Compassionate Integrity Training CIT-Faciltator-Guide-2.1-Final | Page 10

C OMPASSIONATE I NTEGRITY T RAINING
A S ECULAR E THICS A PPROACH TO C ULTIVATING P ERSONAL , S OCIAL AND E NVIRONMENTAL F LOURISHING
listen. Rather than giving personal advice, try to actively listen by not interrupting or redirecting the
conversation.
2. Progress, Not Perfection
In CIT we are aiming for gradual progress, not instant results or perfection. Changing the course of a
sailboat by only a few degrees would not seem to make much of a difference at first, but over time
results in reaching a completely different destination at the end of one’s journey. Likewise, if we make
small, seemingly insignificant changes in our life, we will find that over time our life is moving in a
different, more productive direction. Many of the practices in CIT can appear challenging, but there is no
need to feel discouraged if one does not achieve quick results. Remind yourself that CIT is meant to be
practiced consistently over time, and that lasting change often comes slowly. Measure your progress over
months and years, not days and weeks, and you will feel more encouraged.
3. Take What You Like, Leave What You Don’t
CIT teaches many different skills and includes a lot of information. Participants may find particular skills
of benefit, but may find others that they do not enjoy or that they feel are ill-suited for them. That is
perfectly fine. CIT is structured so that participants can take whatever they find most valuable and leave
whatever they don’t like. As a facilitator, you will be expected to facilitate the entire CIT course, but you
can allow participants to only take on what they are willing and able to do.
4. Attendance and Keeping an Open Mind
Each module builds upon the previous module. Therefore, it is critical for participants to attend as many
sessions as possible if they are to gain the most from the program. If they have to miss sessions, they
should try to listen to the associated podcasts.
Also, while participants engage in the modules, they may find information that does not correspond
with their beliefs or experience. That is fine, as the point of CIT is exploration, not adhering to or
accepting someone else’s truth. It is not necessary for you as a facilitator to resolve such differences of
opinion. In some cases, disagreements may dissolve over the course of time when the issue is examined
more carefully and through dialogue. This is because CIT is built upon things that we share in common
as human beings. At the end of the program, and after some time to discuss and reflect on the issues, if
participants still disagree, then that is perfectly fine, as what will ultimately count for them is their own
understanding.
C ENTER FOR C OMPASSION , I NTEGRITY AND S ECULAR E THICS | L IFE U NIVERSITY | M ARIETTA , G EORGIA
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