Compassion-Based Living Course (CBLC)
Start Date: Saturday, 10th May 2025
Time: 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM
Location: In-person, Ashbourne, Co. Meath
Fee: €350 (includes a full day of practice)
Course Overview:
The CBLC draws on insights and practices from neuroscience, evolutionary psychology, Mahayana Buddhism, and Compassion-Focused Therapy (CFT), alongside the pioneering work of Dr. Kristin Neff and Dr. Chris Germer in self-compassion. Research shows that cultivating compassion improves emotional well-being, enhances resilience, strengthens relationships, and reduces symptoms of anxiety, depression, and shame.
This experiential course is designed to help participants build and strengthen both compassion and self-compassion.
Through practices such as compassionate imagery, mindful self-compassion, and techniques inspired by CFT, we cultivate positive emotions to create an inner resource that helps us face life's inevitable challenges. Together, we will explore ways to transform the self-critic – that harsh, fault-finding inner voice – into a kind and supportive ally.
What would life feel like if you approached it with self-kindness instead of destructive self-criticism?
As the course progresses, we journey from self-compassion to compassion for others. We’ll practice cultivating balance and perspective, generating love and friendliness toward both our inner and outer worlds. Participants will learn to respond skillfully to pain and suffering while also appreciating life’s goodness, ultimately integrating compassion into daily life.
Given the experiential nature of the course, home practice between sessions will include regular compassion practices and daily life exercises.
Weekly Themes:
Session 1 (10/05): Why Practice Compassion? Because We Suffer
(Research highlights: The psychological and physiological benefits of compassion)Session 2 (17/05): The Compassionate Mess
(Understanding imperfection and learning self-compassion with Kristin Neff's insights)Session 3 (24/05): It’s Not Our Fault: An Evolutionary Perspective
(Exploring CFT's evolutionary model of self-criticism and compassion)Session 4 (31/05): Creating Conditions of Safeness
(How the brain's threat system impacts compassion, informed by neuroscience and CFT)Session 5 (07/06): Befriending the Self-Critic
(Practical techniques from CFT to address the inner critic with compassion)Session 6 (14/06): Finding the Compassionate Friend Within
(Kristin Neff and Chris Germer’s approaches to developing a self-compassionate voice)Full Day of Practice (21/06): 10:00 AM – 3:00 PM
Session 7 (28/06): The Four Immeasurable Qualities
(Practices to cultivate love, compassion, joy, and equanimity based on Buddhist and CFT principles)Session 8 (05/07): Widening the Circle of Compassion
(Chris Germer’s insights on expanding compassion to others and fostering global connection)
Cost: €350 (includes a full day of practice).
Many health insurance providers offer partial cover for this course. Please check with your provider.
If you are experiencing financial difficulties, please contact Kati on 085-7867809 to discuss flexible payment options.
This course offers a research-informed, practical pathway to creating a kinder, more supportive relationship with yourself and others. It integrates evidence-based practices from Compassion-Focused Therapy, Mindful Self-Compassion, and neuroscience to help you cultivate greater well-being and resilience.
We look forward to seeing you there!