Charter for Compassion Education Institute
Compassionate Houston, founded in 2011, was inspired by the Charter for Compassion. Its principles of treating others with respect, encouraging appreciation of cultural and religious diversity, and cultivating an informed empathy for the suffering of all human beings were our aspirational foundation.
We are delighted to share a variety of classes and courses by The Charter for Compassion Education Institute (CEI) with you.
The purpose of the CEI is to provide relevant and timely learning experiences for anyone interested in growing compassion in their lives and their community, locally and globally. With the Charter for Compassion at the heart of all we do, we invite you to join us in making compassion the driving force as we work to alleviate the suffering of our fellow beings and help create a peaceful global community.
All links to individual courses and activities are embedded in their title.
To round up the many offerings, we are sharing selected featured global events and activities by the Charter for Compassion and hope you will find a program you are excited about.
Global Read Series
The Charter’s Global Read program selects books that bring awareness to the theme of compassion. Each month, you will have the opportunity to hear directly from the book's author in a live webinar format and are given the chance to interact with the author and ask questions and/or comment on their book. For details about monthly authors and dates, please visit the Charter’s website >.
Embodied Presence
Embodied Presence is a self-paced online video course that offers an orientation to Eckhart Tolle’s timeless teachings, presented in a way that is both accessible and practical for modern life. The course invites you to step into the power of presence—learning to live from a place of awareness, compassion, and deep inner strength. You can engage with the material individually or in small groups, making it ideal for personal growth, community circles, or study gatherings.
The program is designed as an eight-module journey, and while you are free to move at your own pace, we recommend completing one module each week.
By nurturing presence in yourself, you contribute to what Eckhart calls a new earth—a more compassionate and conscious world.
2025 self-directed & On-Demand Courses
CEI’s signature courses are designed to explore the complexities of compassion from various perspectives. On-Demand courses offer you the flexibility to study any time and anywhere at your own speed. All signature courses are currently offered on-demand.
The science of Compassion 2.0
Compassion is more than an ideal or a virtue—it is a fundamental aspect of our biology, deeply embedded in the structure and function of the human brain. Understanding the science behind this innate capacity not only deepens our appreciation for our shared humanity but also offers practical tools to enhance education, healthcare, and societal well-being.
The essence of Compassion 2.0
Take a historical and cultural journey through the development of the thinking around and practice of compassion. By participating in the course you will simultaneously develop your own definition of compassion by determining what it is and isn’t.
introducing interspirituality
Are you seeking a deeper spiritual connection?
ProSocial Spirituality blends scientific wisdom with common spiritual wisdoms across traditions to foster self-discovery and social change, and create meaningful transformation.
planting seeds of compassion
No matter where you live or what your community looks like—whether it's a neighborhood block, a small rural village, a refugee camp, or a bustling city—the principles of starting a compassionate community initiative are the same. It all begins with building a team, anchoring your effort in trust, shared values, and a collective vision.