Compassionate Integrity Training CIT-Faciltator-Guide-2.1-Final | Page 127

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
As you think about all the ways this person has benefited you and others, pay attention to the thoughts,
feelings, and emotions that arise in your mind for this person. (pause for 1 to 2 minutes)
Now bring to mind whatever difficulties this person may be facing now, has faced in the past, or might face
in the future. Think about what would bring this person genuine happiness and relieve their suffering. Then
imagine yourself giving them, or making it possible for them to receive, whatever it is that would make
them genuinely happy. (pause for 30 seconds)
As you think about making them happy, pay attention to the feelings that arise in your body and mind for
this person. (pause for 1 to 2 minutes)
Now let’s expand our compassion to others. 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, like your loved one, 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 1 to 2 minutes)
Consider all the benefits of compassion to you, and others. (pause 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
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