Empathy Circles
with Janna Weiss

Sundays, Nov 24, Dec 1, 8, & 15, 1–2:30pm EST

ONLINE

This series of Empathy Circles explores turning the heart and mind from our familiar, unsatisfying self-centered attitude, to “others before self,” and collective action for the common good. Gratitude, empathy, compassion, altruism, and an appreciation of our common humanity are all essential for cultivating genuine happiness and are beneficial for social action and harmony.
 

Janna will provide short excerpts, quotes or video, and suggested topic questions, or you can share whatever is on your mind. When it’s your turn to speak, whatever is in your heart and mind is always welcome in an Empathy Circle. Suggested topics we can explore together will include: our common humanity; altruistic motivation; creating community; collective action for the common good. Join any session—or all four!

The Empathy Circle practice is the most effective gateway practice for learning, practicing deep 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 helps to develop 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 and backgrounds, who are looking for practical tools to create positive transformation in their homes, individual lives, relationships, community, or workplace.

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. 

Register

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)
  • Empathy Circle with Tibetan monks and Edwin Rutsch, creator of the Empathy Circle, founder and director, The Empathy Center (VIDEO)
  • October issue of Scientific American features Empathy Circles (ARTICLE)

About the Facilitator

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.