We are the most diverse city in the U.S. We belong to each other.
Dear Compassionate Houston Community and Friends,
Throughout this year, may we continue to cultivate compassion and clarity in all that we do. With strength, wisdom, and shared purpose, let’s work together to heal our communities and foster hope, peace, and genuine connection. Join us in our ongoing theme: "Exploring the Best in Ourselves and Each Other."
Thank you for walking this journey with us—and for helping make 2025 a year of meaningful impact.
Upcoming Programs 2025
Welcome to Compassion Week 2025 — Celebrating 10 Years!
This year marks a special milestone—our 10th anniversary of coming together for a full week of inspiration, dialogue, collaboration, and hands-on activities. What began as a simple idea has grown into a vibrant tradition, connecting hearts across Greater Houston and showcasing tangible examples of our city’s compassionate culture.
Each partner-led program is a puzzle piece in a larger picture—offering practical tools, meaningful experiences, and opportunities to connect. Together, they form a rich toolkit for compassionate living.
We’ll continue updating the pact schedule as new events unfold. Take a peek, find the pieces that speak to you, and register to join us. We can’t wait to celebrate with you in November!
Final Seasonal Book Study: Awe by Dacher Keltner
This October, we invite you to explore the transformative power of everyday wonder through Awe: The New Science of Everyday Wonder and How It Can Transform Your Life by Dacher Keltner. Blending science, story, and soul, Keltner reveals how awe—sparked by nature, music, moral beauty, and shared experience—can calm our nervous systems, deepen our relationships, and expand our sense of purpose.
But the magic isn’t just in the book—it’s in the conversation. Research shows that reading and discussing books on hope and resilience with others can boost your mood and sense of connection. We’ve seen it firsthand: book studies create space for elevation, engagement, and meaningful community.
Join us for four Thursday evenings of reflection, insight, and shared discovery.
Dates & Time: October 9, 16, 23, and 30 | 7:00–8:30pm CT | Zoom
Facilitated by Pam Lewis and Marlin Murdock
Registration closes October 7
Fall CIT in full swing…Registration is closed
Our Fall Compassionate Integrity Training course has officially begun—with a full house and a truly global gathering. For the first time, we welcome a group of ten educators and administrators from a private school in Pakistan, joining nine participants from across Greater Houston and Texas.
This richly diverse cohort includes individuals from faith communities, wellness and mindfulness practices, nonprofit and philanthropic circles, professional services, and creative industries. Though their paths vary, they share a common intention: to explore how to live courageously in alignment with one’s values, recognizing the shared humanity that unites us all.
Part 1: Cultivating personal compassion
Part 2: Strengthening interpersonal relationships
Part 3: Expanding compassion within communities and systems
Through 10 dynamic modules, we gain practical skills to foster meaningful change within ourself, our relationships to others and the world around you.
In October, we’ll explore the quiet beauty of seasonal transition and the peace that comes from mindful presence.
Meditate & Connect with Marci
Join us for a virtual self-care circle with partner Marci Sharif. Each month offers a fresh experience through engaging practices and multi-sensory contemplations such as mindful writing, meditation, movement, and visualization. Every gathering provides an opportunity to reflect and share in a safe, supportive environment.
Use part of your lunch break to center, meditate and connect. With a self-care and kindness focus, Marci will guide an inward and outward exploration of a specific topic related to wellness each month.
October Meditate & Connect:
Date: Tuesday, October 28, 12-12:30 PM
Topic: A Mindful Autumn Beckons
Registration Deadline: Monday, October 27 at 7:00pm.
Through guided meditation and reflection, we’ll honor the shifting light, the softening pace, and the invitation to rest and renew.
Sign the Charter for Compassion
Compassionate Houston 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 with the suffering of all human beings were our aspirational foundation.
How can you get started, where do you find information, how do you stay connected so you can become one of our trailblazers?
Check out our “Compassion AT YOUR FINGERTIPS” page.
Grow With Us
Tell us how we can support you and collaborate to grow the compassionate culture of Houston through awareness, education, community, and service.
Throughout the year, we are launching programs, opportunities, and service projects that address Compassionate Houston’s main objectives. We want to connect most effectively with you and your needs. Please fill out our survey by clicking on the button “Individual Survey.”
“Love and compassion are necessities, not luxuries. Without them, humanity cannot survive.”