Compassion Cultivation Training
Developed at Stanford University
It’s hard to deny – we all experience suffering!
Whether it’s a difficult work day, too many bills, a family argument or the loss of a relationship or a loved one, suffering is simply a part of the human experience.
Compassion is a great antidote to suffering:
Compassion is; 1) the ability to recognize suffering in ourselves and others; 2) experiencing an empathetic or physiological response; 3) having the desire to do something about the suffering and; 4) taking action, however small, to alleviate the suffering.
Compassion Training:
Compassion Cultivation Training (CCT) is an eight-week program designed to develop the qualities of compassion, empathy, and kindness for oneself and for others. This training is about developing the skills to be with suffering – just as it is – without trying to change anything. Once we’ve learned the skills of being with suffering – vs. numbing it, denying it or overriding it – then, we are better equipped to offer empathy and kindness to ourselves and others who are suffering.
Background:
CCT was developed at Stanford University by a team of contemplative scholars, clinical psychologists, and researchers. CCT integrates traditional contemplative practices with contemporary psychology and scientific research on compassion.
This training includes:
— Two-hour weekly classes with meditation, in-class interaction, and small group exercises.
— Development of skills for relating to ourselves and others with kindness and compassion.
— Instruction based on the latest science of compassion.
— Weekly recorded, guided meditations to strengthen the qualities of loving-kindness, empathy, compassion and, mindfulness when we are at home.
Who:
This course is open to anyone interested in deepening his/her compassion practice in order to live a life with less anxiety, depression and more happiness. Compassion is a great antidote to working with difficult relationships; it can move us from judgment to understanding, from isolation to connection. Compassion can create a lot of emotional freedom.
No previous meditation experience is required. Participation in the course requires regular attendance and the agreement to follow norms developed by the class participants and facilitator.
Facilitator – Emily Hine:
In 2008, while serving as the Senior Director of a global compassion project, I made a promise to the Dalai Lama that I would continue compassion education. In the eyes of the Dalai Lama, compassion education is one of the most important things we can do to contribute to world peace. I am a Certified Compassion Cultivation Training™ Teacher birthed at the Center for Compassion and Altruism Research and Education, at Stanford University (CCARE) and now housed at The Compassion Institute. I am also trained in Nonviolent Communication (NVC) from Bay Area NVC. For more information about my background, please see About Emily Hine.
Registration and Fees:
I offer this 8-week training on a sliding fee scale. Participants simply pay what they can afford between $200 – $350. I also work with employee teams to offer the training at a group discount.
I’m Ready to Commit to Compassion!
Great! Please complete the contact form and let me know if you’d like to schedule a training at your workplace or if you’d like to be added to the list for my next CCT class. I’ll email you when the dates and locations are announced.
Thank you!
Thank you for joining me on this journey of cultivating more compassion and peace in our own lives and in our world.
