Is it really possible to choose empathy and compassion rather than defaulting into ‘reactivity’ and shutting-down or burning out when we’re confronted with life’s inevitable challenges? In this 8-week course you will be taught practices to cultivate compassion, discover what blocks it and learn practical processes for how you can access and respond to the unending demands and needs that increasingly are a part of your professional (and personal) daily life experience.

Registration is now OPEN.

For information and to Register please fill out the form BELOW.

(space will be limited so please be sure to pre-register) 

• Instructors:      Robert Cusick 
• Dates:                April 5 – May 24, 2016 (8-consecutive Tuesdays)
• Time                   6:00 pm – 8:00 pm
• Location:           UCSF | Moffitt Hospital, Rm. 1296, 505 Parnassus | San Francisco
• Course Fee:       $325

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Course Description

CCT (Compassion Cultivation Training™) is an 8-week course that was developed in the Center for Compassion and Altruism Research and Education (CCARE) at Stanford University School of Medicine. It was designed to cultivate the qualities of compassion, empathy, and kindness in and for oneself and others. It combines traditional contemplative practices with contemporary psychology, scientific research and experiential processes that can help you to both allow and understand the many different ways compassion can be experienced — in order to lead a more compassionate life.

Scientific studies suggest that a kind and compassionate attitude can greatly reduce the distress people feel in difficult situations and become a profound personal resource in times of stress. Through instruction and the interactive nature of the processes incorporated in this course, you will have opportunities to cultivate new ways in which to access, recognize, and strengthen compassion and empathy − as a default response to the ever-present challenges that characterize our human experience.

In this course, participants will explore questions about the nature of compassion relevant to the ebb & flow of their own real-world daily life experiences. The content of the course is holistic, meaning various modalities have been woven into its design to address the multiplicity of levels and richness of our shared common humanity. Processes include: Guided compassion techniques, some movement and breathing exercises, meditation exercises, along with contemplative practices and inquiry — intended to release that which blocks your ability to access the qualities of empathy, connection, openhearted presence and compassion.

More information is available at: http://ccare.stanford.edu/about/mission-vision/

Instructor

Robert Cusick trained at Stanford University in the Center for Compassion and Altruism Research and Education (CCARE) and is a Certified Stanford CCT (Compassion Cultivation Training) Instructor who teaches at Stanford University and in multiple other venues.  He studied in the Soto Zen tradition at Tassajara Zen Mountain Center, in the Ridhwan School’s Diamond approach with A. H. Almaas (Hameed Ali), and in Spirit Rock Meditation Center’s multi-year Dedicated Practioner’s Program with Jack Kornfield and others. As a former monk, he ordained in Burma under the renowned meditation master, Venerable Pa Auk Sayadaw, and studied with him from 2003 to 2012. He currently provides bereavement support for adults and children at Kara,in Palo Alto, where he teaches, directs, and facilitates trainings for Kara’s Caregiver’s Forums, Adult Services Program and Youth & Family Program. Robert sits on the board of directors of the Sati Center for Buddhist Studies.

You can contact him at: info@thecompassiontrain.com

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 REGISTER HERE

Please read the waiver of liability and cancellation/refund policy below and electronically sign by selecting the checkbox for the waiver and selecting the checkbox for the cancellation/refund policy. Students must understand and complete the waiver and cancellation/refund policy in order to register for and attend CCT courses.

Waiver of Liability

I accept full responsibility for my health and voluntarily complete this Acknowledgment and Waiver of Liability. I understand and agree that the services and tools offered by Robert Cusick are not intended to replace or be substituted for medical or psychiatric care. It is recognized that the trainings may at times make participants feel vulnerable. CCT is not a therapeutic intervention for psycho-pathological disorders as defined in the DSM, and is not meant to be used as such. By completing this release and consent I assume all risk for any physical or mental consequences of participating in the course. By signing this release I also specifically and expressly agree to hold harmless, indemnify and release Robert Cusick and each of their respective employees, partners, agents and associates from any and all liability for the results of the educational guidance that will be or has been provided. Moreover, I acknowledge that the particulars shared in this 8-week course by other participants are to be maintained as confidential. I will not blog or otherwise report on content shared in this class in any form of media. I also acknowledge that taking this course does not entitle participants to teach course content or represent themselves as affiliates to or with Robert Cusick or CCARE.

Cancellation/Refund Policy

Full refunds may only be issued if your cancellation request is received no later than December 26, 2015 (two (2) weeks prior to start of the workshop on Jan 9, 2016. A partial refund (minus a $75 processing fee) may be issued if the cancellation request is received between 2 weeks and 3 business days before the first class session. No refunds will be made for cancellations less than 3 business days before the first class session. All refund requests must be sent by email to info@thecompassiontrain.com.

Payment is required to complete the registration process.

Or, if you prefer to pay by check:
Please make your check payable to Robert Cusick and mail to:

90 E. Portola Avenue
Los Altos, CA 94022

For more information or if you have questions contact:

info@thecompassiontrain.com