What is CCT?
CCT: what's it about?
Developed at Stanford University, and now administered by the Compassion Institute and taught by certified instructors, CCT is an eight week course that combines insights from the emerging fields of compassion and contemplative sciences with ancient meditative practices. CCT is designed to build strength, resilience and purpose.
In this course you will learn how to: Increase kindness and compassion for yourself and othersDevelop skills that build personal resilience in response to stressDevelop increased ability to focus and sustain attentionLearn what to do to help others even when you feel like you can't do anythingBuild closer connections with others and build and repair relationships
In this course you will learn how to: Increase kindness and compassion for yourself and othersDevelop skills that build personal resilience in response to stressDevelop increased ability to focus and sustain attentionLearn what to do to help others even when you feel like you can't do anythingBuild closer connections with others and build and repair relationships
How does it work?
All of us have a natural capacity for compassion. But everyday stress, social pressures, and strong emotions can make it difficult for us to fully express our compassion.
Scientific studies suggest that a kind and compassionate attitude can greatly reduce the distress we feel in difficult situations and become a profound personal resource in times of stress.
In CCT you will cultivate new ways to be with stress and to show up in difficult circumstances. You can cultivate strength and resilience through this training and the practices we will do together.
In CCT we’ll exercise our hearts and minds by choosing compassionate thoughts and actions. The course includes: Daily meditation practices (a great chance for you to build a meditation habit with class support!) A two-hour weekly class that includes small-group interactive exercises, and guided group meditation practice. Real-world activities that promote compassionate thoughts and actions as you go about your day.
CCT is an experiential learning course, meaning we’ll learn by:
- Completing homework practices and participating in class meetings
- Reflecting on our experience
- Using the classroom as a place for practicing compassionate interactions
- Being curious and willing to question our ideas about compassion
The 8 Week CCT Journey
Week 1 Settling and focusing the mind
Week 2 Loving-kindness & compassion for a loved one
Week 3 Compassion for oneself
Week 4 Loving-kindness for oneself
Week 5 Embracing shared common humanity and developing appreciation for others
Week 6 Cultivating compassion for others
Week 7 Active compassion practice
Week 8 Integrated daily compassion cultivation practice
Week 2 Loving-kindness & compassion for a loved one
Week 3 Compassion for oneself
Week 4 Loving-kindness for oneself
Week 5 Embracing shared common humanity and developing appreciation for others
Week 6 Cultivating compassion for others
Week 7 Active compassion practice
Week 8 Integrated daily compassion cultivation practice
Special Reconnection and Reflection Class
This free session comes one month after the end of the course. It is designed as a communal space for reconvening and sharing the transformative journeys we've embarked upon in practicing compassion. It's an opportunity to reflect on the changes, challenges, and growth experienced since the course's end, and to reinforce the lessons learned by reconnecting with fellow classmates.
Who participates in CCT?
The CCT online course is designed to support anyone who wants to engage in compassion for themselves and improve their relationships with others.
CCT is appropriate for health care professionals, social service and and community workers, family caregivers, and the general public. Caregivers in all fields will be able to incorporate the tools and practices offered in this program in ways beneficial to clients or patients.