Empathy Circles
with Ruth Cook & Janna Weiss
Sundays, Nov 24, Dec 1, 8, & 15, 1–2:30pm EST
ONLINE
“As I looked down [on the earth from space], I saw a large river meandering slowly along for miles, passing from one country to another without stopping. I also saw huge forests, extending along several borders. And I watched the extent of one ocean touch the shores of separate continents. Two words leaped to mind as I looked down on all this: commonality and interdependence. We are one world.”
—JOHN-DAVID-BARTOE (Me to We: Finding Meaning in a Material World by Marc Kielburger and Craig Kielburger)
The Empathy Circle practice is the most effective gateway practice for learning, practicing and deepening listening and empathy skills, as well as nurturing an empathic way of being.
The Empathy Circle provides a structured dialogue process where each person feels fully heard, fostering mutual understanding and connection. The Empathy Circle practice not only hones empathy but also fosters a range of valuable skills, such as communication and conflict management skills, making it a powerful tool for personal growth, conflict resolution, and meaningful dialogue.
The four core values of the Empathy Circle are empathy, mutuality, openness and caring. Sharing our experiences and practicing listening together can help us feel connected to others in a meaningful and supportive way.
These Online Empathy Circles are for people of all ages, backgrounds and ideas, who are looking for practical tools to create positive transformation in their homes, individual lives, relationships, community, or workplace.
The series is based on the book Me to We: Finding Meaning in a Material World by Craig Kielburger & Marc Kielburger, devoted to an exploration of turning the heart and mind from me to we, and the minga—collective action for the common good. Gratitude, empathy, compassion, altruism, and an appreciation of our common humanity are essential for cultivating genuine happiness, and beneficial social action and harmony.
It’s not necessary to read the book Me to We in order to participate in the Empathy Circle. We’ll provide excerpts, quotes and/or suggested topic questions, or you can share whatever is alive in you. When it’s your turn to speak, whatever is on your heart and mind is always welcome in an Empathy Circle. Me to We suggested topics we can explore together will include: Our common humanity, Benefits of Me to We; What is a minga?, Creating community. Join any session—or all four!
Important Note
There will be no recordings made.
This is an online-only event that is administered using Zoom.
After registering, the system automatically sends a confirmation and/or a receipt email that contains the Zoom meeting link and/or other instructions. If you don’t immediately receive the system email(s) or you have any other questions, please contact us at registration@shantidevanyc.org.
*Zoom is an interactive video-conferencing tool that allows participants to see one another and ask questions. You will need a computer, a tablet or a smartphone with the Zoom application to attend. If you are using Zoom for the first time, please login earlier to allow any necessary installations on your device.
Registration / Schedule
Suggested: $20 per session
Other offering options: free, $5, $10, $30
The suggested amount helps support teacher offerings and expenses, direct costs and rent. Shantideva member benefits will apply automatically if you have a membership in MindBody.
Time zone: US Eastern Standard Time (GMT/UTC-5)
For questions regarding registration, please email registration@shantidevanyc.org for assistance.
Additional Materials
- How-To: Basic Empathy Circle (PDF)
- The series is based on the book Me to We: Finding Meaning in a Material World by Craig Kielburger & Marc Kielburger. It’s not necessary to read the book Me to We in order to participate in the Empathy Circle.
About the Facilitators
Ruth Cook is deeply grateful for the opportunity to facilitate these online Empathy Circles through Shantideva. She is based in the UK, is an Empathy Circle Facilitator and Trainer, and an accredited FDCW 16 Guidelines Level One Facilitator. Ruth is currently studying Buddhism with FPMT and IDMT, and is the Discovering Buddhism Coordinator for Jamyang Buddhist Centre Leeds. She was a Paramedic in the USA, as well as an instructor/teacher/coach of Swimming, Latin American Dance, Radio Astronomy, Gliding, Emergency Medical Technician, Meditation and Reiki.
Janna Weiss is a Foundation for Developing Compassion and Wisdom (FDCW) accredited facilitator for 16 Guidelines Levels 1 & 2 and Unlocking Your Potential, and an Empathy Circle Facilitator and Trainer. She holds a PhD from the University of Texas at Austin in Biological Sciences—Botany (ethnobotany). Janna is also a human rights activist and advocate for peace, for Tibet, for the rights of people with psychosocial disabilities, or those perceived to be so, and for the real rights of children and families. Janna is an acupuncturist and herbalist, and teaches mind science. Janna began studying Tibetan Buddhism with Dharma Friends of Israel in 2005. She resides in New York City.
