This 8-week class combines neuroscience, Western & Buddhist psychology and meditation training with an emphasis on the step-by-step contemplative exercises that anyone can learn in order to further develop empathy and compassion for oneself and others. 

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Three entire weeks are dedicated to self-compassion as it is a vital step to expanding compassion out toward others. 

There are group activities, discussions and slide show presentations in addition to meditations.

It takes time to develop the skills you’ll learn in this program. The eight weeks are barely enough time to learn the concepts and the contemplative meditations in a step-by-step process, therefore a commitment to the class is required. It is not a drop-in class. Attendants are also asked to commit to 10- 15 minutes a day of practice at home. 

If you feel you cannot commit that time to the class, it is better to wait and take it when you can devote the time because each week builds on skills learned from the previous week, plus consistent attendance is important for group cohesion and support.

Emory University charges more for this program. Santa Cruz Compassion, which is an affiliate of Emory, has reduced the cost significantly to make it available to more people. Sorry, there are no further reductions available.  

Some folks have shared that this meditation training has been life changing. It is different for each person. As with any new skill, the more you put into it, the more you get out of it. Thus, it largely depends on you. People often report that they feel more connected to themselves and others. Some say that they now live a more open-hearted life.