Sharon joins Rabbi Dr. Jay Michaelson for a virtual program: Meditation in Real Life. We are living in a world torn by conflict, from wars around the world to hate crimes and political division here at home.  As followers of the dharma, we may have a range of political opinions, but we remain committed to reducing suffering for ourselves and others, especially those who are vulnerable.

This evening of meditation and learning will not focus on politics or any particular conflict — we would need a much broader range of perspectives for such a conversation to take place.  Instead, we will address the difficult (and important) emotions that often arise in “real life” — that is, a life engaged with the world around us.  What are the practices that help us find balance so that we are better able to be present for our loved ones and our communities?  How do we make room for difficult emotions (despair, fear, powerful concern, anger) so that they inspire and do not devour us?

Please join us for a warm, openhearted space of practice and wisdom.

Dr. Jay Michaelson is a writer, journalist, professor, and meditation teacher. He has taught meditation for twenty years in Buddhist, Jewish, and secular mindfulness contexts, and is the author of several books including Evolving Dharma: Meditation, Buddhism, and the Next Generation of Enlightenment and The Gate of Tears: Sadness and the Spiritual Path.

For four years, Jay was an editor, teacher, and podcast host at the Ten Percent Happier meditation startup, and he was a member of the Barre Center for Buddhist Studies Board of Directors for six years. Jay is authorized to teach jhana meditation in the lineage of Ayya Khema by his teacher, Leigh Brasington. He is also an ordained rabbi, and has written several books on Jewish spirituality.

In the media world, Jay is a regular commentator on CNN, and a contributor to Rolling Stone, The Forward, and The Daily Beast. From 2003-2013, Jay worked as a professional LGBTQ activist and is the author of the bestselling God vs. Gay? The Religious Case for Equality. He is also an affiliated assistant professor at Chicago Theological Seminary, and holds a Ph.D. from Hebrew University and a J.D. from Yale Law School.