Global Compassion Community Gathering

Note: This free community event took place on December 9, 2021

Compassionate leaders from 28 countries came together to co-create a safe space to connect, reflect, and tap into their innate kind and compassionate nature. We were delighted to welcome guest presenter and practice leader, Shelly Tygielski, author of Sit Down to Rise Up: How Radical Self-Care Can Change the World. Shelly is the founder of Pandemic of Love, a global, grassroots, volunteer-led mutual aid community that has directly matched nearly two million people since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic. Pandemic of Love is a brilliant example of how one person’s courageous compassion can activate systemic change.

Shelly shared her personal perspectives on living and serving through the lens of love, led us through a beautiful compassion lovingkindess meditation, and answered questions from the community. Thank you, Shelly, for sharing so much of yourself, your wisdom, and your humanity with us!

Next we dove into deeper conversation with small groups in breakout rooms. This intimate time with like-minded compassion advocates from around the world is a community favorite for reflection, connection, and inspiration from peers.

The event was co-hosted by Laura Berland, Founder of the nonprofit Center for Compassionate Leadership, and Monica Worline, co-author of Awakening Compassion at Work and Stanford University researcher with the Center for Compassion and Altruism Research and Education (CCARE).

Gathering in community reminds us that it is not just the external systems that require compassionate care, it is each and every one of us who can benefit from the inner work of self-compassion to rest, restore, and return to wholeness. Only then can we activate change from the inside out.

Thank you for your vision, passion, and unique contribution to weave the world anew. And thank you for your remembrance that compassion is one of the essential paths for all humanity, all beings, and our precious planet herself to thrive with love, peace and joy.

Our collective intention to spark a compassion revolution is already in motion!

If you would like to view a copy of the event recording, click here.

Art Credit: Leah Dorion