with Edmée Danan

Thursdays, Sept 5 - Oct 10
6:30 - 8:00 pm

Join Zen teacher, psychiatrist and psychotherapist Edmée Danan for a transformative six-week journey to nurture a more compassionate heart. Together we'll explore techniques to deepen our empathy for others, embrace the vital role of self-compassion, and cultivate a life filled with kindness and openness. This engaging workshop is designed to foster connection and support among participants through lively discussions, interactive exercises, guided meditation practices, and meaningful activities to try out in your daily life.

Week 1: Discovering Empathy, Sympathy, and Compassion
Start by understanding the subtle differences and powerful impact of empathy, sympathy, and compassion.
Week 2: Cultivating Compassion for Loved Ones
Learn to extend warmth and understanding to those closest to you, strengthening your relationships with genuine care.
Week 3: Expanding Compassion for Others and the World
Broaden your perspective by developing compassion for all beings and our shared global community.
Week 4: Practicing Self-Compassion: Self-Kindness
Turn your compassion inward with practices that encourage kindness and gentleness towards yourself.
Week 5: Embracing Self-Compassion: Self-Care
Delve into self-care strategies that nurture your well-being and replenish your energy.
Week 6: Bringing Compassion into Daily Life
Discover practical ways to incorporate compassion into your everyday actions, making a positive impact in your life and the lives of others.

Suggested reading: Training in Compassion: Zen Teachings on the Practice of Lojong by Norman Fischer

This offering is open to Zen practitioners as well as anyone in the community.

The group will be limited to a maximum of 12 participants.

No experience with meditation necessary.

Cost: Sliding scale ($95, $145, $175)
Student/low income: Pay what you can

Edmée Danan was led to Zen practice after living for three years in an ashram in India. Her first teacher was Robert Aitken Roshi when she lived as a resident of the Diamond Sangha zendo on Maui, HI for two years. After moving to California, she continued practicing with Jakusho Kwong Roshi at the Sonoma Mountain Zen Center until she met Jisho Warner Roshi in 1995, who authorized her to teach in April 2023. As a psychiatrist and psychotherapist, she is interested in determining when it is helpful to consider therapy to support Zen practice. She teaches meditation to both patients and health care professionals.