The Widening Circles of Belonging BIPOC Compassion Series is an eight-week program that offers an opportunity to intentionally cultivate compassion in community. The Widening Circles of Belonging BIPOC Compassion Series is a weekly, two-hour class that takes place in a real-time, virtual group-learning environment that integrates evidence-based meditation techniques, interactive discussions, exploration of daily life through large and small group interaction, practical tools, daily guided meditation, and home practice.
In the midst of unsettled times, the Widening Circles of Belonging BIPOC Compassion Series builds our capacity to meet our own lives and collective experience with greater awareness, compassion, resilience, and ease. As our experience of compassion for ourselves and others deepens, so does our ability to recognize our common humanity.
Participants are invited to bring their whole selves to be in community as we cultivate compassion in the restorative refuge of the Widening Circles of Belonging BIPOC Compassion Series.
Compassion practices shared in community are a powerful means of counterbalancing experiences of separation, trauma and grief caused by systemic oppression. The Widening Circles of Belonging BIPOC Compassion Series expands and builds upon core mindfulness and compassion cultivation in ways that aspire to extend a safe and meaningful experience for the BIPOC community.
Alem (she/her) draws upon diverse training and experience to weave contemplative practices, beloved community, and an enduring aspiration that all living beings realize the freedom of their true nature; and that our world be filled with a growing expression of compassion, wisdom and peace. To maintain intimacy, the group size will be limited to 24 participants. Early registration is encouraged.
As part of a deep commitment to inclusion and addressing Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC) communities, IMCW, in collaboration with Alem Makonnen, is offering a tandem compassion series of a Compassion Cultivation Training (CCT) practicum and a Widening Circles of Belonging BIPOC Compassion Series. This in tandem program series offers an opportunity to intentionally cultivate compassion in community and to further connection among communities.
Upon completion of the Widening Circles of Belonging BIPOC Compassion Series or Compassion Cultivation Training (CCT) practicum, participants interested in continuing their compassion journey are invited to join a monthly online gathering to further explore and practice compassion cultivation and mindfulness. Sessions will include guided meditations, experiential exercises, group discussions, readings and whatever we are drawn to explore together.
May awareness of the needs of diverse communities continue to be recognized and grow to reflect the individuality and dignity of all.
May we all, to the best of our abilities, take actions that eliminate cultural, racial, ethnic, gender, ability and economic barriers to practice in community.
May this work on issues of diversity, race, and oppression heal the experiences of separation and reveal widening circles of belonging.