There is recommended, but not required, reading for the course and a compilation of writings and videos (made available online) that range from peer-reviewed to popular articles, to first-hand writings from ancient and contemporary compassion meditation experts, leaders, and poets. Each student can take on as much or as little of that as they like (0-60 min)
More important are the daily meditations. They are 10-20 minutes, and they evolve each week. Students are strongly encouraged to practice those daily, as the development of compassion during the class is “dose dependent” and the meditations support that development. The course is as much about experiencing compassion as learning about it. (60-120 min)
Each week students are also given optional Daily Informal Practices intended to be done in the midst of their daily lives. On average, these take a few minutes a day. (0-30 min)
Finally, students are also asked to take on a Peer Support Partner who they can connect with between classes on their terms. This is someone to discuss the material with and also share wins and challenges in your growing mediation practice. (0-30 min)
Total ≈ between 1-3 hours per week