Compassion and Presence
October 15th-17th 2024
A skills workshop for professionals and trained volunteers working in healthcare, social and human services and health education
Responding effectively to the needs of patients and clients remains an on-going professional and deeply personal challenge. In this skills workshop, you will learn contemplative tools that can support you towards developing greater resilience in your life and work, and can enhance the way you offer compassionate care.
How can we stay present to our patients’ experience of pain, loss or grief?
How can we sustain a compassionate attitude?
How can we respond to our patients’ needs and challenging situations?
How can we work with stress and fatigue in our work and lives?
Step-by-step, Kirsten and John will explore practical ways to use mindfulness, meditation and loving-kindness appropriately in any care setting as well as your own practice of self-care. The schedule allows time for relaxation, rest and to enjoy the breathtaking natural setting of the retreat center overlooking the Beara peninsula and the wild Atlantic.
Faculty
Kirsten DeLeo
Meditation Teacher, International Trainer and Author
Kirsten has been teaching in the field of contemplative care for more than twenty-five years. She has served in palliative care/hospice as an educator, counselor and chaplain in the US and Europe. In 2002, she helped to pioneer Authentic Presence, one of the first training in contemplative end-of-life care in the US. Based on her experience, she wrote the award-winning book “Present Through The End. A Caring Companion’s Guide for Accompanying the Dying".
Kirsten is a long-time Buddhist practitioner and is currently on the steering committee of the European Buddhist Union’s chaplaincy network. She teaches regularly at Dzogchen Beara and is part of the care team supporting guests at the Spiritual Care Centre.
John Douglas
Counselor and Meditation Instructor
John is a Senior Meditation Instructor and Spiritual Care Educator and facilitates courses and workshops including Facing Loss and Healing Grief, Deep Listening and Healing Relationships. John is also a Pre-Accredited member of the IACP, working in private practice as a Counselor in Castletownbere and in ARC Cancer Support House in Bantry as well as being part of the care team supporting guests at the Spiritual Care Centre at Dzogchen Beara.
Certification
This course can be taken individually, or can substitute the Cultivating Compassionate Presence module for our Certificate in Contemplative End-of-Life Care Program.
Location and Accommodations
The training will be held at the Spiritual Care Centre at Dzogchen Beara Meditation Centre, located in West Cork, Ireland.
Dzogchen Beara is known for its breathtaking beauty and spectacular views. Nearly everyone who has come to visit has commented on the healing power of the natural environment and the pervasive atmosphere of deep peace and tranquility. There couldn’t be a better place for the immersive experience of this training.
Dzogchen Beara Meditation Centre is a 2–2.5 hour drive from both Cork and Shannon Airports, both of which offer international flights.
Pricing and Registration
You will be redirected to Dzogchen Beara’s site for all booking, accomodation, and registration needs.