[Online] The Transformative Power of Kindness: A Six-Week Online Exploration

“Kindness has to do with what is tenderest and most intimate in us.  It is an aspect of our nature that we often do not express fully – “
 – Piero Ferrucci; The Power of Kindness

“…kindness is extremely practical, for it cuts through isolation, fear, and aggression.”
   – Sakyong Mipham; The Shambhala Principle

“My religion is kindness.”
   – The Dali Lama

What would a world based on kindness look like?

There is no denying we live in a world of tremendous divisiveness, aggression, loneliness, fear, and anxiety.  It is easy to forget that we have a natural disposition toward kindness, generosity, and compassion.  At the same time, we long for connection, community, mutual respect, and genuine kindness. This course will explore this simple gesture we call kindness as a manifestation of our natural connection with others and a powerful force for good in the world.

What to Expect

Our objective in this course is to reconnect with kindness as a powerful force in our lives and in the world.

We will reflect on our own experience:

• How would you define kindness?
• What does it feel like?
• How does kindness shape the way you interact with the world?
• Are you always kind to yourself? To others?
• What are the obstacles to being kind?
• What would a world based on kindness look like?

We will share the stories that have inspired us to become kinder beings. We’ll look into what keeps us from being kind and have an opportunity to practice skills that expand our kindness repertoire, such as the Shambhala practices of holding space and deep listening.

In addition to short talks, reflections, and dialogue, we will practice a contemplation on loving kindness — part of the Buddhist tradition of meditation practices cultivating a spacious mind and an open heart.

Who Should Attend

Everyone is welcome to attend this course; there are no pre-requisites. Meditation instruction will be provided for newcomers.

Schedule

Thursdays: October 16 | October 23 | October 30 / November 6 | November 13 | November 20

Time: 4:00 p.m. – 6:00 pm Atlantic | 3:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m. Eastern

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Cost

Suggested Tuition: CA$195

Generosity Policy applies. You will the have the option of applying a discount on the Registration Page should you need financial assistance.

Testimonials

“Christine is a wonderful teacher and group leader. What a privilege to have had a class with her!  I liked the way she drew each of us out, and her acceptance of what any of us said.  I enjoyed interacting with the other participants and hearing their thoughts. I found the content to be helpful and it certainly made me more conscious of and sensitive to kindness.  I found myself being open to opportunities to be kind, and catching myself when I was unkind.”   — Cathy 

What was most helpful? … Listening and being listened to and feeling what I said was of value.  I never experienced such listening, space and acceptance. 

I got a lot out of this course. Thank you Christine for being brave and sharing with us.  — Bobbie