Where Compassion Begins: Foundational Practices to Enhance Mindfulness, Attention and Listening from the Heart the new book by Executive Director Jared Seide is available now.
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Where Compassion Begins is an invitation to build the muscle of compassion, through exercises and practices that enhance our capacity to listen from the heart and, in so doing, take care of ourselves and those around us.
Compassion is sometimes confused with empathy, or even sympathy. It is neither, though it includes some aspects of both. Compassion begins when we allow ourselves to really hear and attune to suffering, that of others, as well as ourselves. And hearing and perceiving this anguish, we are moved to do something about it. What takes compassion beyond sympathy or empathy is that it includes action, action that is considered, skillful and beneficial.
This book is intended to provide a resource for anyone who has had an opportunity to sit in a council circle, or whose curiosity has been ignited by what the practice of council may have to offer. It offers explanations, definitions and distinctions that are part of the Introduction to the Way of Council Workshop and that have been culled from many years of council practice in many settings. It also includes material created to encourage and support extending the teachings of council into one's life, outside of the council circle. The core intentions of listening and speaking from the heart can unfold in every facet of one's life, well beyond the experience of the council circle. This book provides a roadmap for the journey of discovery along this rich path.
Compassion is sometimes confused with empathy, or even sympathy. It is neither, though it includes some aspects of both. Compassion begins when we allow ourselves to really hear and attune to suffering, that of others, as well as ourselves. And hearing and perceiving this anguish, we are moved to do something about it. What takes compassion beyond sympathy or empathy is that it includes action, action that is considered, skillful and beneficial.
This book is intended to provide a resource for anyone who has had an opportunity to sit in a council circle, or whose curiosity has been ignited by what the practice of council may have to offer. It offers explanations, definitions and distinctions that are part of the Introduction to the Way of Council Workshop and that have been culled from many years of council practice in many settings. It also includes material created to encourage and support extending the teachings of council into one's life, outside of the council circle. The core intentions of listening and speaking from the heart can unfold in every facet of one's life, well beyond the experience of the council circle. This book provides a roadmap for the journey of discovery along this rich path.
what fans are saying about Where Compassion Begins
“This [work] could not be more needed or opportune at this point in our communities and nation. This book is truly a gift for our times.” “Jared’s remarkable expertise in bringing the practice of council to organizations, particularly those in the law enforcement arena, is, in my experience as a police chief, a key component in healing the rift between police and the communities they serve. How awesome would it be if we included this book in our police academies as a foundation for all other training.” |
“Jared Seide provides fail-safe practices which can transform you into a master of compassion. Cherish this book always — it will help to make you the person you have always wanted to be.” “Where Compassion Begins launches each of us on a journey to truly be there for ourselves, so that we can truly prepare to be there for others.” |
"Not a week goes by when I am not reminded of Council’s work in the prisons being life-altering… Council has the capacity to do this, and Jared is one of the Soul-Changers." “This resource will act as a great supplement to the current curriculum... Jared Seide’s work with Center for Council inside California’s prisons has changed the lives of many.” |
Where Compassion Begins is available in a special edition for incarcerated persons, as well as Spanish-language versions and as an audiobook.
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Ordering Information:
Ordering Information:
Where Compassion Begins is available as a gift when you become a recurring donor,
or for purchase via Amazon, or at select independent bookstores;
for bulk orders, please reach out to [email protected]
Further information on ordering the special edition for incarcerated persons is available here
or for purchase via Amazon, or at select independent bookstores;
for bulk orders, please reach out to [email protected]
Further information on ordering the special edition for incarcerated persons is available here
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Information on ordering our new illustrated novella, Leaving Prison Behind: A Council Before I Go, an outgrowth of the Council Reentry Program for formerly incarcerated folks who are return home, is available here.
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