Vidyamala Burch is the founder of Breathworks, an organization offering mindfulness and compassion-based approaches to living well with pain, stress, and illness. Living with a chronic back condition due to spinal injuries and partial paraplegia, Vidyamala knows how distressing it can be to live with ongoing pain. She also knows that it’s possible to manage pain, and to flourish while…
In a widely shared article in The Guardian on April 29, 2015, Secret Aid Worker (S.A.W.) wrote of fears that the work “is affecting the aspect of my personality that made me want to become an aid worker in the first place: my compassion.” While not downplaying the personal benefits of a satisfying career, the anonymous writer nevertheless voiced a…
Last week, during “Mindful Lawyering: A Meditation Retreat for Law Professionals and Students” at the Garrison Institute, we caught up with retreat leader, poet, and Zen Buddhist priest Norman Fischer. Earlier this week, Fischer participated in our event “Mindfulness and the Art of Aging,” as part of the “Garrison Talks at the JCC” series in Manhattan. We spoke about mindfulness,…
We’re thrilled and honored to let you know that The Huffington Post is shining a spotlight on our work this month as part of their 10th anniversary. The Huffington Post Next Ten campaign will help incredible causes that will shape the next decade. The Garrison Institute has been selected for “bringing mindfulness and meditation to the masses.” By tapping the…
When the Garrison Institute first launched its Contemplative Teaching and Learning (CTL) initiative in 2004, contemplative education was just emerging as a professional field. By supporting the work of pioneers in the field, convening major forums with thought leaders in the field, creating the seminal CARE for Teachers program, forming a CTL Leadership Council, and publishing a groundbreaking mapping survey…
“In the Spirit” recently interviewed Garrison Institute Executive Director, Robyn Brentano. During this in-depth discussion, Brentano explained how the Garrison Institute has been a pioneering force in spreading contemplative wisdom and practices throughout society. She highlighted the Institute’s various programs that are helping to catalyze a seismic shift in society, as recognition of the benefits of contemplation continues to grow.…
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Humanitarian aid is crucial and rewarding work often performed under highly stressful conditions. There is growing recognition of aid workers’ need for psychosocial support and skills to strengthen their resilience. Like the aid agencies working with us, the Contemplative-Based Resilience (CBR) Project addresses the realities of the field with a humanitarian spirit, caring for aid workers just as they care…