Become a Facilitator

Boundless Compassion Facilitators (BCF’s) nurture the life, growth and development of this program.  Having experienced the Four-Day Boundless Compassion Retreat and dedicating themselves to compassionate living, these individuals feel called, each in their own way, to become a certified BCF and bring the resources of the program to their lives and communities.

Qualities of a Mentor of Compassion

  • acquainted with suffering from personal and other life experiences

  • able to empathize with another

  • listens generously and open-heartedly

  • appreciates diversity; attentive to being non-judgmental

  • avoids the desire to control or change the other

  • values interconnectedness with all of life

  • waits patiently for the “lessons of life” to unfold

  • practices compassion toward self in body, mind and spirit

  • embodies a spirit of hope and resiliency

  • actively involved in one’s own growth needs

  • willingness to facilitate others in strengthening their compassion 

  • able to laugh at life’s absurdities and to lighten up 

  • continues to deepen and expand an understanding of compassion

  • mindful of expectations of self and others

  • maintains serenity by faithfulness to a spiritual practice

  • able to discern one's inner values and respects those with differing views

 

2023 Facilitator Training Workshops

Participants of facilitator training workshops are required to attend a four day Boundless Compassion Retreat. Usually this retreat precedes the training workshop. The facilitator training provides a practical application of the core components of Boundless Compassion. Participants are guided in how to lead events that are based on these aspects.  The workshop encourages participants in how to use their individual talents and experiences to bring Boundless Compassion to others.

The workshop offers the opportunity to become a certified facilitator of the program. For those interested in becoming a facilitator, apply for an application form from:  Bobbi Bussan, OSB, bbussan@boundlesscompassion.org  Once approval has been given for participation in the workshop, the applicant then registers for the event at the training workshop of one’s choice. (Remember the Boundless Compassion Four Day Retreat attendance is required before participating in the training workshop.)

  • Lindenwood Retreat and Conference Center

    Facilitated by: Mary Dean Pfahler, SND

    More information coming soon.

Aware of life’s challenges and desiring to relieve suffering with mindfulness and lovingkindness, BCF’s bring a variety of gifts and skills to their communities.

 

Those who have attended a Four-Day Boundless Compassion on-site Retreat can complete an application and send it for review. Those who are accepted into the one-day training delve into the history, mission, structure, and teachings of Boundless Compassion. They also explore a variety of ways to use their individual talents and experiences to incorporate the Boundless Compassion program into their unique spheres of influence. Finally, newly trained facilitators discover the opportunities for ongoing support and assistance that come with being a certified Boundless Compassion facilitator.

The encouragement and compassionate presence of this community are benefits that certified Boundless Compassion facilitators cherish. Along with these benefits, there are several requirements. These requirements include attending a BCF small group gathering that meets quarterly via Zoom and completing an annual self-evaluation form to discuss one way that Boundless Compassion was facilitated in the previous year.

Since facilitator certification began in 2017, over 100 women and men have completed the training. These facilitators were trained and equipped to lead programs such as:

  • Four Day Retreats

  • Circles of Compassion

  • Book Studies

  • Weekend Workshops

  • Evenings of Six Sessions

In addition, many new programs have grown from Boundless Compassion based upon the unique gifts and interests of each BCF. Below are a just a few of the innovative events recently developed and led by BCF’s:

  • Four Seeds of Compassion by Enneagram Type

  • Yoga Self-Compassion Retreat

  • Course on Boundless Compassion at Methodist College of Nursing

  • Self-Compassion Workshop for Bank Employees

  • Compassion Workshop for Food Pantry Volunteers

  • Boundless Compassion Program for Offutt Air Force Personnel

If you have attended a Four-Day Retreat and are interested in becoming a certified Boundless Compassion facilitator, please contact Sr. Bobbi Bussan for information on how to apply for an upcoming training workshop.