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$375.00 Compassion Cultivation Training©

 What exactly is compassion? How does it differ from empathy? And how can compassion prevent burnout, build resilience, and increase happiness? All questions you can find answers to in this course!

 Each of us is born with the capacity for compassion. It’s the seed within that has allowed the human species to evolve and flourish. Most scientists now agree that Darwin’s theories support “survival of the kindest,” not survival of the fittest! Our instinct to care is what has allowed us to adapt to changing, even challenging circumstances, and thrive. However, the seed of compassion, like any seed, needs tending. We have to cultivate compassion because there are many forces in society that mitigate against it taking root and growing tall. Meditation can help us nourish the soil and water the seedling. Similarly, learning to practice compassion in our day-to-day life is an exercise we can do that’s good for those we interact with, but also good for ourselves—like training at the gym. And just as there is sports science, there is compassion science!

 Compassion Cultivation Training© or CCT™ is an 8-week course developed at Stanford University by a team of contemplative scientists, psychologists and researchers. Its impact on participants has been extensively researched and the results published in peer-reviewed journals. People who’ve taken CCT™ report less anxiety, anger, and mind-wandering, and greater self-acceptance, calm and happiness. The course meets on Zoom for 2 hours every week over 8 weeks, and each week’s theme and practices build on the previous week’s (this is why it’s important to miss no more than 2 of the 8 classes). Engaging and highly participatory, classes  are comprised of two guided meditations, a brief lecture, group discussion, and small group exercises. Participants have pre-recorded audio meditations for use at home that change each week according to the theme. Many optional learning resources are provided after each week’s class, including “real world” assignments for putting learning into practice. You choose the resources that match your interest and learning style! I hope you’ll join me!

Here’s a personal story about my own compassion journey to perhaps inspire you.  And check out these testimonials!

"I found the CCT class to be a transformative experience. The concept of compassion is simple but profound, and Brandel France de Bravo was a thoughtful, inspiring guide to this meditative practice.” —Kathleen Wheaton, writer, Bethesda, MD

“It was well worth my time, and my experience from the training is something I can incorporate in my professional and personal life. Brandel France de Bravo is a kind and wise facilitator who is dedicated to this work. She provides a safe space for growth, learning, and for exploring challenges around compassion for self and others. I highly recommend the training!” — Kiersten Gallagher, Program Director, Smith Center for Healing and the Arts, Washington, DC

"I realize that the few short weeks I spent in your class was one of the best investments in 'self' that I have made. I desperately want to invest more!" — VP, Marketing and Communications Strategy for a Nonprofit, Washington, DC

“Brandel teaches with great care and a passion for the material that lets you know early on that this course is not about performative generosity, or theoretical kindness. I'm glad I took the course. I have grown on a spiritual and human level thanks to it.” — Emmanuel Minko, musician/producer, DC

Scholarships are available!  Please reach out to Brandel directly with inquiries! info@brandelfrancedebravo.com

Brandel France De Bravo

Brandel France de Bravo (she/her) studied Compassion Cultivation Training© with founding faculty while a fellow at Stanford University and is honored to be a CCT™ teacher jointly certified by Stanford’s Center for Compassion and Altruism Research and Education (CCARE) and the Compassion Institute. She holds a Master’s in Public Health from Columbia University and a Master’s in poetry from Warren Wilson’s MFA Program for Writers. She is the author of two poetry books, co-author of a parenting book influenced by the RIE philosophy of infant-toddler care, and the editor of bilingual anthology of Mexican poetry. In her career as a public health professional, she has run an HIV prevention program in Africa, designed harm reduction strategies for intravenous drug users in Central Asia, and developed materials to help cancer patients in the U.S. make informed decisions about their treatment. Brandel loves sharing mindfulness and meditation practices with people from all walks of life!