How to Bring Compassion to Work

Quick Links Compassion at Work How to Be an Effective Mentor The Trouble with Mindfulness  How Adversity Can Bring Happiness How to Build Trust in Schools  Can Awe Boost Health? Three Risky Ways to Fall in Love More About Us Get Involved! Upcoming Events GGSC Events   The Science of Happiness: Free Online Class Take It Anytime, Anywhere Putting the Science of Happiness into Practice at Esalen Feb. 27-March 1, 2015 Frans de Waal on Empathy in Animals March 9, 2015 Taking in the Good with Rick Hanson March 14, 2015 Jason Marsh & David Gelles March 18, 2015 We've got new benefits! It's a great time to become a GGSC member. Like this newsletter? Please forward to a friend or colleague. Every gift helps! February 2015 Greetings! A compassionate workplace increases employee satisfaction while decreasing stress. But how can we increase compassion at work? A promising new program at Stanford University suggests one solution: pair up business leaders so they can forge compassionate connections with each other--then alleviate suffering in their office. Also relevant to the workplace: Research suggests the benefits of mentoring for mentors and menthes alike. Based on his experience as a mentor, educator Patrick Cook-Deegan offers eight tips for being an effective mentor. Also on Greater Good: How a difficult past can lead to a happier present Building trust in schools How experiencing awe can make you healthier Taking risks to fall in love The Trouble with Mindfulness Do you still struggle with mindfulness even though you know all about its benefits? Our own Jill Suttie does, too.  In a new article, Suttie debunks some of the myths that deter people from practicing mindfulness--and gains new determination to try it herself. Taking in the Good in Relationships with Rick Hanson Taking in the Good with Dr. Rick Hanson A workshop for building inner strength and stronger relationships  When: March 14, 2015  Where: UC Berkeley Campus or via live webcast In this day-long presentation, renowned teacher and best-selling author Rick Hanson will explore how mindful attention to positive experiences can cultivate happiness, resilience, love, and inner peace. Dr. Hanson will summarize the core concepts of his strategies for "taking in the good," then apply these ideas and approaches to important relationships, offering practical resources for mental health professionals and anyone looking to enhance connections (and deal with difficulties) with close friends, family, or colleagues.  6 CE credits for health professionals. Discounts for members! This Weekend: Practice Happiness at Esalen Putting the Science of Happiness into Practice When: February 27-March 1, 2015  Where: Esalen Institute, Big Sur, CA  A limited number of spots still available. This intensive, experiential weekend retreat builds on material from the GGSC's groundbreaking "Science of Happiness" online class (although taking that course is not a prerequisite).  Lectures will be complemented by group discussion and experience with research-tested "happiness practices." There will also be significant time devoted to the importance of "fit"--that is, finding the happiness practices that are best suited to your individual lifestyle and personality. Led by GGSC founder Dacher Keltner, Ph.D., and Science Director Emiliana Simon-Thomas, Ph.D. CE credit for psychologists, MFTs, and LCSWs. Frans de Waal & David Gelles at UC Berkeley  Frans de Waal on Empathy in Animals and Humans When: March 9, 2015  Where: Sibley Auditorium, UC Berkeley Campus In this talk, legendary primatologistFrans de Waal will reveal expressions of empathy in non-human animals, explore the evolutionary roots of empathy and sympathy--and consider why these discoveries have received relatively little attention. Dr. de Waal's research is not only foundational to the GGSC's work but is always highly entertaining and eye-opening. This event is free and open to the public. The Journalism of Well-Being Reporting on Mindful Work and Positive Psychology When: March 18, 2015  Where: Graduate School of Journalism, UC Berkeley GGSC Editor-in-Chief,Jason Marsh will appear alongside NY Timesbusiness reporter David Gelles, in a conversation moderated by Deirdre English, who directs the magazine program at UC Berkeley's journalism school. They'll discuss Gelles's new book, Mindful Work: How Meditation is Changing Work from the Inside Out, and lessons learned from reporting on the new science of happiness, mindfulness, and compassion. Meet Our Fellows Meet 2014-2015 Hornaday Graduate Fellow Jasmine Mote. Jasmine is a doctoral student in UC Berkeley's psychology program. As a Hornaday Graduate Fellow, she will investigate how social interactions can increase positive emotions and improve quality of life.    Stay tuned for descriptions of work being done by our other fellows in upcoming newsletters!