The Compassionate Listening Project

I've been a part of TCLP for over 25 years and have been on 3 delegations to the Middle East with them including one with my spouse on which we taught Compassionate Listening (CL) curriculum and led discussions to help folks process the interactions. My spouse and I have been CL facilitators for over 10 years and continue to lead a monthly practice group. We've found that CL is by far the most effective method of helping people heal from an us vs. them conflict. I have a Masters Degree in Counseling and have used CL both in group and individual counseling sessions. CL is dynamic and has changed in the decades it's been practiced so that it has shown itself to be ever deeper and more effective especially in situations where the opposing parties could not even sit in the same room, which is quite an achievement. TCLP has been generous in supporting willing students who were unable to afford the process of becoming facilitators including many in other countries of the world. This includes instances where it supported getting the CL Manual translated into other languages. CL is a rare communication method in that it teaches us to reach into our hearts (not just our heads) to help others get attuned to being able to be heard as well as listening to others they had major issues with. TCLP not only survived the COVID Pandemic, it thrived by adapting to use online resources including ZOOM and other platforms. It is now present in many more countries than before the Pandemic.

i found myself wanting be more than just a tourist while traveling. Compassionate Listening connects hearts and bridges people in the deepest sense and is the perfect gift both at home and abroad. It enables me to be a better me!

I have been participating in the Compassionate Listening Project for about 4 months now, utilizing its approaches to deepen my capacity for working with other white people across political lines in the US, and it had been wonderful. Anyone needing a practice which both provides practical tools for exercising compassion in difficult arenas, and one that tends the subtle energies of self and others, this is for you!

I woke up one day with the thought of a Listening Room. In searching what could that mean I came across the Compassionate Listening Project. I took a course with the founder, Leah Green, and though I struggled I came to realize how important the work. It had an immediate impact my personal and work life.
I have since opened my own Listening Room and run a practice of Compassionate Listening.
Kudos to Leah and all the wonderful facilitators who are dedicated to better the world.

I had already been to Israel three times before going with my husband and teenage daughter on my stepdaughter Leah Green's Compassionate Listening Project trip. One prior Israel adventure was 22 months long, including studying at a program for foreign college graduates and then working in Israel's educational television yet never had I experienced the depth and breadth of education, the profoundly powerful sharing of stories, the intensity of learning what is really happening on the ground in the various communities that make up the Holy Land. Hearing from an Auschwitz survivor visiting her daughter in an Orthodox Jewish kibbutz, a Palestinian family living in a refugee camp in Gaza, a Jewish civil rights attorney , a representative of the Israeli government, a member of the Palestinian Authority, an Arab family whose home on land on which they had a deed of ownership had been bulldozed down seven times and rebuilt each time with the help of sympathetic Israeli citizens, an administrator of an Orthodox Yeshiva on the Mount of Olives...it wasn't your Federation Mission, I'll tell you that! It was, instead, the trip of a lifetime that forever changed my, my husband, and youngest child's understanding of the right way to listen to others, and how conflict can be defused with the simplest human interaction: compassionately listening.

I have had the opportunity to take the Intensive Compassionate Listening Intensive two times in Portland, Oregon and I am currently in a weekly practice group

The exercises which were part of the intensive training took me to a much deeper place in understanding what compassionate listening is all about. Having had multiple trainings on communication, intercultural communication, conflict resolution, CL was the most effective and practical. I find myself now consciously using these tools whenever I am “triggered” whether in a family, community or political situation.

After attending an Intensive CL training, I organized a training to be held at Trinity Episcopal Cathedral in Portland, Oregon and am seeing now how a variety of people are applying these skills to their own ministries in the church or their work in various communities.

The leaders of our group were experienced facilitators and I appreciated that they shared their experiences of CL in a variety of cultural and international contexts.

I wish to continue to be a bridge between people of different races, cultures, economic and class groups etc..and CL gives me more tools to work with. I will enthusiastically encourage others to learn, build and practice the skills of compassionate listening to turn possible conflicts into opportunities for dialogue and creative, life giving actions.

There are many workshops that teach effective listening, but Compassionate Listening gave me a much deeper experience with listening. It challenged me to truly be there for another person. It's so easy for me to listen with more focus on what I'm going to say next. CL is helping me to put my needs aside and listen for the values and feelings the other person is sharing. Right after our training I visited with my daughter. We got into a difficult discussion over dinner. When I realized we were both getting upset I took some deep breaths and shifted gears into the compassionate listening skills I had learned. I worked hard to hear what my daughter was trying to say to me. It helped me see that she wasn't trying to criticize me, she was really trying to connect with me and understand how things in my life have changed. Compassionate Listening gave me the gift of being closer to my daughter. Thank you Joanie and Yehudah. I look forward to practicing with you.

I joined The Compassionate Listening Delegation to Palestine and Israel in 2016. It was one of the most transformative experiences of my life. The people we met and the stories we heard will live with me forever. I learned so much about the complexities and the nuances of the situation, and I got a much clearer, first-hand understanding of the different narratives of the two peoples and how those differences lend themselves to the dynamics we see on the ground.

I also learned invaluable communication techniques I will continue to practice at home and apply to everyday situations: my relationship, work etc.

I highly recommend this delegation to anyone who wants to become a more efficient communicator or anyone who wishes to deepen their own personal growth. And the dynamics you'll observe here will undoubtedly shed light on any other social issue you are interested in -- globally or at home. I can't think of anything more timely.

Thank you so much for such a unique and a truly life-changing experience!

Compassionate Listening (CL) was recommended to me because I desire to become a 'Listener'. It has not been disappointing! As a matter of fact, it has been an awakening to my own poor listening - and I thought my skills were okay; it has taught a way of listening and speaking that has unlocked barriers in my relating with family and friends; it has given me the ability to hear 'beyond the words' and look for what stirs a person (what are their values in this moment?). It has given me a foundation to rest upon and ... listen, while feeling safe, from the heart.
CL incorporates teachings that any one can do - one doesn't need a B.A/B.S or Masters or Phd to use the skills taught in CL and I think that that is what makes this project incredibly powerful and potentially world changing.

Joe F.:
I began learning Compassionate Listening as part of a workshop 3 years ago. Through the exercises we learned to understand, be present, and respond to the stories that people tell about significant experiences in their lives. The skills I learned in that workshop, and at practice groups that I attend about once a month give me more confidence to deal with stressful situations and expressions. I have the choice to respond with compassion, and that is liberating for me.
Being consistent and continuing the training are key to staying in the practice. The books, videos, and suggestions distributed by Compassionate Listening Project are most helpful.

I was part of a group of adults in a once a week workshop for a number of months in how to build peace in our lives through honest communication. Can completely say that the work we did helped me develop confidence and skills while listening and communicating with others. Thanks so much!!

I first encountered TCLP as a participant on a delegation to the Middle East in 2004. The power of the CL process was immediately evident and the manner in which it empowered and opened hearts was astounding. I strive to incorporate the CL process and principles into my life and am oh so rewarded for it. Bless Leah and this project for enriching mine and so many other lives.

I was fortunate this summer to be a part of a Compassionate Listening Project in Portland Oregon led by Joni Levine and her husband Yehuda. Together the group learned the fundamentals of truly listening to their talking partner/partners in many different instances. The practice led to learning how to focus on a speaker and hear their story. The strategies of Reflective questions or Deepening ones forced each of us to take the time to hear from the heart and respond. Over the course of the workshop, we honed our skills. We are continuing to practice in a follow up group with our leaders.
Today in the United States we are a divided people. These strategies perhaps could be used to help both sides start to communicate and find a common ground. Also, in the spring of 2018, I hope to take a trip to Israel and Palestine. The skills learned in this workshop will be invaluable. I have learned to slow down, focus, listen and respond with a new compassionate angle. It is a great project.

I did the two day Intro Training with my wife and it was fantastic! I walked away with real tools to use in conversation with others to deepen my understanding and connection with them.

Within a couple of weeks, my wife and I used some of the techniques during a particularly heated fight we were in. We were able to defuse the anger, start listening to each other powerfully, and we were back to being lovey dovey in no time, both feeling heard and understood.

I recommend this organization to anyone and everyone.

I have been taking the compassionate listening classes once a week for four weeks now, and I have loved all of it. I love this way of listening and communicating and I hope it continues to grow. I think a lot of people could benefit from this class, and it would be great if every person could take some time to experience just a little bit of this class. I love the book that goes along with it because it has many great ways of practicing great techniques to help you in life. This is something that can make such a difference for each individual and everyone in your life. This class has helped me realize that I am not always the best listener, so now I know how I can listen better. It made me realize that I don't always have to respond or give advice to someone when they come to me to talk. My boyfriend at the time and I started this class together and we both agree we like how it is set up because it helped us with some conversations. Over time as you take the class the way you communicate does not have to be so divided up in how you communicate, but it is meant to flow more naturally. But learning to take turns and know that when the other person is talking you just listen and don't respond really helped us to listen compassionately. We knew that we each had our turn and the other was not going to interrupt the other. So I can see how over time communicating this way could help many relationships. I love how meditation and awareness are just naturally a part of this process as well. I am excited to continue this program, and continue practicing these techniques throughout my life! Lastly, I really love the group of people that I have met through this class. Everyone is kind and willing to learn and truly listen. It is a really good support group to be a part of.

Peace is something nearly all of us desire. The concepts are available in most religious communities. The value here resides in the tools and approaches offered.

I attended some effective classes from Laurie Archibold in Washington state, associated with Wilderness Awareness School, last year. I use what I learned in my own life fairly often, especially the listening techniques and thinking approaches. They work as often as I use them.

Next steps for me are to learn more about these techniques and share them with the communities I belong to. Thanks for offering me a new road to walk, and new tools to share.

I participated in two trainings with TCLP, followed by a life-changing Delegation to the Middle East in 2008 (CK DATE) with my husband Michael. We have both tried to integrate and continue the practice in our personal and professional lives as well as in political conflict. The concept of `an enemy as someone whose story you haven’t heard’ holds true in so many situations. The techniques we’ve learned with TCLP enable us to be peacemakers in our family and our community. We keep learning, and are presenting a workshop ourselves at Limmud Vancouver 2016.

Bonnie Sherr Klein,
Officer of the Order of Canada

One day I was invited to attend an event sponsored by the Compassionate Listening Project to listen to a Palestinian. I thought, "This changes everything." Three months later I was on a delegation to Israel and Palestine. Now, compassionate listening is a part of every facet of my life: I weave it into my teaching curriculum, I practice it in my personal life, I give workshops. See video at www.shoreline.edu/listening-tree

The compassionate listening project taught me things I wish every human being has access to. The practices and exercises are powerful no matter where you want to make a difference in life; politics, organizations, or your family and relationships. Engaging in this with work will be a lifetime journey that I hope many others join me on.

I've been to at least half a dozen workshops and each time is a transformative and illuminating experience. Yael Petretti is an especially skilled practitioner and a gifted teacher.
I have carried the compassionate listening perspectives and techniques with me into every aspect of my personal and professional lives, and all have benefitted. If there's hope for peace on earth, this will surely be part of it.

I became aware of the Compassionate Listening Project in 2010 from a professor at Antioch University. He said that CLP offered great trainings and facilitated grassroots, life changing work. Having gone through three of their trainings since 2011 and having participated as a delegate on one of their trips to Israel/Palestine, I am in complete agreement. Teaching individuals the skills to re-humanize their ‘enemy’ is a profound and transformative gift that is desperately needed in the world. Learning to compassionately listen to the ‘other’, humanizes both the speaker and the listener. CLP instills dignity, respect and empathy into difficult interactions, allowing space to safely experience and reflect on emotions, perceptions, beliefs and values, and where both parties are changed at the end of a session. I continuously use these skills while working on issues related to classism, racism, sexism and privilege. William Osmun

I had the privilege of being part of the Compassionate Listening Project’s Delegation to Israel/ Palestine this past November, 2015, during a time of turmoil and increasing tension in the region. It was an extraordinary experience, both for the range of people we met that provided a unique and intimate view into all sides of the conflict as well as the real life application of the training we experienced. I was attracted to the work of the CLP because of the perspective that when people are deeply listened to – they are more able to see the humanity in the “other”; important work that is needed in our world- more than ever. The CLP provides training in compassionate listening methodology that participants can apply to a full range of challenges in their life, as well as providing a support to the people working for peace on both sides of the conflict that was the focus of this particular journey. We met with a broad range of people that few would have the opportunity to visit: people who have been jailed, and tortured, people who have been harmed from violence, people who live under the threat of violence every day and continue to work for peace. They were welcoming, articulate, and courageous. I was moved and am inspired to share their experiences with my community. The leaders of the journey created a safe, stimulating, open-hearted experience that contributed to personal growth in the participants, and an opportunity for the voices of the people whose lives have been touched by the conflict to be heard. It is clear that the leaders are deeply committed to this work and to creating a profound, meaningful experience for everyone involved in the project. My heart has been touched, my consciousness has been raised. The Compassionate Listening Project is doing essential work to enhance the quality of individual lives and make the world a better place.

I recently participated in a Compassionate Listening trip to Israel/Palestine. The experience was intense and has impacted me in many positive ways. Of course there was the educational value of learning from people directly involved in the conflict, but the unanticipated impact was how deeply the trip changed my perspective not just on the Middle East but in every situation in which conflict is encountered. The compassionate listening model is transformative. I believe that every participant in the trip felt its power, as well as the speakers who were included in our listening sessions. Listening with the heart enabled a person to person connection that was healing, and magnifying that through the power of group process was simply stunning.
The facilitators and trainers were knowledgeable, engaged, sincere and nurturing in their work with us. Even though we were traveling during the stabbing intifada and there were flashpoints where violence was breaking out, the group was shepherded carefully through an amazing itinerary and informed daily of what was happening on the ground. The Compassionate LIstening Project has many partners in this area who share a long history of involvement in making peace. As a result, participants in the trip were able to listen to a broad array of speakers including working class, professionals, Jewish settlers, Palestinian refugees, Bedouins, educators, students, and former soldiers.
Pre-trip preparation was meticulous and as it is turning out, the post-trip interactions are also strong.
I can't recommend this program too highly. Kudos to Leah Green, Andrea Cohen Kiener and Tali Goodfriend. Also, Joanie Leviine and Yehuda Winter: teachers and deep spirits all.