Articles
What we’re contemplating, doing, and reading.
Staff Spotlight: Maria Paula Jimenez, CCT™ Teacher Training Content Lead & Trainer
Pulsa leer en Español.
Compassion Institute is pleased to introduce our committed staff who are developing and delivering compassion-based programs for individuals and organizations that promote personal and societal well-being.
Below, you have an opportunity to get to know Maria Paula Jimenez, our dedicated Compassion Cultivation Training© (CCT™) Teacher Training Content Lead, teacher trainer, and CCT™ Senior Teacher from Colombia.
Additionally Maria Paula is trained in psychotherapy and works as a therapist, compassion coach, and organizational consultant.
Where did you grow up, and how did it impact your interest in compassion?
I was raised in Bogotá, Colombia by loving and hardworking parents who consistently demonstrated the importance of family, love, compassion, and integrity through their own examples. Growing up, I often felt different from other children. Having unique questions and interests, I was sometimes labeled as “too sensitive” or “weird.” However, the support of my family and a small circle of friends helped me to fully embrace who I am, and ultimately, I found my place in the world through compassion. I recognized early on the power of belonging to meaningful communities and the healing strength of coming together, especially during challenging times.
I spent some time living in the U.S. but I moved back to Colombia a few years ago. I now live in Medellin where I work remotely for Compassion Institute and collaborate with other compassion initiatives around the world.
What does compassion mean to you?
For me, it is the art of touching the pain with love. It is the possibility that resides in any given situation to surround what hurts with the balm of warmth, goodwill, hope, and light. It is the source of redemption, healing, transformation, and evolution in our individual hearts and collective society.
What is your biggest "Aha" moment with compassion?
My life shifted when I was able to fully integrate the idea that we were born to be kind to ourselves but we often lacked models to teach us how to do it through example, so as adults we can re-parent ourselves and reclaim the boundless inner power of love and compassion in order to break the negative cycles for future generations. This is a power that is always available. What we learned is not our fault, it’s systemic. But it is now our responsibility now to transform it in positive ways.
What about compassion surprised you?
I am continually amazed by the profound power of our shared humanity. Each time I teach, I have the privilege of witnessing individuals open up to a group of strangers — They’ve shared their deepest joys, dreams, fears, sorrows, and challenges, alongside the hope, insight, and strength that compassion training offers. This generosity of spirit helps others in the room realize that they are not alone, that it is okay to feel what they are feeling, and that we are all on this journey together. For me, this is where the healing journey begins — by recognizing that we can take refuge in each other’s hearts as we learn to care for ourselves.
How do you think the world could change if everyone had compassion training in school?
I think we would have tools as humanity to take care of our personal suffering. We would build our lives aligned with our highest values to help each other, as well as reclaim and use the power of community. And most importantly, we’d stop hurting others when what we truly want and need is to feel loved, to feel that we belong, and to know that we are truly seen.
What drew you to compassion training and working at CI?
As many people I’ve known, I was drawn to compassion through my own suffering. Back in 2013, I was undergoing a major crisis — experiencing big losses and inner changes — so finding Compassion Cultivation Training© (CCT™) was lifesaving. CCT™ is a program that combines insights from psychology, neuroscience, and contemplative practices, and helps to foster greater understanding, joy, and purpose.
Already immersed in integrative medicine and bioenergetics through my work as a therapist, I felt a deep connection to this training. I always say compassion found me. It came to my life due to a coincidence, and I felt an immediate “soul calling.” I moved to Palo Alto, California for a year to be part of CCT™ Teacher Training, an extended teaching certification course, and my life was never the same. I learned, along with other participants in my cohort, to really embody compassion and teach authentically “from the inside out.”
With this program, I found my path in the world, my main teachers, and my sangha (spiritual community). Also, I discovered what I wanted to do for the rest of my life: learn and teach about compassion.
After teaching CCT™ and other Mindfulness-Based Interventions (MBIs) for a few years, I joined Compassion Institute (CI) formally as a senior teacher, collaborated in teacher trainings over the years both in the US and Spain, taught CCT™, and served in different roles within the organization. Now I serve in the capacity of Content Lead for CCT™ Teacher Training. I’m blessed to share my love, respect, and trust in the program with new teachers as well as helping them believe in themselves so they can start their journey as CCT™ teachers. This is one of the roles I have valued the most in my entire career. It truly makes my soul dance of joy as it is fully aligned with my values and personal mission: transforming the world with the healing power of compassion one heart at a time.
What is your background related to this work, and what have you discovered on your journey?
My professional journey is deeply rooted in compassion. I have devoted my life to the Compassion Education field, currently collaborating with Rick Hanson’s team at the Global Compassion Coalition — and in the past — with Christopher Germer and Kristin Neff’s team at the Center for Mindful Self-Compassion.
In addition to being a therapist, I’am also a Mindfulness-Based Emotional Balance Certified Teacher, teacher trainer, and a Mindful Self-Compassion Teacher. From my experiences and trainings, I now believe that compassion is my guiding principle and the answer to every question I encounter. I have discovered that compassion is not only the medicine I need, but also the healing force the world requires. When in doubt, all we need to do is increase the dose.
What is the biggest impact compassion [or compassion training] has had on you, your life, and your community?
My greatest commitment is with healing — my own and others. So compassion has really given me the clarity of how I can be of service in the world. Compassion has become my core value, guiding every aspect of my life and giving me a profound sense of meaning and purpose. Devoting myself to compassion from various perspectives has not only enriched my own life, it has also allowed me to connect with extraordinary individuals and teachers and they’ve inspired me by demonstrating that a compassionate life is truly attainable. This journey has deeply fulfilled me and continually motivates me to live with intentionality and heart.
What would your friends and family say has changed about you?
My family and my most intimate circles are part of my healing process of creating a true home to all my parts, so I would say that they share the joy of witnessing the fact that I have found a way to be authentically me in my professional and personal development.
What component of CCT do you use most in your everyday life?
Self-compassion is a practice I integrate into every moment of my life. The concept of being a true friend to oneself remains profoundly revolutionary for me, offering a constant opportunity to return to my authentic self, my true home. Embracing soothing touch, kind and comforting language, a warm tone, and a compassionate inner gaze acts like a nurturing balm for my soul. This practice helps me access deeper parts of myself that might otherwise remain out of reach.
Also, I am reminded every day that compassion and self-compassion are both tender and fierce. Also that a beautiful “NO!” that sets strong boundaries is even more important than the most common aspect of compassion. And when I forget this, I channel the voices of love and wisdom of my beloved teachers and mentors to remember my nature as well as reclaim my own ability and power to take care of myself.
In particular, this year I’ve been present for loved ones’ suffering, and self-compassion has allowed me to be there for myself in order to be there for them to the best of my ability.
Is there anything else you'd like to share with others?
If you have a calling to learn more about compassion, this is the right time for you. I can assure you it will change your life. We have trained teachers in over 30 countries, so look for a local teacher and start your compassion journey back to your own heart; it has been patiently waiting for you.
We’re hosting Dr. Jinpa’s popular 2-week program, Building Compassion From the Inside Out, for the first time in Spanish (as well as in English).
It will be a beautiful opportunity to learn about compassion in a self-paced course.
Also, I will be teaching a Spanish CCT™ on September 16, and would love to have you with us if you are a Spanish speaker!