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Connect Again, and Again
September 9, 2022
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First, From the Heart
As we make our way through the majestic mountains of Utah, the spectacular aspen trees are a powerful reminder about our interconnectedness. Above ground we enjoy each beautiful individual tree with its white trunk and distinctive leaves. Yet according to the National Forest Foundation, “One aspen tree is actually only a small part of a larger organism. A stand or group of aspen trees is considered a singular organism with the main life force underground in the extensive root system.”
The wisdom and compassion of the aspen is just as true for us. Like the aspen community that directs nutrients and support to those in need, we are called to do the same for our fellow humans who are challenged and suffering. There is no separation of our individual wellbeing and the wellbeing of our communities.
Please join us on September 29 for our next Global Compassion Community Gathering, a free event to nurture our connection, collaboration, and understanding. We are delighted to welcome Dr. Sará King as our guest presenter and practice leader. She will introduce us to The Science of Social Justice (SSJ) framework which explores how well-being and social justice are one and the same – especially when we re-define “justice” as “loving-awareness-in-action.” We hope to see you there!
Together, in peace,
Laura
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Best of the Blog
Rebuilding Our Connections to Each Other
We are seeing a backlash to the backlash to “return to the office.” As organizations set rules for physical presence, workers pushed back. Now, there’s a new concern: the absence of spontaneous and casual interactions that occur in person. We’re a relational species, and times demand we create more intention around nurturing relationships. Use these 3 steps to deepen connections to your colleagues and strengthen your teams. Read more.
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Practice Matters
Nothing Separates Us
We are so adept at labeling and categorizing. This is what our minds do. Black, white, good, bad, mine, yours, right, wrong. In each nanosecond of awareness, we tend to judge and label – often without conscious attention to how our mind is beholden to the idea of separation.
The natural world, however, organizes around different principles. Connectedness, mutuality, support, and flourishing are just a few of the ways we witness nature unfolding. Surely there are moments of survival of the fittest that play out. But more pervasively, it is survival through cooperation that has brought everyone and everything to this precious moment in time.
Bringing attention to connection takes practice. Moving past the conditioning of our modern minds may seem like an impossible task, yet shifting attention is well within our control. In fact, it’s about all that we control! See what happens when you focus through the lens of interconnectedness and love.
When can we practice? Always!
If you'd like to explore additional Practice Matters, you can find them here.
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Upcoming Event
Global Compassion Community Gathering
Free Community Event + Guest Speaker Dr. Sará King
September 29, 2022 1:00-2:30 PM EDT / 17:00-18:30 UTC
Join us 9/29 for our next Global Compassionate Community Gathering as we explore the science of social justice and healing intergenerational trauma. Our guest speaker is Sará King, M.A., Ph.D., who will introduce us to The Science of Social Justice (SSJ) framework for research and facilitation, which explores how well-being and social justice are one and the same – especially when we re-define "justice" as "loving-awareness-in-action."
Dr. King is a mother, a neuroscientist, political and learning scientist, education philosopher, social-entrepreneur, public speaker, and certified yoga and mindfulness meditation instructor. She is currently a post-doctoral fellow in Neurology at Oregon Health Science University, a Garrison Institute Fellow, and a core member of Google’s well-being think tank “Vitality Lab.” She is also the founder of MindHeart Consulting, leading the field that intersects neuroscience, social justice, and art to heal intergenerational trauma.
The event is hosted by Laura Berland, Founder of the nonprofit Center for Compassionate Leadership. Please register for the free event to reserve your spot. Find out more and register.
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Upcoming Event
Mindfulness and Compassion Grand Rounds at Harvard Medical School with Kaira Jewel Lingo
Center for Mindfulness & Compassion at Cambridge Health Alliance
Monday, September 19, 2022 1:00-2:00 PM EDT
Mindfulness and Compassion Grand Rounds at Harvard Medical School will be held twice monthly live online via Zoom and will be accessible across Harvard Medical School, Cambridge Health Alliance (CHA), and members of the CMC community. Grand Rounds has 3 main aims:
- Disseminate information about new cutting edge science and impactful clinical research findings
- Highlight best practices for enhancing the efficacy, accessibility, and safety of mindfulness and compassion delivery and applications for population mental health
- Provide opportunities for healthcare provider self-care and burnout prevention.
Find out more and register.
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