En Ligne: Un Coeur Attentif | en Français
2026-06-22 19:00 - 20:00 (Europe/Paris) | Centre Kalachakra, 5 Pass. Delessert, Paris, 75010, France
*Please note this series is offered in French.
Comprendre l’esprit pour transformer ses schémas destructeurs et donner du sens à sa vie
Aperçu des Séances :
« Un cœur attentif » est un programme de 12 semaines, développé par la Fondation pour le développement de la compassion et de la sagesse (FDCW), une organisation affiliée à la FPMT et qui propose des programmes laïques.
Ce programme s’inspire de celui créé par Pam Cayton, « Créer des cultures de compassion », pour aider les participants à développer la compréhension du fonctionnement de leur esprit. L’objectif est de se libérer progressivement des schémas de pensée et des comportements destructeurs, tout en cultivant une vie pleine de sens et des relations plus authentiques, harmonieuses et empreintes de compassion.
Le programme se déroule sur 12 séances d’une heure :

Séance 1: La quête du bonheur
Séance 2: Comprendre comment les choses existent
Séance 3: Développer une saine confiance en soi
Séance 4: La compassion – Ouvrir son cœur
Séance 5: Pleine conscience, réflexion et pensée critique
Séance 6: L’intention consciente : Qu’est-ce que je veux vraiment ?
Séance 7: L’interconnexion
Séance 8: Accueillir le changement
Séance 9: La perception
Séance 10: Transformer les émotions néfastes
Séance 11: L’empathie
Séance 12: Cultiver la compassion

Chaque séance se composera d’un court enseignement, de méditations guidées et d’un temps de partage. Pour ceux qui le souhaitent, des liens vers des vidéos seront proposés pour approfondir le sujet entre chaque rencontre.
Ce programme est ouvert à tous. S’il est recommandé de suivre l’ensemble du programme, il est possible de ne suivre qu’une partie des séances.
Schedule

DATE: Lundi soir, 16 March-30 March. 20 &27April, 11 May-25May, 8 June-22 June
HORAIRE: 19:00 -20:00 CET
LIEU: En ligne
FACILITATRICES: Virginie Cornet-Butcher et Isabelle
PARTICIPATION: non adhérent : 5 €, adhérent : 4 €, membre soutien : 0 €
INSCRIPTIONS ICI

Meet the Facilitators:

Psychologue de formation, Virginie Cornet-Boucher étudie le bouddhisme depuis une vingtaine d’années et elle est enseignante certifiée de la FPMT. Elle facilite différents ateliers au centre, associant les savoirs de la psychologie occidentale et ceux de la psychologie bouddhiste.
Résolument engagée dans les programmes et les pratiques du centre Kalachakra, Isabelle est étudiante du PEBA (Programme d’Études Bouddhiques Approfondi) depuis trois ans ; elle conduit des méditations lors de différents rendez-vous (méditation du mercredi, méditation du matin, PEBA…

A Mindful Heart Course in 4 Modules | at Chenrezig Institute (Australia)
2026-06-27 09:00 - 16:00 (Australia/Brisbane) | Chenrezig Institute, 3 Johnsons Road, Eudlo,, Eudlo, Queensland, 4554, Australia
Feeling better starts with living better!
About the Event

A Mindful Heart is a new course developed by FDCW as part of Universal Education. It is designed to support participants in developing a deeper understanding of how the mind works and how this understanding can transform the way we relate to ourselves and others.
The course gently guides participants in recognising and gradually letting go of destructive patterns of thought and behaviour, while cultivating a healthy sense of self-confidence and a deep, compassionate connection with others. Through guided reflection, participants are invited to explore their attitudes, perceptions, and emotional patterns, gaining insight into how inner experiences shape outer realities.
By examining the workings of our own minds and the nature of our interdependence with others and the world around us, we begin to see how deeply interconnected we truly are. The course draws on both logical and scientific perspectives to explore the nature of the self and our relationships, offering a balanced and accessible approach to inner inquiry.
Ultimately, the personal transformation fostered through this course contributes to the creation of more compassionate cultures. How can one person influence a whole culture? The answer lies in understanding interdependence. Every action, choice, interaction, and intention affects others and the broader environment. This principle of cause and effect lies at the heart of all life, reminding us that individual transformation naturally ripples outward in meaningful ways.
Structure
The course consists of 12 modules, explored over three separate days, with four modules each day. Each module builds on the previous one, and each day builds upon the last. The time between sessions allows space for reflection and practice, supporting participants to pause, notice their inner experiences, and reconnect with the heart of compassion and wisdom.
There will be plenty of opportunities for questions and discussion, supporting the integration of insights and offering practical ways to live with greater mindfulness, clarity, and wisdom.
Schedule

28 March -Course day 1 : Modules 1-4
25th April– Course day 2: Modules 5-8
27th June– Course day 3: Modules 9-12

This retreat will be held in the Gompa, available to attend in person and online.
Who Should Attend?
This retreat series 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.

Bookings
The suggested donation for each day of the course is $75. However – you are welcome to offer whatever amount you feel comfortable with.
Sliding scale: $35-$75.
Sangha are always able to attend our courses free of charge, please contact spc@chenrezig.com.au for discount code to register.
For more information and bookings, please visit the Chenrezig Institute page
Facilitator

Ven. Tsultrim was ordained in 2009 at Chenrezig Institute in Australia. She has spent much of the last several years in India and Nepal doing retreat, listening to different teachers from the Tibetan Buddhist lineages and visiting many pilgrimage sites. She is currently living at Chenrezig Institute and continue working at Karuna Hospice Service in Brisbane as a counsellor and the Spiritual Program Coordinator. She has worked for many years in suicide prevention and intervention.
She has a very strong conviction that most of us can find contentment in our lives irrespective of our external circumstances through understanding and training our minds, particularly through using mindfulness. She has a Bachelor of Counselling, a Bachelor of Social Science (Social Policy), and Master of International Studies (Peace and Conflict Resolution).

Transformative Mindfulness Methods (TMM) Level 1 with Hilary McMichael
2026-06-28 18:30 - 20:30, 2026-07-05 18:30 - 20:30, 2026-07-12 18:30 - 20:30 (Europe/London) | Online
This TMM level 1 course is a unique opportunity to explore Transformative Mindfulness Methods (TMM) guided by Hilary Mc Michael, with her unique gentle and warm-hearted style, she will help you discover a new path to inner freedom and self-compassion.
Transformative Mindfulness explores a series of simple, natural healing methods through inquiry and meditations that empower people to change their habitual response to problems and strong emotions and to strengthen positive qualities, deepening acceptance of themselves and compassion for others.
Based on mindfulness and kindness, this is a very practical and effective course with often profound and lasting physical and emotional healing and transformation.
Workshop highlights
If you are seeking to bring more mindfulness into your life, if you are tired, or ill, if you are lacking confidence in yourself, or if you find you spend more time helping others than listening to your deepest needs, then the five basic tools taught in TMM may be a gentle answer. You can learn to heal yourself physically and emotionally and grow as a spiritual person.
We bring to each session the heartfelt qualities of inner listening, deep sharing, exploring beliefs, learning to receive help, feeling and being creative that are some of the transformative ingredients. These simple but effective receptive visualizations, meditations and exercises can be coupled with drawing, writing or dialogue.
All the practices are sent to the participants as PDF files, enabling each one to continue their journey towards wholeness and healing.
Over the six weeks we’ll be exploring:

Dialogue with the body as a source of nurturing and knowing
Opening up to our inner, wiser self
Being kind and non-judgmental to oneself
Learning to receive support
Trusting and loving oneself as we are
Practicing ‘being’ instead of always doing

Structure
Each week for six two-hour sessions, we’ll meet on Zoom to share and practice one of the Transformative Mindfulness exercises together. There is continuous support from the facilitator during this inner journey.
If you can’t make the live calls, they will be available as replays to download.
Testimonials:
One participant from the last course comments on the effects of the method, saying it resulted in “feeling more whole and having more patience (less reactive to those in my household) and having more energy.” Another said the course made her “feel amazed on how to ask for help and get that inner wisdom.”
Dates & Times
On Sundays, from the 7 June 2026 to the 12 July 2026
6.30 pm – 8.30 pm CEST (5.30 – 7.30 pm BST Time)
(Note: Times may adjust slightly to accommodate participants from different time zones.)
More information and bookings:
To book your place, please send an email to Hilary on hilaryfdcw@gmail.com
Prices from 80 € (concession rate) to 150 € for the 12 hour course, booklet and replays. Please inquire about an extra bursary if you cannot afford the course and please, if you would like to help someone else, consider offering more, to contribute to the bursary funds.
Facilitator
Hilary McMichael – Hilary is a skilled FDCW facilitator with expertise in guiding participants toward wholeness and healing.
Hilary is an accredited FDCW facilitator based in France. She was trained in the Transformative Mindfulness Methods by the creator, Dekyi-Lee Oldershaw, at the University of Toronto in 2014. She has since presented many Transformative Mindfulness Methods programs and the 16 Guidelines. Being a qualified MBSR instructor, she teaches mindfulness based programs in both English and French. She says her life had a “before and after” to it when she first went to an intensive meditation retreat and that TMM has brought in extra compassion and kindness. She is passionate about bringing this «art of living» to others, especially to others who love helping others.
Transformative Mindfulness Methods (TMM) is a partner program of FDCW. It is an international course, created by Dekyi-Lee Oldershaw, co-author of the 16 Guidelines for a happy life. The University of Toronto integrated it into its applied mindfulness meditation certificate program in 2012.

Presencial - Comprende tu Mente-Corazón, Despierta tu Fuerza
2026-06-29 11:00 - 12:00, 2026-07-06 11:00 - 12:00, 2026-07-13 11:00 - 12:00, 2026-07-20 11:00 - 12:00, 2026-07-27 11:00 - 12:00 (Europe/Madrid) | Nagarjuna Barcelona, C/Pere IV 201 Bajos, Barcelona, 08018, Spain
Sobre este curso
Comprende tu Mente-Corazón, Despierta tu Fuerza es un programa estructurado de 12 semanas diseñado para ayudar a los participantes a comprender la mente, transformar patrones y vivir con propósito.
El curso explora tres vías fundamentales de aprendizaje: Conocimiento, Fortaleza y Compasión , guiando a los participantes hacia una vida más feliz y plena.

El curso se imparte en 12 sesiones que exploran los siguientes temas:
Sesión 1: En busca de la felicidadSesión 2: Entendiendo cómo existen las cosasSesión 3: Desarrollando una sana autoconfianzaSesión 4: Compasión: abriendo el corazónSesión 5: Atención plena, reflexión y pensamiento críticoSesión 6: Intención consciente: ¿Qué quiero realmente?Sesión 7: InterconexiónSesión 8: Aceptando el cambioSesión 9: PercepciónSesión 10: Transformando las emociones dañinasSesión 11: EmpatíaSesión 12: Cultivando la compasión

Cada sesion de una hora incluye:

Una practica para calmar la mente y establecer la motivacion
Presentación del tema y breve intercambio de experiencias
Meditación guiada sobre el tema de la sesión
Espacio abierto para el diálogo
Unos breves momentos para concluir la sesión y ofrecer dedicaciones

Detalles prácticos
El curso se ofrece los lunes de 11-12h y 20-21h hasta el 27 de Julio en estos horarios CEST
Ofrecimiento: 10€/sesión o 40€/mes

Lugar
Este curso esta abierto a tod@s y se ofrece en el centro Nagarjuna Barcelona. Para mas información por favor visita la web del centro.

New Series-Empathy Circles with Conversations that Matter: Gaining Clarity and Mutual Understanding
2026-07-04 19:00 - 20:30, 2026-07-18 19:00 - 20:30 (America/Los_Angeles) | Online
Empathy Circles with Conversations That Matter
Free online sessions led by FDCW facilitator Janna Weiss and Ingrid Hirtz open to everybody!
A new series of 3 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:
3 sessions June 20/21, July 4/5, July 18/19 – Times suitable for Asia and Australia!
Saturday June 20, July 4, July 18 7:00 – 8:30 pm PT / 10:00 pm – 11:30 pm ET / Sunday June 21, July 5, July 19 10:00 am – 11:30 am Mongolia
please check your time zone here. here.
The 3 sessions will explore the Wisdom Theme: How We Think and the First 2 Guidelines
• June 20 How We Think (Mongolia Sunday June 21)
• July 4 Humility (Mongolia Sunday July 5)
• July 18 Patience (Mongolia Sunday July 19)
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. You can join any session!
Participating in two (of three) sessions fulfills the requirement for the upcoming online Empathy Circle Facilitator Training https://empathycircletraining.com
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 . Posted here on Janna’s YouTube
Watch: How To Take Part in a Basic Empathy Circle ~ 9 minutes
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.
Ingrid is an Empathy Circle Facilitator and Trainer. With a diploma in social work and many years of study in Nonviolent Communication (NVC), Ingrid has built a career rooted in compassion and community. She founded and led Community Cuisine for 12 years, a meal service centered around a weekly pay-as-you-can dinner that ensured everyone had access to nourishing food regardless of their means. Now, for the past three years, Ingrid has brought that same spirit of empathy and connection to her work with the Empathy Center, continuing to create spaces where people feel seen, heard, and cared for.
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

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.
For inspiring guided meditations with Alejandro and much more, please check Alejandro’s You Tube channel

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 . Posted here on Janna’s YouTube
Watch: How To Take Part in a Basic Empathy Circle ~ 9 minutes
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.
