In this component, participants learn how to create and sustain compassionate states of mind, through specific, concrete step by step procedures. Once compassion is stabilized, we practice interacting as compassionate givers and receivers, in pairs and small groups. Through these processes, participants develop self-awareness, understanding and forgiveness. For therapists, this practice greatly reduces burnout while creating the context for powerful, deep work with clients. In this component, participants learn to sustain a calm, sensitive, present-centered state of mind.
Mindfulness is learned and practiced.
The basic idea is to become calm and to stay calm, while being present for others as well as oneself. This sensitive, calm presence is the necessary state of mind for all that follows. In this component, participants learn to consciously and quickly read and understand nonverbal messages conveyed by facial expressions, bodily postures and gestures, tone of voice and pacing. All of these carry messages of great importance that may not be conveyed in any other way. Those sending the messages may not even be aware that they are doing so.