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  • About
  • Work with Kate
    • Personal Coaching
    • Leadership Coaching
    • Business Mentoring
  • Courses & groups
    • Free Monday Talk & Meditation
    • Build Self-Belief through Mindfulness
    • Mindfulness & Self-Compassion Workshop
    • The Confidence Course
  • Retreat
  • Writing
    • Blog
    • Kate’s books
    • Free resources
  • Contact
  • 0 items
online-mindfulness-workshop

MINDFULNESS & SELF-COMPASSION

A nurturing workshop for women

This in-person workshop is an invitation to slow down and create a little space and stillness for yourself.

Kate will guide you in the principles of mindfulness and self-compassion so you can meet the present moment with a greater sense of peace. Learn how to quieten your inner critic and develop a kinder, more supportive relationship with yourself.

She’ll share practical tips about how to bring these philosophies into your everyday life.

Together, we’ll explore:

  • simple mindfulness practices to create a sense of inner calm
  • how mindfulness can help you step back from unhelpful or overactive thinking
  • letting go of perfectionism and self-judgement
  • cultivating genuine self-compassion as a daily practice

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mindfulness-and-self-compassion-workshop

Who are these workshops for?

The mindfulness and self-compassion workshop is perfect for women of all ages who want to slow down, reconnect with themselves, and quiet the noise of an overactive mind. It is particularly helpful for overthinkers, perfectionists and those who often put others first.

This workshop is especially suited to you if you:

  • tend to be hard on yourself or hold very high internal standards
  • feel mentally busy, emotionally stretched or exhausted
  • notice a pattern of over-functioning, people-pleasing, self-criticism or self-doubt
  • want practical tools that feel grounded and doable
  • are longing for more calm, self-trust and inner support

No prior experience with mindfulness is required.

Meditation chairs in a circle

Mindfulness & Self-Compassion Workshop for women

Join Kate on the Mornington Peninsula for this in-person mindfulness and self-compassion workshop for women.

Date: Sunday 1 February 2026

Time: 10.00am to 12.30pm

Venue: The Nook, Mornington

Cost: $120

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What you’ll gain from this mindfulness and self-compassion workshop

You’ll discover how to calm your mind, navigate stress more effectively and respond to yourself with greater kindness. Many women join seeking practical tools to feel more grounded, confident and emotionally balanced, and leave with simple practices they can use every day.


Why mindfulness and self-compassion matter

Research shows that mindfulness and self-compassion can reduce stress, ease anxiety and help build emotional resilience. When you learn to meet your thoughts and feelings with curiosity rather than judgement, life feels more spacious and calm. These practices help you stay centred, even in challenging moments, and deepen your sense of inner peace and wellbeing.


Mindfulness workshop details (Melbourne)

Kate offers small, intimate mindfulness and self-compassion workshops on the Mornington Peninsula (around one hour from Melbourne). Groups are intentionally kept small so participants feel relaxed, seen and supported. Dates, location details and booking information appear above.


What to expect in the session

During the session you’ll experience a blend of guided meditations, gentle reflection exercises, time for journalling, as well as practical tools you can take into everyday life. The atmosphere is quiet and nurturing, perfect for women who prefer a calm and relaxed learning environment.

About Kate

For more than two decades, Kate has guided introverted women to discover the gifts of mindfulness and cultivate genuine self-compassion. Her own long-standing practice has profoundly transformed the way she relates to herself and, in turn, how she connects with others and with life as a whole.

Kate is the author of several best-selling personal development books, including Create Calm, Change Your Thinking to Change Your Life, and Quietly Confident.

She is known for her authentic, warm and down-to-earth style, creating a space where participants feel safe, supported and deeply welcomed.

Kate James in front of a bookcase

What people say

‘I wanted to thank you for the mindfulness workshop. It was a wonderful time. I feel that you really introduced me to the world of meditation in a way that took any mystery away and before I even started, I felt confident that it was something I could do. All I really wanted was the time to stop and learn a new skill that could allow me to ‘stop’ in my own home. Now, I am realising more how important it is to live in the moment with mindfulness. You have a beautiful, calm style, Kate. You are real and show vulnerability, which in turn creates an intimate environment. I really feel that you are right in the centre of what you were created to do; how fabulous is that? Thanks so much, Kate.’ Shelley

‘Before the workshop, my only experience with meditation had been some online guided meditations and I definitely didn’t feel confident in the way I was approaching it. Kate reassures you that letting go of this judgement is a key first step, and she created a positive and inclusive space which helped to demystify meditation.’ Hannah

‘I’ve never been a person who is calm or still. This mindfulness workshop has provided me with the tools and the guidance to help me towards achieving some balance and peace. Kate is truly gifted at what she does. I’ve rarely seen someone so at peace and peaceful.’ Bec

‘Very relaxing. I enjoyed the ‘fireside chat’ approach. I’m taking my first steps on my meditation journey and Kate guided me through with great engagement and patience. This was helped along by having a small, intimate group of lovely participants.’ Anna

‘I loved your relaxed and calm delivery. Great mix between content, information and experience of meditations. Thank you Kate – you’re so very welcoming and you made me very much at ease and comfortable to be ‘me’ in the room.’ Zoe

‘Amazing workshop for anyone who has never tried meditation before. Relaxed, no pressure environment to help you discover how mindful meditation can help you every day.’ Bianca

‘Thank you so much for such a beautiful morning Kate. You held such a warm and nurturing space with the perfect combination of discussion and practice. You have a wonderfully accessible and authentic teaching style. As a result, I felt like I’d been on a mini-retreat from which I emerged totally relaxed, rejuvenated and inspired. I will be recommending your workshops far and wide. Thank you!’ Catherine

‘Thank you for seemingly slowing down this crazy world. We all need to be more like you!’ Emma


Frequently asked questions

Do I need any experience with mindfulness or meditation?

Not at all. These workshops are designed for beginners and those who are simply curious. Everything is introduced in everyday language – no prior experience needed.

Is this suitable if I’m feeling overwhelmed, burnt out or stressed?

Yes. Many people come because they’re feeling stretched, tired or self-critical. The workshops are relaxed and supportive, and the content includes research-based tools that can help with these things.

Will I learn practical techniques I can use at home?

Yes. You’ll leave with simple mindfulness and self-compassion exercises that can be easily incorporated into your daily routine.

Will I be asked to share personal things in the group?

No. Sharing is always optional. You’re very welcome to simply listen, reflect and take what’s useful for you.

Is the workshop suitable for women of all ages?

Yes. Women of all ages are welcome, especially those looking for a calm and reflective experience.

What should I bring?

Bring your journal, a water bottle and wear comfortable clothing.

What's your cancellation policy?

We are unable to offer refunds or credits for non-attendance but you can transfer your place to another person. If we are able to fill your place, we will happily transfer your booking to a future workshop.

Have a question?

If there’s something we haven’t answered, please reach out. We would love to hear from you.

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Overthinking isn’t a personal failing.It’s often a sign that you’ve been over-functioning or just overloaded.When we try to stop overthinking by thinking our way out of it, the mind just becomes even busier. What helps instead is noticing what’s happening, taking some of the pressure off yourself, and creating a sense of space where you can genuinely think more clearly.If you’re someone who has been holding it all together while your mind feels constantly busy, I hope these tips are helpful. You might also like to have a read of an article I wrote about this recently (link in my bio). ✨#overthinking #stressrecovery #nervoussystem #innercalm #womenswellbeing
My end-of-year wish for you, your loved ones, and for all of humanity is greater peace. 🙏
After posting some of our photos from last week’s trip, I thought I’d share one more that I took while we were exploring rock pools.Chris has always been good at going slowly. He has taught me a lot about being in the moment and even more about noticing beauty.This was a lovely reminder that lessons in presence are everywhere.An invitation for you this week – watch the people around you and observe the different ways they engage with the present moment. And see if there's something that inspires you. ✨#slowingdown #noticingbeauty #everydaymindfulness #presentmoment
“The real work of the artist is a way of being in the world.” Rick RubinJust before we came away for the weekend, I started reading Rick Rubin’s 'The Creative Act: A Way of Being'. It was the perfect invitation to look at everything through the lens of curiosity and wonder.Despite rain being predicted, we decided to hike a section of the Great Ocean Road Walk and spotted this beautiful koala sitting quietly in a tree, watching us with its own sense of wonder.We’ve discovered the sweetest little bays, incredible sections of forest and a beach that at first glance looked mostly grey. When we looked more closely, we found all sorts of small wonders and every colour of the rainbow.Sometimes it takes slowing down to recognise the little miracles that exist all around us.They can change the way we interact with the world, make us more open to the innate creativity that exists within every one of us, and fill us with hope when we remember that the natural world is still full of the most exquisite beauty. ✨Thanks @chrisjamesphotos for the koala pic. 🐨#greatoceanroad #greatoceanroadwalk #mindfulliving #slowliving #creativeact #rickrubin #australianbeaches #naturelover #curiosityandwonder #mindfulmoments #everydaybeauty
“Who would you be if you trusted the basic goodness and beauty that lives through you?” Tara Brach ✨#selfworth #selfkindness #confidenceforwomen #innerstrength #mindfulgrowth #personaldevelopment
I’m in Byron this week, running my annual retreat. It always amazes me how different life feels here. The days are long and time moves slowly. It feels like there’s room to breathe.We meditate, do yoga and Pilates, walk along the beach and swim in the tea tree lake. We eat beautiful vegetarian food and there’s plenty of time to rest.I think all of us could benefit from a place like this, but when it’s not possible, stepping away from your everyday life can help you remember what’s missing.So here’s a thought for the week: make some time – even half an hour – to sit beneath a tree. Cook a wholesome meal. Walk slowly through your local park. Write in your journal. Make a mandala. Breathe.Let the rest of your life wait for a bit, and give some time to yourself. ✨#womensretreat #byronbayretreat #mindfulnessforwomen #yogaretreataustralia #meditationretreat
I read a beautiful article last week about the concept of fragility, and how it applies in just about every area of life. I know this is true, but it also reminded me that when we're willing to accept our vulnerability, we come to discover our true strength.The way we keep showing up through moments of uncertainty.The way we stay open to love when we've been deeply hurt.The way we adapt when life throws us a curve ball.The way we stay hopeful, even when we're afraid.The way we find meaning in the smallest of moments.Fragility isn’t weakness. It’s part of what it means to be fully alive.When we recognise it, we learn to handle ourselves and one another with more care.To cherish what matters and to stay open to the life that we're living.✨#vulnerability #fragility #innerstrength #tenderness #selfcompassion #mindfulliving #emotionalwellbeing #personalgrowth #slowliving #healingjourney #beinghuman
I've just finished listening to the audio version of Jacinda Ardern's book, A Different Kind of Power. What a beautiful book – and what a beautiful woman.For decades, I've looked for role models to show me how to be both a mother and a businesswoman, and I've struggled to find someone I can truly relate to. Until I heard Jacinda's story.As she writes in one of the final chapters, when asked about what it means to be a leader:“If you have impostor syndrome, or question yourself, channel that. It will help you. You will read more, seek out advice, and humble yourself to situations that require humility to be conquered. If you’re anxious, and overthink everything, if you can imagine the worst-case scenario always, channel that too. It will mean you are ready when the most challenging days arrive. And if you are thin-skinned and sensitive, if criticism cuts you in two, that is not weakness; it’s empathy. In fact, all of the traits that you believe are your flaws will come to be your strengths. The things you thought would cripple you will in fact make you stronger, make you better. They will give you a different kind of power, and make you a leader that this world, with all its turmoil, might just need.”This book is a brilliant read. I highly recommend it. Thank you @jacindaardern for sharing your story with such warmth, humility and kindness. ✨Image: @penguinbooksnz#jacindaardern #adifferentkindofpower #leadership #empathy #womeninleadership #kindness #audiobookrecommendation #personalgrowth #mindfulleadership #inspiringwomen
After writing the first article about overfunctioning, so many women have reached out to say, ‘this is me’ and ‘what can I do about it?’.Later this week, I’ll be sharing an article about breaking the cycle of overfunctioning, but first, I thought it might be helpful to remember why we do this and why it can be such a hard pattern to break.Scroll through the carousel for quick tips, or read the full article (the link’s in my bio). And keep an eye out for the new article later this week where I’ll share more about doing things differently.This is something I’m working on myself, and I have to say that even with awareness, I don't find it easy. Those long-held habits can be hard to shift but when I can catch myself and go a little more gently, it makes the world of difference to how I'm feeling. ✨#overfunctioning #personaldevelopment #mindfulcoaching #selfkindness #selfawareness #wellbeingjourney #womenwhothinkdeeply #innergrowth #mindfulnessmatters #doinglessfeelingmore #confidencecoachmelbourne
© Kate James 2026

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We acknowledge the traditional custodians of the lands we live and work on, the Boonwurrung people of the Kulin Nation and pay our respects to elders past, present and emerging.

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