A project of the Mississippi Coalition for Racial Justice.
Contact us to join the discussion
The Way of the Heart program is a resource based at the University Counseling Center (UCC) at the University of Mississippi.
There may be no more virtuous and arduous an undertaking than that of creating true human community—a human community in which all persons are accorded dignity, respect, and value. The aim of the Way of the Heart Program is to bring Mississippians one step closer to attaining true human community by healing the past and present wounds of racial separateness.
Drawing upon the teachings and practices of a number of traditions, the program has as its guiding force the call of Mohandas K. Gandhi to "be the change we wish to see in the world." This "we" being each and every one of us, no exceptions! As a way of heeding this call, the Way of the Heart Program offers training in the practice of the heart, the language of the heart, and the community of the heart. The practice of the heart consists of the key attention skills of deep listening, clear seeing, basic friendliness, wide–awake compassion, transforming anger, and relieving suffering. The language of the heart consists of the core communication skills of describing accurately, recognizing feelings, identifying needs, and making reasonable requests. And the community of the heart consists of the basic relational skills of appreciating, giving, compromising, comforting, and remembering.
The hope of the Way of the Heart Program is that skillful application of all those personal and interpersonal tools will give rise to community in which all members rely upon one another and hold one another in high esteem.
The Way of the Heart Program is carried out in a small group format of 7 to 12 people. The progam can be designed to meet a community’s specific needs, including a seven-week series of 1– to 1 1/2–hours per week, a weekend retreat, or a half-day or full-day workshop. Call the facilitators to discuss the timeframe and cost for your group. (All costs are used to cover expenses and maintain the operation of the Counseling Center at the University of Mississippi.)
Dr. Billy A. Barrios spearheaded the Way of the Heart and made it his life's mission to help bring peace and reconciliation to individuals and communities until his death in 2006. The program is dedicated to his memory and serves as a legacy of his work and life.
Susannah Furr is Associate Director of the University of Counseling Center and has practiced for nearly 20 years. She is a Licensed Professional Counselor and a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist in the state of Mississippi.
Dean Worsham is a professional counselor and works on staff at the University Counseling Center. He also leads the Just-One-Breath Meditation Group, which was developed by Dr. Billy Barrios, at the UCC.
Susannah Furr
University Counseling Center
University of Mississippi
P.O. Box 1848
University, MS 38677
662-915-3784
counslg@olemiss.edu
Return to the Welcome Table Homepage