TALKS & PRESENTATIONS
I am happy to speak at Unitarian Universalist Congregations, Inter-faith groups, and do so on a regular basis. I am also available to teach Insight Meditation.
I try to focus in each talk how the personal/spiritual means of growth about which I am speaking translates into inter-personal transformation and political/economic and environmental change. Conversely, I try to note how social and environmental changes are impacting our personal/spiritual perspectives.
I appreciate discussion of my talks, whether in the service itself or following it. I feel my talks are natural lead ins to discussion where more points are raised, others personal experience may be shared, and we both grow though dialogue.
THREE RECENT SUBJECTS
Spiritual Wisdom of the Body
A Pebble and a Chasm
The Buddha, iPhone and Happiness
INSIGHT MEDITATION INSTRUCTION
Beginner Level
I will explain the differences and commonalities between insight meditation and guided visualization, self-hypnosis, day dreaming and reverse, being "in the zone," super concentration, and other practices with which it is easy to confuse meditation. We'll discuss the various reasons for meditating, effects of meditation, including verification of results from recent neuroscience research, and the history of meditation.
Intermediate Level
Here we look at the Hindrances and how to deal with them and a when it is appropriate to emphasize shamatha and when vipassana.
We also consider the major way in which we can misuse meditation to build an improved sense of self versus eliminating the delusion of self altogether.
I try to focus in each talk how the personal/spiritual means of growth about which I am speaking translates into inter-personal transformation and political/economic and environmental change. Conversely, I try to note how social and environmental changes are impacting our personal/spiritual perspectives.
I appreciate discussion of my talks, whether in the service itself or following it. I feel my talks are natural lead ins to discussion where more points are raised, others personal experience may be shared, and we both grow though dialogue.
THREE RECENT SUBJECTS
Spiritual Wisdom of the Body
A Pebble and a Chasm
The Buddha, iPhone and Happiness
INSIGHT MEDITATION INSTRUCTION
Beginner Level
I will explain the differences and commonalities between insight meditation and guided visualization, self-hypnosis, day dreaming and reverse, being "in the zone," super concentration, and other practices with which it is easy to confuse meditation. We'll discuss the various reasons for meditating, effects of meditation, including verification of results from recent neuroscience research, and the history of meditation.
Intermediate Level
Here we look at the Hindrances and how to deal with them and a when it is appropriate to emphasize shamatha and when vipassana.
We also consider the major way in which we can misuse meditation to build an improved sense of self versus eliminating the delusion of self altogether.