Compassion Cultivation Training (CCT)

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This course is about learning to

connect more easily with the world,

using mindfulness and compassion

as the frameworks with nature

providing a supportive background

for the learning experience. 

What is Compassion Cultivation Training?

Compassion Cultivation Training (CCT) is an

8-week course developed at the Centre for Compassion and Altruism Research and Education (CCARE) at Stanford University, and now under the auspices of the Compassion Institute. The course was partly inspired by

H.H. The Dalai Lama’s vision for compassion training being a source of global human mental and emotional well-being, and designed by a team of contemplative scholars, clinical psychologists and researchers. It is taught around the world by certified teachers. 

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The course offers practical skills, tools and knowledge to help you establish habits for relating to yourself, others, and the world around you from a place of greater understanding, peace, joy and purpose. 

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Why learn CCT?

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CCT is a course designed to develop the qualities of awareness, compassion, empathy and loving kindness for others and for oneself, and to help improve resilience and feel more connected to others—ultimately providing an overall sense of well-being.

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The course culminates with an active compassion practice that encompasses a realisation and inclusion of the natural environment compassionately positioned within our scope of caring.

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CCT is very good for enabling us to live lovingly, kindly, generously and compassionately in the world. 

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About your course guide

What happens in CCT class?

CCT is run as a series of 8 x 2 hour sessions, either as a weekly class over 8 weeks, or as 4 day intensive spread over 2 weekends or 4 consecutive days.  

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Class activities will include:

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- Short talks to explain concepts

- Small and larger group discussion, 

- meditation, 

- practical exercises and activities 

- Q & A sessions, 

- There will be a guided meditation each session, and connection to an audio for your own follow-up practice.

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The 8 session CCT journey:

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Session 1 - Steadying & calming the mind 

Session 2 - Loving-kindness & compassion for a loved one

Session 3 - Compassion for oneself 

Session 4 - Loving-kindness for oneself 

Session 5 - Developing appreciation for others

Session 6 - Compassion for others 

Session 7 - Active compassion practice

Session 8 - Integrated daily compassion cultivation practice.

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What outcomes can I expect from learning CCT? 

While everyone will have their own unique experience,

research has shown CCT can lead to:

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- Quicker recovery from life's challenges

- Greater sense of calm and peace

- Acceptance of emotions as they are

- Less stress, anxiety and burnout

- Greater sense of overall well-being

- Self-acceptance and self-caring

- Compassion for self and others

- Openness to giving and receiving compassion

- Greater capacity for kindness and generosity

- Capacity for sustaining nourishing relationships

- A sustainable response to the suffering of others. 

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Who is CCT for?

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Everyone!

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The course is of particular value to anyone challenged

by suffering in our world.

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Recent findings also demonstrate compassion is crucial for managing global, societal and socio-economic dilemmas. 

Details:

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Dates, times and options for Term 1, 2021:

A. Weekly in person at Forest Farm: Every Thursday, 9:30- 11:30am from 11 March - 29 April 2021

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B. Online via Zoom: Every Thursday 6:00 - 8:00pm from 11 March - 29 April 2021

C. Weekend intensives at Forest Farm: 27-28 March and 24-25 April.

D. 4 day intensive at Forest Farm: 30 April-3 May 2021. 

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Cost: $500. concessions and scholarships available

(please contact Carmel for details)

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Please note there is no accommodation offered at Forest Farm.

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