Self-Compassion Workshop with Dr. Michael Rivera

The workshop “Self-Compassion: Easier Said Than Done?” held on Saturday, 4 October at Jockey Club Student Village IV HKU, organised by our wellbeing RT Anna-Maria Kutateladze, brought together residents from across the four colleges for a reflective exploration of self-compassion.

Led by Dr. Michael Rivera, an anthropologist at HKU’s Faculty of Social Sciences and MindHK Mental Health Ambassador, the event offered a rare interdisciplinary approach. Drawing upon neuroscientific, cultural, psychological, educational, and artistic perspectives, Dr. Rivera guided participants through a nuanced understanding of self-compassion, not only as a concept but as an essential, learnable skill for wellbeing.

The session featured engaging activities that encouraged students to explore their own self-perceptions. This led into a guided reflective exercise designed to cultivate healing, health, and happiness through practical and accessible strategies.

Dr. Rivera’s story of navigating depression and recovery added a very personal dimension to the academic talk, connecting theory and lived experience. His research on human cultures, identities, and wellbeing enriched the discussion, offering students a broad context for understanding their own mental health journeys.

The positive energy and openness among attendees made the workshop an impactful space for growth and connection. We hope this workshop will resonate meaningfully in their lives.

We invite you to revisit the day through our photo album.

Our huge gratitude to Dr. Rivera and all participants for making this workshop a valuable experience. May this workshop guide kinder self-relationships and greater wellbeing within our College 1 community and JCSV IV.