Compassionate Listening trainings are interactive, experiential workshops which are designed to help us become aware of what keeps us from being able to listen deeply and non-judgmentally to other people. As we practice learning how to be fully present, giving all of our attention to the person speaking to us, we build trust and enable human connection. Although this does not necessarily signal agreement, we see again and again how hardened hearts melt and implacable opinions soften. This invites shifts in attitude and behavior.
- In an Introduction to Compassionate Listening Training, you'll learn about:
- The Five Core Practices of Compassionate Listening:
- Suspending judgment;
- Maintaining balance in the heat of conflict;
- Listening with the heart: non-defensive receptivity to another's point of view;
- Speaking from the heart: using inquiry, reflection, and the wisdom of the heart to truly connect with the speaker;
- Holding compassion for oneself and others - including forgiveness
- You will also explore triggers, judgment, shadow sides of ourselves and projection
- Advanced Training: Embodiment with Oneself and Others
- This course is excellent for those wanting to strengthen their connection to their authentic core essence, and learn how to maintain this compassionate connection to self and others in relationships, including in challenging situations.
- You will:
- Strengthen your Compassionate Listening skills of cultivating compassion, developing the fair witness, respecting self and others, and listening and speaking from the heart
- Catalyze personal growth
- Allow exploration of what it means to be a skilled practitioner
- Offer direction and support in an intimate learning community of compassionate listeners
- Leave you with powerful tools to make Compassionate Listening part of your everyday life
- Participants come with the intention to deepen their understanding and practice of Compassionate Listening, for embodiment in daily life. Some are inspired to facilitate practice groups, offer presentations and introductions, and/or consider applying to our Facilitator Certification Program. Some integrate Compassionate Listening with their existing work. Everyone is welcome.
- Prerequisites:
- Open to everyone who has taken a 1 or 2-day introductory training or participated in a training delegation.
- Participants often tell us they did not expect such a deeply personal, transformative experience, so we would like to be clear - while this is a skill-building workshop, participants put the skills to use immediately where they are challenged the most. What participants receive from the workshop has everything to do with what they bring to the weekend - their personal needs and challenges. Together we create a trusting, loving circle and experience the heart-opening power of Compassionate Listening.