Compassionate Integrity Training CIT-Faciltator-Guide-2.1-Final | Page 120

C OMPASSIONATE I NTEGRITY T RAINING A S ECULAR E THICS A PPROACH TO C ULTIVATING P ERSONAL , S OCIAL AND E NVIRONMENTAL F LOURISHING mind what you imagine it would be like to have someone show empathic concern to you. (pause for 1 minute) Bring to mind the benefits of receiving this person’s empathic concern (or what you might imagine the benefits of receiving empathic concern to be). (pause for 1 to 2 minutes) Bring to mind a time in your life when you had empathic concern for another person. If you cannot think of such a time, imagine what it would be like if you had. (pause for 1 to 2 minutes) When we show empathic concern to others, what benefits might there be for us, and others, in doing so? (pause for 1 to 2 minutes) How would our life be different if we were more genuinely concerned for the well-being of others, individually and collectively? (pause for 1 to 2 minutes) Recall the fact that every moment of every day we are supported by a vast network of people we know and do not know. Recognize that no matter our social status or economic privilege, we are all vulnerable to present and future problems. We all experience all manners of suffering, aging, illness, separation from loved ones, stress, worries, anxiety, physical and mental illnesses, and disappointments. Contemplate how others deeply wish for genuine happiness. As you do this, pay attention to the thoughts, emotions, and sensations that arise in your body and mind. (pause for 1 to 2 minutes) As we draw our meditation to a close, let's shift our attention to the sensations of the body. Pay attention to any pleasant or neutral sensations. (pause 1 minute) As we conclude, you may add a resolve statement or a dedicatory wish at this time, and then when you are ready, you can gently open your eyes. This concludes the practice. You may choose to journal about any insights that arose during the practice. C ENTER FOR C OMPASSION , I NTEGRITY AND S ECULAR E THICS | L IFE U NIVERSITY | M ARIETTA , G EORGIA -113-