Empathy Circles with Conversations that Matter: Gaining Clarity and Mutual Understanding
2026-05-17 18:00 - 19:30, 2026-05-24 18:00 - 19:30, 2026-05-31 18:00 - 19:30 (Europe/London) | Online
Empathy Circles with Conversations That Matter
Free online sessions led by FDCW facilitator Janna Weiss and Maria Trottman open to everybody!
A new series of 5 sessions based on the 16 Guidelines resource: Conversations That Matter
Conversations That Matter offers a new way of bringing inspiration for wise and compassionate action based on the 16 Guidelines for Life.
Sessions Schedule:
5 Sundays from May 3 to May 31 – You can join any session!
1:00 pm – 2:30 pm ET / 6:00 pm – 7:30 pm GMT / 10:00 am – 11:30 am PT, please check
your time zone here.
The 5 sessions will explore the Wisdom Theme: How We Find Meaning

May 3 Wisdom Theme: How We Find Meaning
May 10 Aspiration
May 17 Principles
May 24 Service
May 31 Courage

Please come on time and plan on staying for the full 90 minutes.
Sharing our experiences and practicing together can strengthen clarity, presence, and mutual understanding. Drop-ins welcome!
If you join, please come on time and plan on staying for the full 90 minutes.
Join Zoom Here
Who are these sessions for?
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
About the Empathy Circles
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 clearly structured dialogue process that supports respectful dialogue, and equal participation. Participants take turns listening without giving advice, interrupting, or debating, and each speaker feels fully heard and understood.
The practice is practical and applicable to everyday conversations, and when navigating difficult conversations. 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 resolutions and meaningful dialogue.
The Empathy Circle was developed by Edwin Rutsch, founder and director of The Empathy Center, based on the work of psychologist Carl Rogers. The four core values of the Empathy Circle are empathy, mutuality, openness and caring
If you want to know more about the Empathy Circles, please check the June 2023 Summit, and Empathy Circles with CTM/16G at the Nov 2024 Empathy Summit, as well as other circles that Janna and others have led.
Watch: How To Take Part in a Basic Empathy Circle ~ 9 minutes
Posted here with transcript, and here on Janna’s YouTube
About the facilitators:
Janna is an acupuncturist and herbalist, and teaches mind science in New York City. She holds a PhD from the University of Texas at Austin in Biological Sciences—Botany (ethnobotany). Janna is also a human rights activist, for peace, for Tibet, for the rights of people with psychosocial disabilities, and for the real rights of children and families. Janna began studying Tibetan Buddhism in 2005. She is a trained 16 Guidelines Level 1 & 2 and Unlocking Your Potential Facilitator, and an Empathy Circle Facilitator and Trainer.
Maria is an Empathy Circle Facilitator and a student of the 16 Guidelines. She is passionate about Empathy Circles and the way this simple dialogue structure, grounded in active listening, can foster connection, clarity, and mutuality. Maria holds a PhD in Economics and works as a data analyst in the health sector.
Supporting Janna and the Empathy Circles: please, consider supporting Janna so that she can continue to offer these transformative sessions by making a donation scanning the QR code below or by making a donation on the dedicated page https://tinyurl.com/nhcxcrcw
Join Zoom Here

Masterclass gratuita: Yoga para la Vida Real con las 16 Actitudes
2026-05-21 19:00 - 20:30 (Europe/Madrid) | Online
*This Masterclass is facilitated online in Spanish.
Yoga para la Vida Real con las 16 ActitudesCómo las 16 Actitudes transforman tu práctica — y tu vida
En esta sesión gratuita vas a descubrir qué son las 16 Actitudes, cómo funcionan dentro de la práctica de yoga, y vas a experimentarlo en tu propio cuerpo — en una práctica en vivo que incluye movimiento, asanas y meditación.
¿Por qué esta práctica es diferente?
El yoga puede quedarse en el cuerpo. La meditación puede quedarse en la mente. Las 16 Actitudes son el puente entre los dos.
¿Qué incluye esta masterclass?

Introducción a las 16 Actitudes -Qué son y por qué transforman la práctica desde dentro. Actitudes como la satisfacción, la honestidad, la paciencia o la ecuanimidad — no como teoría, sino como herramientas reales para el cuerpo y para la vida.

Práctica de demostración en vivo –Una secuencia guiada de Yoga donde movimiento, respiración, asana y meditación se unen alrededor de una de las 16 Actitudes contemplativas. La eliges como intención al comienzo de la práctica. La respiración la va llevando al cuerpo. El movimiento la convierte en experiencia. Y al final, ya no es solo una idea o una reflexión: la has practicado.

Materiales exclusivos para aquellos que se registran- Guía PDF — Yoga y las 16 Actitudes Ideas y prácticas simples para integrar el yoga en tu vida cotidiana.Acceso a la grabación + práctica guiada completa Continúa explorando la experiencia desde casa con una clase de la biblioteca de Sherab Yoga.

Reserva tu plaza AQUI
Esta Masterclass es para ti si …
✅ Llevas tiempo practicando yoga y sientes que algo falta
✅ Quieres una práctica con más presencia y menos automatismo
✅ Te atrae la meditación pero no sabes cómo integrarla al movimiento
✅ Buscas herramientas reales para el día a día, no solo para la esterilla
✅ Nunca has practicado yoga pero quieres empezar con sentido
Detalles del evento:
Esta sesion se ofrece de forma gratuita el Jueves 21 de mayo 2026 a las 19:00 CEST en Zoom.
Reserva tu plaza AQUI

Sobre el Instructor: Alejandro Sherab
Enseño yoga y meditación desde una práctica sencilla, sostenible y profundamente integrada en la vida cotidiana. Mi enfoque une movimiento, respiración y contemplación para ayudar a las personas a encontrar más presencia, claridad y equilibrio en medio de la vida real. A través de Sherab Yoga acompaño espacios de práctica honestos, accesibles y humanos, inspirados en la tradición de Krishnamacharya y la práctica contemplativa budista.

16 Attitudes pour Mieux Communiquer | en français avec Mabel Odessey
2026-05-23 10:00 - 2026-05-24 17:30 (Europe/Paris) | Vajra Yogini, les clauzades, Marzens, tarn, 81500, France
Aperçu de l’atelier :
Toute communication commence par une intention : apprendre à la formuler en accord avec le coeur, nous permet de communiquer avec plus de clarté, de présence et de bienveillance.
Cet atelier s’appuie sur la méditation de pleine conscience, l’écoute active, la communication non verbale et l’empathie, en intégrant des approches issues de la psychologie occidentale et les 16 attitudes.
Expérientiel et participatif, comme tous les ateliers d’Éducation Universelle, ce stage propose des outils pratiques pour renforcer la connexion et créer des relations plus harmonieuses.
Être vu et compris est un besoin universel. En reconnaissant nos besoins et ceux des autres, nous ouvrons la voie à une communication plus consciente et authentique.
L’atelier se base sur les 16 Attitudes pour mieux vivre qui offrent un cadre de sagesse millénaire pour explorer notre manière de communiquer et développer une communication plus consciente, claire et bienveillante.
Cet atelier d’une journée est ouvert à tous à partir de 12 ans. Avec Mabel Odessey
Participation
par donation avec une suggestion de 40€ par jour
Schedule
DATE: 22 et 23 mai 2026/ 10.00-17.30
INSCRIPTIONS : 16attitudes@gmail.com
Facilitatrice:

Mabel Odessey is a trained 16G Level 1, Level 2 and 16G for Children and Teens as well as Building Balanced Empathy facilitator. She is a founder member of Education Universelle France and she also works as a photographer and lives in France.
Mabel has completed the 2nd year MSc (Masters in Mindfulness and Compassion) at the University of the West of Scotland, and has received a post graduate diploma. She has been trained to teach the MBLC and CBLC course by the UK Mindfulness Association..
Her workshop on Kindful Communication was featured at the FDCW’s Compassion and Wisdom conference 2021

Online Empathy Summit: Exploring Empathy Circles Together
2026-06-06 09:00 - 12:30 (Europe/London) | Online
In these transformative Summits, seasoned practitioners and thought leaders converge to explore the profound impact and potential of the Empathy Circle practice. These gatherings serve as a crucible for understanding and advancing the Empathy Movement, with the Empathy Circle at its core.
Key Summit Highlights:

Personal Narratives: Participants share compelling stories of how the Empathy Circle practice has influenced their lives and work, offering real-world examples of its transformative power.
Mechanics and Efficacy: Experts dissect the inner workings of the practice, explaining why and how it fosters genuine connection and understanding among participants.
Benefits and Challenges: A balanced exploration of the positive outcomes and potential hurdles encountered in implementing Empathy Circles, providing a comprehensive view of the practice.
Empathic Consciousness: Delve into the profound shift in perspective and being that emerges through regular engagement with Empathy Circles.
Innovation and Evolution: Discover how the core Empathy Circle practice has inspired new methodologies and applications across various fields.
Future Horizons: Engage in stimulating discussions about the future potential of Empathy Circles and their role in shaping a more compassionate society.
Community Connection: The Summit serves as a reunion for facilitators, practitioners, trainees, and supporters, fostering a vibrant community of practice.

Summit Schedule:
Date: Saturday, June 6, 2026
Time: 9 am PT to 12:30 pm PT, please check your time zone here. here.
Speakers Highlight:
Janna Weiss & Maria Trottmann will present at 9:15 am (PT) for 20 min on the topic: Embodying Virtue: Combining the Classic Empathy Circle with Universal Human Values
The classic Empathy Circle always includes the option to speak about whatever is in your heart and mind, and will usually also include a suggested topic. Along with the “free speech” option, a community of Empathy Circle practitioners combines the Empathy Circle practice with the 16 Guidelines. The 16 Guidelines are a set of universal human values based on a short 7th century classic Tibetan text that helped transform Tibet from a violent society to a compassionate society. Values or virtues such as humility, gratitude, forgiveness, and courage have known benefits for human flourishing and wellbeing.
About the speakers Janna and Maria:
Janna is an acupuncturist and herbalist, and teaches mind science in New York City. She holds a PhD from the University of Texas at Austin in Biological Sciences—Botany (ethnobotany). Janna is also a human rights activist, for peace, for Tibet, for the rights of people with psychosocial disabilities, and for the real rights of children and families. Janna began studying Tibetan Buddhism in 2005. She is a trained 16 Guidelines Level 1 & 2 and Unlocking Your Potential Facilitator, and an Empathy Circle Facilitator and Trainer.
Maria is an Empathy Circle Facilitator and a student of the 16 Guidelines. She is passionate about Empathy Circles and the way this simple dialogue structure, grounded in active listening, can foster connection, clarity, and mutuality. Maria holds a PhD in Economics and works as a data analyst in the health sector.
Many more speakers will participate in the Summit, please check the event page by clicking on the Register button below

Rencontre mensuelle des 16 Attitudes | en ligne et en français
2026-06-16 18:30 - 19:30 (Europe/Paris) | Online
Aperçu de la sesion:
Une rencontre conviviale consacrée à explorer une pratique des ateliers sur les 16 Attitudes. Le 16 mars, 16 avril, 16 mai et 16 June, 18.30- 19.30 CET.
Plus d’infos:

Adresse mail: hilary.educationuniverselle@gmail.com pour le lien de Zoom.

Facilitatrices:
Hilary McMichael-Anglaise d’origine, méditerranéenne de cœur, je suis investie dans les programmes d’Éducation Universelle depuis 2009, d’abord en tant que traductrice des enseignantes venues de pays anglo-saxons, ensuite comme formatrice. Je facilite désormais les 16 Attitudes ainsi que les Méthodes de Transformative Mindfulness (la Pleine Conscience Transformative) ainsi qu’un programme sur la compassion. Je suis aussi formatrice qualifiée pour enseigner le cycle MBSR (la réduction du stress et la gestion des émotions par la pleine conscience) de Jon Kabat-Zinn. J’aime beaucoup enseigner et partager ces pratiques avec des groupes et en session individuelle. La pleine conscience de notre corps, de notre respiration et de notre esprit nous permet d’être mieux physiquement et mentalement. Ces programmes nous donnent des outils pratiques pour nous transformer.
Ma première passion de la peinture et du dessin, (diplômée par l’École Nationale des Beaux-Arts de Montpellier) est devenue un moyen d’expression qui rassemble ma créativité et ma vie spirituelle.
Jardinière et randonneuse, ma philosophie de vie m’amène vers la sobriété heureuse et joyeuse, faite de valeurs d’accompagnement, de paix et de confiance.
Mabel Odessey-Actuellement Mabel est étudiante en Masters ‘Mindfulness et Compassion’ à L’université de l’ouest de l’Ecosse (UWS). Elle est membre fondatrice d’Education Universelle France et a suivi des formations de FDCW.
Son premier formation était aux Beaux Arts en Angleterre. Elle est photographe « engagée », travaillant sur des projets qui ouvrent au dialogue et contribuent, avec les ateliers sténopés, à changer les perceptions.Elle étudie le bouddhisme et le pratique depuis 2005. Mabel suit des enseignements et retraites de meditation chaque année. Elle amène sa créativité, sa curiosité et sa joie de partager dans les stages de 16Attitudes.
Mabel est américaine et elle vit en France depuis 1992, elle parle anglais et français. Une voyageuse de cœur, elle est prête à se déplacer partout pour faciliter des ateliers.

Atelier-16 Attitudes pour Mieux Vivre Niveau 2 | en Français
2026-06-20 10:00 - 2026-06-21 17:30 (Europe/Paris) | Vajra Yogini, les clauzades, Marzens, tarn, 81500, France
Approfondissement après le niveau 1 : Explorer le côté ombre des 16 Attitudes
Aperçu de l’Atelier :
Après le niveau 1, ce cours d’approfondissement vous permet de mieux comprendre votre propre part d’ombre.
Dans ce cours d’approfondissement, nous mettons en lumière le “côté ombre” des 16 Attitudes. Explorer cette facette, c’est accéder aux valeurs universelles en examinant leur opposé, là où nous ressentons de la résistance ou blocage.
En reconnaissant et en accueillant ces parts d’ombre présentes en chacun de nous, nous amorçons un processus de guérison qui nous permet de retrouver notre intégrité et de transformer les énergies néfastes en forces positives. La pratique de la pleine conscience permet d’identifier et accueillir les défis, les réactions automatiques qui génèrent stress et tensions.
Nous approfondirons également les fondements philosophiques des 16 Attitudes, ainsi que les quatre thèmes de sagesse qui les structurent. Cela vous aidera à vous sentir plus à l’aise avec ces outils, dans un cadre riche en échanges.
Apprenez à :

Identifier les défis rencontrés dans votre pratique de la pleine conscience et transformer les réactions automatiques qui génèrent stress et tensions.
Comprendre les fondements philosophiques des 16 Attitudes et les quatre thèmes de sagesse qui les structurent.
Intégrer, appliquer et être créatif avec ces outils dans votre quotidien pour faire face aux situations réelles avec plus de conscience et de sérénité.
Créer du lien avec d’autres participants, s’engager dans une communauté bienveillante et partager expériences et apprentissages.

Les 16 Attitudes sont : l’humilité, la patience, le contentement, la joie, la gentillesse, l’honnêteté, la générosité, la parole juste, le respect, le pardon, la gratitude, la loyauté, l’aspiration, les principes, le service, le courage.
Schedule

DATE: 20-21 juin 2026, 10h – 17h30
LIEU: Institut Vajra Yogini, Marzens, dans le Tarn
INSCRIPTIONS-16attitudes@gmail.com

*Minimum de 8 personnes.
*Cet atelier est proposé sur la base d’un don, avec un montant suggéré de 80 €.

Ce stage est suivi d’un Niveau 3 pour ceux qui souhaitent devenir facilitateur et sera donné en ligne en fin d’année.

Embodying the Qualities of Mindfulness with the 16G | Organized by the University of Toronto
2026-07-09 18:00 - 2026-07-30 21:00 (America/Toronto) | Online
About this course
In this experiential course you will reflect on your motivations, intentions, values and practices in order to contribute to a secular, inclusive, universal and embodied practice.
Discussions will surround an ancient set of 16 guidelines inspired by leaders committed to a culture that proposes mindful thought, values, relations and compassion-in-action This course highlights how individuals may embody mindful practices in the everyday. Drawing from an ancient wisdom tradition, the 16 Guidelines proposes a palette of secular options that cultivate states of the embodied mind. These guidelines can be integrated into everyday life as a secular practice to optimize one’s human potential as well as to promote a civil society. These include states of mind such as: compassion, kindness, authentic speech etc.
What you’ll learn:

Understand the concept of the embodied mind.
Interpret the ancient document known as the 16 Guidelines both historically and in its contemporary application and usage.
Develop your own personal guidelines that will provide the scaffolding of your own embodied practice.

Schedule:
This course is delivered online on Mondays in 4 online sessions from March 9, 2026 – March 30, 2026. Online with Real Time Meetings from 11:00 AM – 2:00 PM ( local time)

Mon, March 9, 16, 23, 30 from 11 – 2 pm

Students must attend all sessions to complete the course. If you miss any of the scheduled dates, you will need to re-register into the course at a later date.
More info, bookings and cost:
The course fee is $365 CAD
For more information and bookings, please visit the University of Toronto web page
This course is for educational purposes and is not intended as a substitute for consultation and treatment from a qualified and registered healthcare professional or service provider.

Building Inner Strength with the 16 Guidelines - Retreat with Wendy Ridley
2026-07-17 19:00 - 2026-07-19 15:30 (Europe/London) | Land of Joy, Greenhaugh Hall Greenhaugh, Hexham Northumberland, NE48 1PP, 5MGG+XQ Greenhaugh, Hexham, Reino Unido, United Kingdom
Feeling overwhelmed by global crises, work, family, or personal challenges? Seeking practical tools for positive change and emotional resilience? This experiential weekend retreat is designed for you.
About the Retreat

We will explore embodied mindfulness and universal ethical values in this Level 1 of the 16 Guidelines for Life Program developed by the Foundation for Developing Compassion and Wisdom (FDCW). The program offers a simple yet profound framework for reflecting on how we think, act, relate to others, and find meaning. Through mindfulness, self-inquiry, and ethical reflection, we will gain tools to foster well-being, purpose, and inner strength.
What to Expect:
Over the weekend, we’ll engage in mindfulness practices including mindful walks in nature, interactive activities, and relaxed discussions. Drawing on positive psychology, neuroscience, social justice practices, and centuries-old Eastern philosophy, this retreat offers a holistic and ethical approach to personal and community transformation.
Who Should Attend?
This retreat welcomes participants of all ages and backgrounds who are seeking practical tools for meaningful change in their life, home, relationships, community or workplace. It will be of particular interest to: Change-makers and anyone working in education, healthcare, or helping fields; Yoga, mindfulness, and embodiment teachers; Coaches, mentors, and those working in corporate or organisational well-being.
What you’ll learn:

An ethical framework that inspires more purpose in life and deepens experience in mindfulness as an embodied practice.
Practical tools to build inner strength which will benefit relationships and embrace community
A fresh perspective on daily life, available choices and actions
Enhanced capacity for reflection, resulting in more well-being, emotional resilience and creative action

Dates and Bookings
Date: Friday 17th – Sunday 19th July
For more information and bookings, please visit Land of Joy – 16 Guidelines

Facilitator
Wendy Ridley – Wendy has 40 years experience working in education – as a teacher, university lecturer, education department advisor and consultant specialising in religious education and philosophical enquiry. This has provided her with skills and passion to develop, deliver and oversee training programmes. Wendy has been involved in the development of FDCW as a Board member since 2004 and as a Senior 16G Facilitator. She has worked in 6 very different Buddhist centres and was the director of Jamyang Buddhist Centre Leeds for over 7 years.

Rencontre Retraite : La Pleine Conscience et la Compassion | en français
2026-07-18 10:00 - 2026-07-21 17:30 (Europe/Paris) | Vajra Yogini, les clauzades, Marzens, tarn, 81500, France
Rencontre Retraite : La pleine conscience et la compassion, une retraite pour femmes
Aperçu de l’atelier :
Un stage en résidentiel de 4 jours dédié à la compassion, la pleine conscience, la créativité et la nature.
Cet atelier est une expérience transformative pour découvrir nos valeurs profondes. Des exercices expérientiels et doux, des méditations, des temps dans la nature pour explorer la quiétude, du mouvement en douceur permettent d’augmenter nos ressources et d’être plus authentiques.
Le silence partiel et l’invitation à ralentir, à apprécier chaque instant présent sont des chemins pour trouver un refuge intérieur. A travers partages, créativité et une ambiance de bienveillance, chacune a l’opportunité de cultiver l’autocompassion et l’ouverture vers l’autre.
Plus d’infos:

Mixité choisie : Stage réservé aux femmes.
Date de début : 18 juillet
Date de fin : 21 juillet
Horaires : 10:00h am le premier jour -17:30h le dernier jour.
Intervenant: Hilary McMichael
Tarif: 150€ et TR sur demande.
Adresse mail: hilary.educationuniverselle@gmail.com

Retiro de Yoga con las 16 Actitudes
2026-07-20 12:00 - 2026-07-23 17:00 (Europe/Madrid) | Centro de Meditación Tushita, 3 Carrer Pla de Montfalcó, Viladrau, girona, 17406, Spain
*This retreat is offered in Spanish.
Retiro Yoga 16A
Cuatro días para llevar las 16 Actitudes del cuerpo a la vida — yoga, meditación y descanso real en plena naturaleza.
¿Por qué esta práctica es diferente?
El yoga puede quedarse en el cuerpo. La meditación puede quedarse en la mente. Las 16 Actitudes son el puente entre los dos.
Sobre este Retiro
Este retIro propone un ritmo sencillo: práctica por la mañana, naturaleza al mediodía y trabajo de las 16 Actitudes por la tarde, parar de verdad, mirar hacia dentro y llevarte herramientas a casa

La reserva incluye todo lo que necesitas

3 noches de alojamiento en el Centro Tushita
Pensión completa vegetariana — desayuno, comida, merienda y cena
Todas las sesiones: yoga, pranayama, 16 Actitudes, yoga nidra y baños sonoros
Paseos guiados por el entorno
Uso de las instalaciones: sala, terrazas y salida al bosque
Una comunidad pequeña donde no practicas solo/a

Detalles Prácticos:
Este retiro se ofrece en persona en el centro Tushita en Viladrau del 20 al 23 de Julio 2026. Una casa entre bosque y montaña, con piscina, terrazas y sala de práctica. Un ambiente detox, sin tabaco ni alcohol, pensado para parar.
*Puedes obtener más informacion y reservar tu plaza AQUI
Cada actitud, una forma de vivir. Cuatro días para encarnarlas.

Sobre el Instructor: Alejandro Sherab
Enseño yoga y meditación desde una práctica sencilla, sostenible y profundamente integrada en la vida cotidiana. Mi enfoque une movimiento, respiración y contemplación para ayudar a las personas a encontrar más presencia, claridad y equilibrio en medio de la vida real. A través de Sherab Yoga acompaño espacios de práctica honestos, accesibles y humanos, inspirados en la tradición de Krishnamacharya y la práctica contemplativa budista.

Empathy Circles with Conversations that Matter: Gaining Clarity and Mutual Understanding
2026-08-02 18:00 - 19:30, 2026-08-09 18:00 - 19:30, 2026-08-16 18:00 - 19:30, 2026-08-23 18:00 - 19:30 (Europe/London) | Online
Empathy Circles with Conversations That Matter
Free online sessions led by FDCW facilitator Janna Weiss and Maria Trottman open to everybody!
A new series of 4 sessions based on the 16 Guidelines resource: Conversations That Matter
Conversations That Matter offers a new way of bringing inspiration for wise and compassionate action based on the 16 Guidelines for Life.
Sessions Schedule:
4 Sundays from August 2 to August 23 – You can join any session!
1:00 pm – 2:30 pm ET / 6:00 pm – 7:30 pm BST / 10:00 am – 11:30 am PT, please check
your time zone here. here.
The 4 sessions will explore the Wisdom Theme: How We Think
• August 2 Humility
• August 9 Patience
• August 16 Contentment
• August 23 Delight
Please come on time and plan on staying for the full 90 minutes.
Sharing our experiences and practicing together can strengthen clarity, presence, and mutual understanding. Drop-ins welcome!
If you join, please come on time and plan on staying for the full 90 minutes.
Who are these sessions for?
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
About the Empathy Circles
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 clearly structured dialogue process that supports respectful dialogue, and equal participation. Participants take turns listening without giving advice, interrupting, or debating, and each speaker feels fully heard and understood.
The practice is practical and applicable to everyday conversations, and when navigating difficult conversations. 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 resolutions and meaningful dialogue.
The Empathy Circle was developed by Edwin Rutsch, founder and director of The Empathy Center, based on the work of psychologist Carl Rogers. The four core values of the Empathy Circle are empathy, mutuality, openness and caring
If you want to know more about the Empathy Circles, please make sure to check Maria and Janna’s presentation on the 2026 Empathy Summit
Watch: How To Take Part in a Basic Empathy Circle ~ 9 minutes
Posted here with transcript, and here on Janna’s YouTube
About the facilitators:
Janna is an acupuncturist and herbalist, and teaches mind science in New York City. She holds a PhD from the University of Texas at Austin in Biological Sciences—Botany (ethnobotany). Janna is also a human rights activist, for peace, for Tibet, for the rights of people with psychosocial disabilities, and for the real rights of children and families. Janna began studying Tibetan Buddhism in 2005. She is a trained 16 Guidelines Level 1 & 2 and Unlocking Your Potential Facilitator, and an Empathy Circle Facilitator and Trainer.
Maria is an Empathy Circle Facilitator and a student of the 16 Guidelines. She is passionate about Empathy Circles and the way this simple dialogue structure, grounded in active listening, can foster connection, clarity, and mutuality. Maria holds a PhD in Economics and works as a data analyst in the health sector.
Supporting Janna and the Empathy Circles: please, consider supporting Janna so that she can continue to offer these transformative sessions by making a donation scanning the QR code below or by making a donation on the dedicated page https://tinyurl.com/nhcxcrcw

In Person-16G L1 | Building Inner Strength Course in Scotland
2026-08-16 09:15 - 2026-08-30 16:30 (Europe/London)
Join us for this 16 Guidelines level 1 course facilitated by Gillian Cruickshank & Lorna Forsyth.

About the course
The Building Inner Strength – 16 Guidelines for Life program offers a learning path to transformative change.
The 16 Guidelines program provides a simple, robust and flexible framework for developing emotional resilience, empathy, compassion and transformative change, suitable for both educational curricula and for personal and professional development. If you’re seeking practical tools to bring about positive change in your life, this experiential course is for you.
You’ll explore the 16 Guidelines framework to deepen your experience in mindfulness and resilience, as an embodied practice. Drawing on proven techniques from positive psychology, social justice practices, neuroscience and centuries-old Eastern philosophy, you’ll develop an ethical, holistic approach to self-improvement and cultural change.
What you’ll learn

Increased emotional resilience by using a set of practical and transformative tools
Identify and apply your own embodied practice of mindful qualities in your personal and professional life
A greater capacity for insight and personal reflection and a greater sense of well-being, confidence and purpose
Integrate and apply mindfulness and other practical tools to the four wisdom themes of the 16 G: Mindful thought, mindful actions, mindful relationships, and mindful purpose and livelihood

Schedule
We will meet for 2 full days ( 16/08/2026 & 30/08/2026) over a 3 week period, at Kemnay Church Centre, Church Lane, Kemnay in Aberdeenshire.
There will be an additional online session to be arranged in between these dates as a support and to help with momentum/questions.
We take this time to allow an opportunity to embed and practice what we learn so that we get the most from the sessions. You will be required to bring a packed lunch for yourself. Teas & Coffees will be provided. There is disabled access and a large car park at the venue.
Who is this course for?
This online 16G Level One course is 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.
Bookings and more info
For more info and to register, please send an email to Lorna: findingqiinme@gmail.com or Gillian: gilliancruickshankwellbeing@gmail.com
Facilitators
Lorna–Lorna offers sessions to allow people a safe space to explore a sense of peace and connection with self and the world in which we live. Lorna uses REIKI, SOUNDBATH, QI GONG, 16 GUIDELINES & WOMENS CIRCLES to encourage each individual to explore what works for them

Gillian–Gillian has been passionate about health and wellbeing for many years. Her mission is to share the tools that have helped her work through the tricky times in her life, helping others build their very own ‘tool kit’ using EFT, REIKI, EMMETT, MINDFULNESS , WOMENS CIRCLES & 16 GUIDELINES.

Both facilitators have been involved in 16 Guidelines since 2017 as part of their own journey of self discovery and find that each and every session enriches their journey deeper.

Cultivating a Compassionate and Meaningful Life: An in-person Universal Education Gathering in Scotland
2026-09-25 16:00 - 2026-09-27 14:30 (Europe/London) | Sir Arthur Grant Outdoor Centre
Cultivating a Compassionate and Meaningful Life
An in-person Universal Education Gathering in Scotland
An Invitation to Pause, Reflect, and Reconnect
Join us for a nourishing Gathering – Retreat in the heart of Aberdeenshire, where we’ll explore the 16 Guidelines for Life as a framework for cultivating compassion, resilience, and meaningful connections.
Set against the backdrop of the Scottish countryside, this gathering offers time to reflect deeply, connect with like-minded people, and bring fresh inspiration into your daily life. Together, we’ll combine gentle practices such as meditation, journaling, mindful movement, and shared reflection to explore how the Guidelines can enrich both inner growth and outer relationships.
What to Expect
Across three days, you’ll be guided through a balanced flow of learning, practice, and connection:
Across three days, you’ll be guided through a balanced flow of learning, practice, and connection:
Day 1 – Arriving & Settling
Warm welcome, introductions, and setting intentions
Shared evening meal and meditation to ease into retreat life
Day 2 – Deepening Practice Morning Qi Gong to awaken body and mind
Explorations of key Guidelines such as Humility, Kindness, Patience, Generosity, Honesty, Gratitude, Kindness and Respect
Reflective practices: guided meditations, journaling, and mindful eating
Heartfelt discussions and paired sharing to strengthen community bonds
Day 3 – Integration & Looking Forward
Morning visit to a nearby stone circle for grounding and connection
Closing sessions on integrating the 16 Guidelines into everyday life
Commitments, takeaways, and a celebratory farewell circle
Venue & Accommodation
Our retreat will take place at the Sir Arthur Grant Residential & Outdoor Activity Centre, a peaceful venue surrounded by nature.
Capacity: Spaces are limited to 38 participants in on-site accommodation.
Nearby options: Additional lodging is available in the Aberdeenshire area for those wishing to stay off-site.
Who Is This Universal Education Gathering For?
This gathering welcomes anyone interested in living with greater compassion, meaning, and awareness, whether you are new to the 16 Guidelines or looking to deepen your practice.
The session structure is carefully designed to foster meaningful reflection, strengthen connections, and inspire actionable outcomes, ensuring a dynamic and engaging experience.
Practical Details
📅 Dates: Friday 25 September – Sunday 27 September 2026
📍 Location: Sir Arthur Grant Centre, Aberdeenshire, Scotland
🍴 Communal meals provided (with mindful eating practice woven into shared dinners)
🧘 Practices include Qi Gong, meditation, journaling, mindful dialogue, and time in nature
Join Us
Come as you are, open to reflect, connect, and grow. Together, we’ll explore timeless wisdom and practical tools to help us live with greater compassion and meaning in our daily lives.
For more information and to to confirm your participation, please send an email to Gillian Cruickshank: gilliancruickshankwellbeing@gmail.com
Please use this Google booking form to reserve your place:
A minimum deposit of £50 is required on registration to reserve your place. The remaining amount is
payable by 25 August 2026.
