Compassion Is a Verb

Compassion Is a Verb
January 7, 2022

First, From the Heart

Welcome to ‘22! Our hope is that everyone, especially our dedicated colleagues on the front lines, enjoyed a modicum of rest. While our inclination is to keep going, pushing, and serving others, we often lose sight of the profound need for rest within ourselves. May you create space for rest and regeneration in these months ahead.

Whether you are glowingly optimistic, deeply concerned, and/or showing up with curiosity to how each new moment and day in the new year unfolds, we want to express our sincere appreciation for your presence in this community of supportive global peers and for your unique work in the world.

Our need for community and connection is more important than ever before. None of us can reach our full potential without the support of and relationships with each other on this journey. We hear from many of you that this community of compassionate leaders – whether you connect through the newsletter, on social channels, community gatherings, or live online programs – is a critical source of inspiration, collective wisdom, and support for your own growth and impact.

Our intention for ’22 is to continue strengthening and supporting each other in this remarkable community, and enable all of us to bring more compassion forward. Please let us know how we can be more responsive to what will serve you in the year ahead.

With love,
Laura

Best of the Blog

Compassion Is a Verb

Leaders are doers by nature, which is helpful when it comes to compassion. Skillfully moving compassion into action is how we create safety, connection and belonging for ourselves and for others. Compassion is the path we follow to support us through the uncertainty and challenges of the moment. Read about these three approaches to weave more compassionate action into your path of thriving. Read more.

Accepting Applications Starting Today

Compassionate Leadership and Resilience Training Spring Cohorts
Super Early Bird Rate Available Until January 31

We are excited to open application and registration for our online Spring 2022 Compassionate Leadership and Resilience Training cohorts, starting in March.

Our eight-week collaborative learning journey is based on decades of leadership experience and wisdom practice, coupled with emerging scientific and organizational evidence. Hundreds of program alumni are positively impacting the world in remarkable ways!

“This course was an incredibly enriching experience. I especially enjoyed the deep connection we cultivated as a group which created a safe space for us to share our individual experiences and unique perspectives/challenges. It was a transformative eight weeks that left me feeling inspired and ready to lead with compassion, both personally and professionally.”

-- Global Non-Profit Executive, Fall 2020 Cohort

One cohort is geared to an interdisciplinary audience of leaders in for-profit and non-profit organizations. The second cohort is specifically focused for leaders in the field of global health. Whichever cohort is aligned with your mission, you will be surrounded by an accomplished peer group of like-minded colleagues from around the world. Learn more about the interdisciplinary course here, and global health here.

Practice Matters

Moving Heart Into Action

Often my heart wants to step out, yet has a knack for shutting down along the way. The brilliant mind and ego are fast to intercede with beliefs and stories dictating that the heart must scurry back to its cave.

How can I allow the heart to stay receptive, vibrant, and courageous so that my highest intentions have the runway to move into action? At times I bring focused attention to the heart, listen tenderly, allow it space to speak, and gently bow its deepest desires. Or if I’m sensing that more trust is required, I journey further inward to the endless river of pure truth that flows within. There I find the strength to surrender unconditionally. To love. To compassion. To heart.

When can we practice? Always!

If you'd like to explore additional Practice Matters, you can find them here.

Research Worth Sharing

Cooperative behavior cascades in human social networks
by James H. Fowler and Nicholas A. Christakis
in Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences of the United States of America

How do we respond to all the hostility and venom in social networks? Just be kind and compassionate. Positive behavior cascades outward in social networks. Read the full study.

Leadership, Evolved.

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