC carry feelings like shame, grief, and anger as a result. So, how can marginalized communities use mindful self-compassion as a tool to fight oppression from the inside and respond to challenging situations, thoughts, and emotions in a new way?

In this episode, Sydney Spears discusses how mindful self-compassion benefits BAME or BIPOC identified individuals and describes the power of practicing mindful self-compassion together in community. She shares from her personal and teaching experience, explaining how self-compassion can help people regain control of the narrative of their own lives. Listen in for Sydney’s insights about trauma, oppression, and how the human experience of suffering serves as a point of connection among us all.

Sydney Spears, PhD, is the Director of Diversity, Inclusion, Equity and Belonging at the Center for Mindful Self-Compassion, and through the organization, she facilitates an online MSC course for people who identify as BIPOC or BAME. Sydney is also a licensed clinical social worker, psychotherapist, consultant and advocate dedicated to cultivating a more compassionate, equitable and unified world.