Compassionate Integrity Training CIT-Faciltator-Guide-2.1-Final | Page 95

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
Reflect upon this experience and how illogical it can be. The same exact events happened to these three
people. Yet, you likely had different emotional responses based on to whom the event occurred. (pause 1
minute)
We tend to think that the categories of friend, enemy, and stranger are permanent and unchangeable. Yet,
we know from our own experience that these categories fluctuate and change constantly. Think from your
own experience, times when friends have become enemies, enemies have become friends, and strangers have
become friends. (pause 1 minute)
Coming from a place of impartiality, recognize that these people are all human beings that are seeking
happiness and the alleviation of suffering, just like us. In this fundamental way, there is no difference
among these people. Think about this and try to allow impartiality to arise in you. (pause 1 minute)
Now try to expand this insight beyond these three people, to your family, friends, and to all the strangers
that you encounter and ultimately to all humanity. At this deep level, we are all fundamentally the same.
We all fundamentally seek happiness and a reduction in suffering. Allow this impartiality to sink into your
heart as you try to relate impartially to all beings. (pause 1 to 2 minutes)
As we draw our meditation to a close, let's shift our attention to the sensations of the body. Pay attention
to any pleasant or neutral sensations. (pause 1 minute)
As we conclude, you may add a resolve statement or a dedicatory wish at this time, and then when you are
ready, you can gently open your eyes. This concludes the practice. You may choose to journal about any
insights that arose during the practice.
C ENTER FOR C OMPASSION , I NTEGRITY AND S ECULAR E THICS | L IFE U NIVERSITY | M ARIETTA , G EORGIA
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