Compassion as a human trait has been getting increasing attention through research and study in psychology, neurobiology, sociology, and spirituality. We might have an idea of what compassion is, but the idea of it doesn’t make a difference in the face of personal and relationship struggles and suffering. We need to be able to access the
inner experience from which compassionate action arises.

The four Noble Truths of Buddhist practice identify the problem of human existence and offer the solution to alleviating suffering. In descriptive form they say:

Caught in the self-centered dream, only suffering.
Holding to self-centered thought exactly the dream.
Each moment life as it is, the only teacher.
Being just this moment, compassion’s way.

These truths reflect sound psychological principles that support mental and emotional maturity in personal and relational development. What is this “compassion’s way”? How do we cultivate compassion as a state of bodymind? Is this available for everyone to access? If so, what are the practices for activating the source of compassion?

This retreat style training will provide a creative and sound container for the expression of our innate capacity for compassionate care, skillful personal exploration, and deep meditation practices. Each component of the retreat will be designed to help train the mind toward compassionate response in the circumstances of our lives for both the lay and professional practitioner dedicated to the incorporation of mindfulness as the
basis of an awakened life.

The bookTraining in Compassion by Norman Fischer and Awakening through Love by John Makransky will be source material for the teachings and practice.

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Program learning objectives and relevance:

• Participants will be able to deepen their skills for responding with compassionate understanding in the therapeutic setting through self-reflection, meditation practice, and didactic learning.  

• Participants will be able to connect the insights and information concerning the struggles and relationship problems originating in past conditioning that denied development of natural compassionate response innate in human beings. 

• Participants will able to assist couples and individuals in developing compassion and care skills using self-reflection, personal awareness as it is involved in cultivating empathy, and acknowledgement of personal power to transform pain and suffering through compassionate action.   

• Participants will be able to recognize signs of specific integrated character development in compassionate attitudes and action as an essential aspect of maturing in relationship and life skills.  Through guided experience they will learn how to translate this practice into therapeutic interventions for couples and family relationships, i.e., to reduce intra and interpersonal conflict, transform troublesome attitudes and positions, and recognize personal responsibility in creating relationship well-being.