gil bar-sela

Compassionate Listening Journeys

Gil co-leads annual delegations to the heart of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict organized by The Compassionate Listening Project. With over 30 delegations to the region, TCLP is one of the oldest organizations engaged in people-to-people peacemaking.  

This Journey is rich beyond what my words can describe. A truly one of a kind experience that will transform the way you view the world and your role in it. Please watch this 3-minute video (narrated by yours truly :) to get an idea of what you can expect.  

What we will learn extends far beyond the specifics of this region.

We are currently undergoing massive global changes. During this time, our interconnectedness is felt more than ever before, Therefore, the need to cultivate new leadership capacities to meet the challenges of our time with agility, clarity, and discernment has never been more urgent. The way we show up really matters! 

If you:

• Would like to cultivate practical skills of resiliency, emotional intelligence, and peacemaking to apply in every area of your life: relationships, work, community.

• Are interested to know more about this conflict first hand, and not just what you hear in the media. 

• Want to deepen your understanding of the dynamics of oppression and power, not just in Palestine and Israel, but around the world. 

• Want to join a global community of heart-centered ambassadors.
  
  Then this delegation might be a great fit for you! 

Together, we will embark on a deep journey to develop the interior conditions needed for such stewardship. This journey is as much about your personal transformation as it is about our collective evolution as a species. It is an opportunity to become a part of a growing tribe of compassionate warriors building bridges of connection as we usher in a new era through all the growing pains it entails.

I invite you to join our movement! 

Our Journey begins in the old city of Jerusalem, a microcosm of the cultural, historic and political intricacies of this conflict. Participants are introduced to Compassionate Listening, a powerful skill set for peace-building in our families, communities, and in all conflict situations.

From there we continue to visit Palestinian and Israeli towns and villages. We engaged with people on both sides, representing voices from the entire political spectrum whose lives are profoundly impacted by this protracted conflict. Our goal during these visits is to understand and dialogue with the person in front of us. Compassionate Listening allows dialogue to take place “heart to heart” and has an entirely different quality than ordinary conversations or debates. 

This journey is incredibly transformative. It is a deep dive into the complexities of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, and an inspiring immersion in the healing power of dignity and empathy. 

Compassionate Listening skills can be easily applied to all areas of conflict. They are instrumental to anyone who would like to learn how to transcend labels, stereotypes and cultural divides, and move beyond the polarization endemic to so many social and political issued of our time.     

Watch Gil’s talk on Compassionate Listening!   

For more information on delegations: The Compassionate Listening Project