While taking CBCT®, I noticed the practices gave me a solid sense of strength, resilience and open awareness. Now, I find myself applying the insights I gleaned in my daily living. It is particularly helpful in turbulent times. The class was well-presented and the practices are transformational. — Trish
Compassion, a human necessity for survival, is at the heart of all spiritual and ethical traditions. Remember the outpouring of help and assistance following Hurricane Harvey and other national disasters? Often, what we see following these major events is the best in people. It warms our hearts as we give and help to improve the lives of others. We feel deep connection even with those we do not know: those of other races, religions, political beliefs, neighborhoods, economic strata or cultures. Compassion is not only something that is hard-wired, it can be developed for better relations in our daily lives.
Come join Psychologist Ann Friedman, a Certified Trainer for Cognitively Based Compassion Training ®, a program developed through Emory University’s Center for Contemplative Science and Compassion Based Training by Lobsang Tenzin Negi, Ph.D., a former Tibetan Buddhist monk. Through this 8-week course, you will learn a system of mental exercises that improve psychological resilience and more inclusive and lasting compassion.
We can’t connect with ourselves, much less others if our mind is spinning. In the first class, we will learn a practice to settle the mind in times of emotional distress. The second class focuses on how to train attention and sustain focus using an anchor –breath, body sensations, or hearing– to meditate. In the third class, we will let go of the anchor, sitting and observing whatever is arising without latching onto it or pushing it away. This helps us become less reactive to our everyday experiences.
Often times, we are criticizing ourselves for things outside of our control or for making a mistake. All people make mistakes; they are opportunities for learning and growth. The fourth class focuses on developing self-compassion with a more realistic outlook and expectations for ourselves. The fifth class continues to focus on increasing self-compassion. We spend two sessions on this, as when we find compassion for ourselves, it is often easier to find it for others.
The sixth class explores how we categorize people into those we like, dislike and feel neutral. We learn how to soften our likes and dislikes, understanding that all people are doing the best they can, just like we are. The seventh class focuses on our interdependence as a species and we develop more gratitude for others who participate in providing our daily needs.
Finally, in the last class, we look at the various forms of empathy and how we can connect with empathic concern for those suffering in our world. We will also explore how we might be of service to alleviate this suffering.
Location:
This class will be delivered through a hybrid of in-person and Zoom, an online meeting tool.
Mindful Being Studio
4544 Post Oak Place Dr., Suite 100
Houston, Texas 77027
*NOTE: Please be sure to type this address exactly into your navigation app as there are several variations of the Post Oak street name in our area. We want to be sure that you are specifically routed to our building.
Parking:
There is free parking available in the front and rear of our office building. For students attending night classes, there is a security guard present in the building.
Please note that the building doors lock at 6pm, so you will need to enter through the back door of the building, where the security guard sits.
Other Items to Note:
(Applies to both our Zoom online classes and the in-person classes at our studio)
Come as you are, and be comfortable. Some of our students may be in business attire, and others in workout clothes.
Class is experiential and includes some teaching, as well as practices with discussion. No one is pressured to speak.
We recommend that you arrive 5 minutes before class starts. If you are going to arrive late, that it is fine, but it is best to be on time to be respectful of the group. We understand, however, that things can happen beyond your control and we would rather have you come late than not at all.
If you will miss your class, please inform the instructor. You may make up the class the next time the series is offered; or you may take the entire next series again for free. Alternatively, you can pay for a private make-up session.
You are allowed to bring food and beverages. We do offer water, tea, and coffee at our studio.
There is no need to take notes. Our instructors will provide summaries of each class as handouts (or sent via email).
