The Spirituality and Science of Compassion, A Disarming Our Hearts Series Presentation

How do we cultivate a heart of compassion in a world that often feels divided? Pope Francis calls us to be merciful and compassionate, while Charles Darwin observed that “compassion is our strongest instinct.” But did you know that practicing compassion can also improve your health? Research shows that kindness and compassion boost the immune system, increase life expectancy, protect against heart disease, and reduce the risk of depression.

As part of our Disarming Our Hearts: Becoming Peace series, this presentation invites us to explore the interplay of science and spirituality in shaping a more compassionate world. Together, we’ll reflect on how compassion transforms both our inner lives and the communities around us—and how we can nurture it in ourselves and others.

Our speaker, Anne Kertz Kernion, blends scientific research with spiritual wisdom to offer deep insights into how compassion is both a practice and a way of being.

Disarming Our Hearts: Becoming Peace is an ongoing series that explores how we cultivate peace within ourselves and bring it into the world. Through diverse perspectives—spirituality, science, dialogue, and action—these sessions invite us to engage deeply with the principles of nonviolence, healing, and justice. Each workshop, presentation, or retreat will feature speakers from different backgrounds who offer unique insights into what it means to “be peace” in a way that transforms not only our own hearts but also our communities.

This program is offered at no cost, as are all our programs, thanks to the generosity of those who support our ministry. Donations are greatly appreciated to help us continue offering meaningful experiences to the community. Thank you!