About the Training

Weekend three of this recorded training is part of a series of three weekend trainings that are designed as continuing education for already authorized Meditation Instructors, as well those who are being mentored into that role.

You do not need to take all three courses. These trainings are ideal for Groups and Centers to include within a mentoring program for those seeking a Meditation Instructor authorization at a local level. 

Recorded Weekends One and Two are open to all. Recorded Weekend Three is for authorized Meditation Instructors and those being mentored into the role.

Weekend One: On Shamatha/Vipashyana, with Dale Asrael and Gaylon Ferguson
Weekend Two: On Mindfulness and Embodiment, with Erika Berland
Weekend Three: On Trauma Sensitivity and Meditation, with Janet Solyntjes and Elaine Yuen

Weekend Three includes an overview of mental health, meditation, and the role of the Meditation Instructor tailored for people who are not mental health experts. Presenters will address the following topics: 

• An overview of therapeutic modalities in contrast to meditation 
• The role of meditation 
• When to refer patients for mental health support
• will focus on investigating the personal journey of a Meditation Instructor framed in terms of the four dignities of meek, perky, outrageous, and inscrutable. Topics that will be addressed are:

Day 2 will focus on investigating the personal journey of a Meditation Instructor framed in terms of the four dignities of meek, perky, outrageous, and inscrutable. Topics that will be addressed are:

• Modesty, while at the same time the development of confidence
• Maintaining lungta and offering that to our local communities
• Community building across the Meditation Instructor community—how can we help and support each other and mentor new MI’s

Prerequisites

Weekend Three is for authorized Meditation Instructors and those being mentored into the role only. 

About the Teachers

Janet Solyntjes has been a member of the Shambhala community since 1984 and began directing Shambhala Training levels in 1993. She has led dathuns as well as co-directed Warrior Assembly and Enlightened Society Assembly. Janet has served as a meditation teacher on the faculty of Naropa University, Center for Mindfulness, Engaged Mindfulness Institute, and Mindful Leader. Janet and her husband, Jeff Price, are co-founders of the Boulder-based Center for Courageous Living.

Elaine Yuen is an educator, chaplain and researcher. She has been a student and teacher in the Shambhala community since the early 1970’s. Between 2012 and 2020 she was a professor at Naropa University where she taught courses on pastoral caregiving (chaplaincy), contemplative education and Buddhist studies. Elaine is deeply interested in how we shape our social interactions with caring and authentic presence. She teaches nationally and internationally, continuing to explore the interfaces between Buddhism, meditation, creativity, and contemplative care-giving. Her website on Contemplative Chaplaincy can be found at elaineyuen.com.