A drop of kindness creates rings of subsequent kindness. Be the drop, create the ripple.
Meeting uncertainty with the qualities of Loving Kindness, Compassion, Joy, and Equanimity.
These four qualities, called the Brahmaviharas in Pali, arise from traditional Buddhist practices that were taught more than 2500 years ago. They were used as tools to cultivate a mind and heart of ease and wellbeing that benefited not only oneself but all beings. Today, contemporary research studies are showing that practicing these qualities on a daily basis, “increases one’s positive emotions and one’s degree of satisfaction with existence. The subjects feel more joy, kindness, gratitude, hope and enthusiasm, and the longer their training was, the more marked were the positive effects.” – Journal of Personality and Social Psychology
Imagine what it would be like if we all adopted and embodied this attitude in how we think, speak and act toward ourselves and others.
We will meet once a month to study and reflect on the practice that we’re developing that month. In December, we’ll begin exploring and practicing with loving kindness. Each week throughout the month, written material, including audio links on the month’s topic will be sent to you to support your exploration and development of that particular quality.
In order to fully realize the benefits of these practices, it is encouraged that participants make a commitment to practice these teachings and meditations 30 minutes daily.
Supporting your practice:
Participants will receive a monthly packet via email.
It is highly recommended that you purchase the book, Loving Kindness, the Revolutionary Art of Happiness by Sharon Salzberg.
Download the free app, 'Insight Timer'
This program is free but we do ask that you register so that we can provide you with follow-up resources from the conversation and get to know our community members sharing their time with us. Upon registering, we will send you a link to access the online conversation.
SCHEDULE: Online, Tuesdays, Jan. 9 - Apr. 2, 2024, 7-session series.
This series meets on the 2nd Tuesday of the month for a 1-hour long class and on the 4th Tuesday of the month for a 30-minute check-in. Please note, the final class will be Apr. 2, the first Tuesday of the month.
Monthly class dates: January 9, February 13, March 12, April 2 from 5:30-6:30 p.m. PT
30-minute check-in dates: January 23, February 27, March 26 from 5:30-6:00 p.m. PT.
FREE CLASS: Registration requested for first time participants so that we can collect your waiver release, as well as share resources and communications from your instructor. Once registered, you will receive an automated email confirmation with the online access link. The class link will remain the same for the duration of the series.
INSTRUCTOR: Carole Melkonian
Registration for this class closes on the first day of class, January 9. To register, please visit here.