A heart imbued with compassion is happier, kinder, and more peaceful, spacious and content. A compassionate heart is also more resilient in times of stress and of difficulty that not only affect us, but also those we care about and our world at large. As His Holiness the Dalai Lama has said, “If you want others to be happy, practice compassion. If you want to be happy, practice compassion.” Although all human beings have an innate capacity for compassion, through practice it can be more easily recognized, accessed, cultivated and expressed. This non-residential retreat combines traditional contemplative practices with contemporary psychology and scientific research to help us lead a more compassionate life. This retreat is inspired by the Compassion Cultivation Training (CCT) 8-week course developed by the Center for Compassion and Altruism Research and Education (CCARE) at the Stanford University School of Medicine, of which the Nikki Mirghafori is a certified instructor. There will be lectures on the science and art of compassion cultivation, guided meditations, interactive inquiry and exercises, Q&A, and periods of silent practice to help us strengthen and cultivate the qualities of compassion and kindness, ultimately, supporting freedom in our hearts. Teachings are appropriate for the general public as well as health care professionals. Health care professionals will be able to incorporate the tools and practices offered in this program when working with clients. Continuing Education (CE) credit available. See below for more information.
12 CEUs offered.
3 Days: Friday, August 18 - Sunday, August 20, 9:30am - 4:30pm
Community Meditation Center, Spirit Rock Meditation Center
Register here.