In this ongoing, open, weekly 90-minute group, compassion for ourselves and others, informed by the deep wisdom of spaciousness, open awareness, and warm kindness that have always been present in our essence, are nurtured. From this secure base of loving compassion, we can be present to and become a sanctuary for our own difficult thoughts and feelings, and be present to these ourselves and others from a place of compassion rather than judgement and separation.

Our group meetings include readings and commentary on the teachings we are using, guided meditations, and a deep sharing/deep practice where we a share our experiences, insights, and challenges in our practice in a safe environment. Over the years we have done this using extended (often year long) explorations of the teachings in various traditions, primarily but not exclusively Buddhist.

Our group began meeting in 2015. As of August 15, 2024, we have begun an open-ended exploration and practice of sustainable compassion training (SCT), first with the book Awakening Through Love, Unveiling Your Deepest Goodness by John Makransky, and, since August 2025 with the book How Compassion Works: A Step-By-Step Guide to Cultivating Wellbeing, Love, and Wisdom by Makransky and Paul Condon. They invite us to awaken to the deep awareness, spaciousness and warmth at the core of our being, to develop a secure base of being held in profound love and acceptance, and to bring others into that loving energy.  This is done through a series of powerful meditations and practices of wisdom and compassion.

The group is currently meeting in person (and on Zoom) at the Grace Episcopal Church, 871 Merrimon Ave., Asheville, NC on Thursday mornings from 10:00 to 11:30.  If you have questions, please contact Ken Lenington at 828-768-1143 (call or text) or email at kenlen108@gmail.com.

Open Circle Mindfulness is affiliated with Open Circle Mindfulness Raleigh: http://www.opencirclemindfulnessraleigh.org