Vision, Mission, and History

Our Vision

Boundless Compassion transforms us and our world so all creation can live in peace and oneness.

Our Mission

Boundless Compassion, grounded in Christ’s love, empowers people to weave compassion into daily life. Our core values are mindfulness, non-judgment, non-violence, and forgiveness which enable people to live as a beloved community.

Beginnings and Beyond

  • 2006

    Explored the possibility of teaching others about compassion, based on Christian principles and values from other spiritual traditions.

  • 2007

    Created the Institute of Compassionate Presence (Joyce Rupp, OSM and Margaret Stratman, OSM) after consulting with medical personnel, therapists, social workers, and others in compassion-related professions.

  • 2008

    Offered the Institute as a nine-month series, one Saturday each month in Omaha, NE.

  • 2010

    Created a Four Day structure instead of the 9-month approach. This was gradually expanded beyond Omaha and offered in the USA, UK, and Canada.

  • 2011

    Moved from an Institute and Conference model to a Retreat model with a focus on integration of the main principles of Boundless Compassion. Renamed the Institute as the program of Boundless Compassion.

  • 2016

    Gathered the essentials of the program into two publications, Boundless Compassion and Prayers of Boundless Compassion, published in 2018.

  • 2017

    Began formation of qualified Boundless Compassion Facilitators (BCF’s) to share the program through their participation in the Four Day retreat followed by the Facilitator Workshop.

  • 2020

    Established a Core Team of seven from across the USA to assist the BC Director. Created BCF Groups to aid communication with certified facilitators.

  • 2021

    Began meeting with Boundless Compassion facilitator (BCF) groups via Zoom.

    Wendy Mospan and S. Bobbi Busan, OSB began as Co-Directors of Boundless Compassion.

  • 2023-25

    2-year initiative on Diversity, Inclusivity, Equity, Belonging (DEIB)

  • 2023

    S. Bobbi Bussan, OSB appointed Executive Director.

  • 2024

    Expanded options for BC Retreat and Facilitator Training

  • 2025

    Accepted ‘Beloved Community’ for Boundless Compassion

    Began Virtual Resource Library for Facilitator Enrichment

Core Practices

  • Compassionate Presence

    Spiritual and scientific insights affirm that each person’s compassionate presence helps relieve suffering and promote flourishing for all.

  • Self-Compassion

    Compassion is rooted in attentive care for self in body, mind, and spirit; and practices of self-kindness through all of life’s ups and downs.

  • Movement of Compassion

    Awareness. Attitude. Action.

    These three essential practices make up the movement of compassion. Awareness is grounded in open attentiveness. Attitude recognizes that we live in an interconnected world. Action flows from our agency, discrimination, and balance.

  • Four Seeds of Compassion

    Mindfulness, nonjudgment, nonviolence, and forgiveness are the four seeds from which Boundless Compassion grows.

  • Cultivating Relationships

    We join together, with hearts open to healing in the face of suffering and marginalization. Joyce Rupp affirms, “Relationships nurture compassion and help it thrive.” We can build creative connections to bridge differences and sustain compassion in the world.

  • Compassion Creation

    Compassion for Creation

    By growing in understanding, appreciation, and care for this endangered planet, we will bring about life-giving environmental change.

Our Values

Beloved Community

Beloved community creates a compassionate and inclusive world where LOVE is at the center. We focus on awareness, attitude, and action around the following four Practices.

Forgiveness

Practicing forgiveness, we provide courageous space for listening, acceptance, and reconciliation which leads to healing and well-being.

Non-judgement

Practicing non-judgement, we respect others’ beliefs and values even when they differ from our own, approaching them with openness and curiosity.

Mindfulness

Practicing mindfulness, we are aware of and present to our thoughts and feelings, enhancing our ability to respond with compassion.

Non-violence

Practicing non-violence, we seek peace in our thoughts, words, and actions towards ourselves and others.