Teachers
Chanda Dharap & Christine Ferry taught Compassion Cultivation Training in the Elmwood Correctional Facility, Santa Clara County, California
Community Impacted
The program was delivered to 23 inmates in a minimum and medium-security jail in Santa Clara County, California. The participants lived in a shared dormitory-style setting, facing numerous challenges such as stress, isolation, and uncertainty about their futures.
Why compassion is relevant
Incarceration often leads to emotional distress, disconnection, and a sense of hopelessness. Many individuals in the criminal justice system struggle with past trauma, mental health challenges, and broken relationships.
Motivation to serve this community
This initiative was inspired by a collaboration with Sheriff Jonsen who recognized the potential of compassion training in correctional settings. Both teachers saw this as an opportunity to bring compassionate practices to an underserved and often overlooked population, providing them with tools for self-awareness, personal growth, and emotional healing.
How were they impacted
Despite the challenges of a jail environment, participants remained engaged, actively participated in discussions, and completed self-reflective assignments. Some of the benefits shared were:
- Increased Compassion: Participants reported a greater awareness of their tendency to
judge others and noted that the “Just Like Me” practice has significantly changed
their view of others. - Coping in a difficult environment – Inmates reported that CCT helped them navigate daily stress and uncertainty.
- Perspective shift – Participants gained a deeper understanding of shared human suffering, leading to a more open-minded approach to others.
- Personal growth – The program introduced practices for self-reflection and emotional resilience, which inmates planned to continue beyond incarceration. The book, “Fearless Heart” has a provided blueprint for living a more compassionate and kind life, with participants taking extensive notes and planning to integrate these lessons into their lives.
- Desire for expansion – Several participants expressed a strong wish for CCT to be implemented in more correctional facilities, seeing its potential to create a ripple effect of positive change.
Testimonials
- “This course helped me deal with a hard time. I have learned a lot in a place I thought would teach me nothing.”
- “Considering that we are all suffering and interconnected, my perspective has shifted to being open-minded.”
- “It is opening my eyes to how quick I am to judge. And when I think ‘Just Like Me,’ it changes my view of others.”
- “The book Fearless Heart was outstanding. I took copious notes and plan to live by its principles.”
- “This program is amazing. Please continue offering it and expand it to every facility in every county to help drive change. It may sound crazy, but I believe CCT will begin a ripple effect for the awakening this world needs.”
- “Thank you for the class. It is very helpful for my future as I prepare to reintegrate into society with compassion and mindfulness.”