Special Events

Description
Mindfulness training often involves a balance of applying effortful technique (bearing down) and falling into effortless progress (easing up). These skills may then be applied towards increasing our effectiveness and happiness in daily life (improving the self). Additionally, we may choose to fill our experience with combinations of intentional posture, inner sound, and inner sight (nurturing the soul), taking inspiration from the deep and rich collection of spiritual traditions from which modern mindfulness emerged.

Intended audience
All levels - beginners to advanced

Core intention of the course
Those looking to improve their skill in applying mindfulness technique, cultivating ease and intuition, applying their practice towards pragmatic goals, and exploring deeper connection with traditional wisdom through a respectful, curious, and non-sectarian lens.

Instructor
Rob Thompson discovered mindfulness after diagnosis of a serious health condition, and he found the mind-body connection cultivated through dedicated Zen practice an integral component of his healing journey. Rob leveraged his improved health and vitality towards a career as a water resource scientist, exploration of small-scale regenerative agriculture, and investigation of natural health modalities. He is excited to help others strengthen their own mindfulness skills and successfully apply them to increased happiness, performance, and connection.


Google Meet joining info
Video call link: https://meet.google.com/rab-vrmv-nmz
Or dial: ‪(US) +1 929-249-4628‬ PIN: ‪106 643 687‬#
More phone numbers: https://tel.meet/rab-vrmv-nmz?pin=3417363401224

Join us on Wednesday the 16th for our next Dharma Deep Dive, where we will make a layman's map of neuroanatomy to assist in developing latent cognitive abilities. Drawing on practical neuroscience we will explore how meditation can provide structural support for neuroplasticity—literally reshaping our neural architecture over time. For instance, we will discuss how long-term meditation can reduce the physical size of the amygdala which could be indicative of a deeper, physical-level state of equanimity. Modern educational pedagogy assumes the presence of a set of cognitive abilities in students and attempts to sort students according to their strengths into various career tracks. However, if an ability is absent or underdeveloped, the "fake it till you make it" advice is the go-to, implying that through repetitive trial-and-error, a student will develop the ability eventually, or fail trying. This session proposes a different approach of using meditation to actively and intentionally build cognitive capacities that might feel lacking. Whether you want to improve focus, enhance spatial awareness, or planning ability, you will learn how to use health behaviors, directed attention, breathing, and somatic sensitivity to prime specific brain regions for plasticity. By working directly with these physical and attentional channels, you can intentionally condition your nervous system and forge new pathways for lasting cognitive growth. Dharma Deep Dive: The Adaptable Mind Wednesday, September 16 · 7:30 – 9:00pm Time zone: America/New_York Google Meet joining info Video call link: https://meet.google.com/kte-oogd-xpn Or dial: ‪(US) +1 414-909-6795‬ PIN: ‪175 973 249‬# More phone numbers: https://tel.meet/kte-oogd-xpn?pin=1230549302433

This is a drop-in class based in the Unified Mindfulness system that will be valuable for both beginners and experienced practitioners in any tradition. Learn how to leverage your core focus skills - concentration, sensory clarity, and equanimity - to excel at any kind of meditation and to enrich your everyday life.

There is no prep or previous experience required for this class. A different topic is covered each month, and you can attend as often as works for you!

Bio: Malin Rozon is a certified Trainer/Teacher in Shinzen Young's Unified Mindfulness system, and co-taught with Shinzen on retreat in 2025. Malin has an enthusiastic and non-judgmental approach to teaching, and they specialize in supporting neurodivergent meditators, especially those who may deal with a lot of procrastination, restlessness, or sensory/emotional overwhelm.

Video call link: https://meet.google.com/rab-vrmv-nmz
Or dial: ‪(US) +1 929-249-4628‬ PIN: ‪106 643 687‬#
More phone numbers: https://tel.meet/rab-vrmv-nmz?pin=3417363401224