WORKSHOP DESCRIPTIONS
Judaism and Zen
This lively, interactive workshop based on the book by Dr. Shoshanna, will be a guide to the authentic practice of Judaism and Zen and the ways in which it can heal your life. We will see how each practice illuminates, challenges and enriches one another and how they address the primal questions that drive your lives, and provide keys to the personal struggles you face each day. We will see what the mitzvot actually are, how they work, why they are so vitally important and how the practice of Zen enhances everyone of them. Some issues covered will include loneliness, relationships, conflict, family and ways of healing suffering. Workshop will include information, discussion and interactive exercises so that participants can apply the material to their personal lives.
A Jewish heart is warm, giving, devoted to family and friends; a Zen eye is fresh, direct, spontaneous and in the moment. These practices are like two wings of a bird; both are needed to be able to fly.
Relationships As Spiritual Practice
The Gift of Being Human
Relationships are a powerful spiritual practice. As we view each person who comes to us as a gift and as our teacher, we are able to see the places we are holding on. We can also see the ways in which we may still be in the grip of anger, fear, possessiveness or judgment. In this workshop, we will go over trouble spots in relationships, including jealousy, misunderstandings, boredom, and lies, and offer new ways of working with them. We will discover ways of letting go, giving up false expectations, developing parental mind, learning to nourish others. In this process true intimacy with self and others develops, along with fulfillment and joy.
Some of the topics covered include: “Taking Off Your Shoes” (Becoming Available); “Doing Nothing” (Releasing Control); “Cleaning House” (Emptying Yourself); “Being the Doorman” (Being There for Others); “Cooking” (Nourishing Others and Yourself); “Receiving the Stick” (Dealing with Blows); and “Struggling with Your Koan” (Working Problems Out).
Specific, direct tools and instructions will be included, along with interactive exercises, lecture, discussion, and questions and answers.
The Conversation
“Bring Your Words and Come to Me”
“For A True Conversation Not a Sound Is Needed
Not Even A Word”
Martin Buber
We are always having conversations, most of the time, with ourselves. Although we have a profound need to speak our truth and to be heard, there are few who can really listen and perhaps even fewer who know what it means to truly speak. There is fear that we will become vulnerable, hurt, or exposed. So we mask our thoughts, present double messages and think we have communicated. But we have not yet spoken. Nor have we been heard or known. This leaves us a stranger not only to others, but to ourselves.
Yet, “Words from The Heart Go Into The Heart”. When we learn how to be silent, empty our cup and really listen, something deep inside opens up. Then our response comes from a different place and reaches far and wide. Buber has said that at moments like that, “It Speaks”. Speaking happens through us. Speaking also happens to us. True connection appears and can even turns into communion, in which differences melt away and we see that we are One.
This Workshop will explore the nature of both speech and silence. We will discover how to listen, be silent, open up and speak from the heart.
One Breath Away
A workshop on the process of returning to our innate wisdom and authentic selves. In this process we learn to release painful feelings, thoughts and memories and to make friends with all parts of ourselves. We let go of self created obstacles, encumbrances and negative attachments of all kinds. As we do so, our innate ability to be clear, kind, whole and healthy emerges naturally.This workshop is based upon the Sedona Method, created by Lester Levenson. It is also informed by zazen practice and dialogue based upon Martin Buber's I and Thou.
The day includes instruction, exercises, discussion, role playing and time to enter the healing silence together.
(Brenda is an original student of Lester Levenson and a practitioner of the releasing method for many years).
This lively, interactive workshop based on the book by Dr. Shoshanna, will be a guide to the authentic practice of Judaism and Zen and the ways in which it can heal your life. We will see how each practice illuminates, challenges and enriches one another and how they address the primal questions that drive your lives, and provide keys to the personal struggles you face each day. We will see what the mitzvot actually are, how they work, why they are so vitally important and how the practice of Zen enhances everyone of them. Some issues covered will include loneliness, relationships, conflict, family and ways of healing suffering. Workshop will include information, discussion and interactive exercises so that participants can apply the material to their personal lives.
A Jewish heart is warm, giving, devoted to family and friends; a Zen eye is fresh, direct, spontaneous and in the moment. These practices are like two wings of a bird; both are needed to be able to fly.
Relationships As Spiritual Practice
The Gift of Being Human
Relationships are a powerful spiritual practice. As we view each person who comes to us as a gift and as our teacher, we are able to see the places we are holding on. We can also see the ways in which we may still be in the grip of anger, fear, possessiveness or judgment. In this workshop, we will go over trouble spots in relationships, including jealousy, misunderstandings, boredom, and lies, and offer new ways of working with them. We will discover ways of letting go, giving up false expectations, developing parental mind, learning to nourish others. In this process true intimacy with self and others develops, along with fulfillment and joy.
Some of the topics covered include: “Taking Off Your Shoes” (Becoming Available); “Doing Nothing” (Releasing Control); “Cleaning House” (Emptying Yourself); “Being the Doorman” (Being There for Others); “Cooking” (Nourishing Others and Yourself); “Receiving the Stick” (Dealing with Blows); and “Struggling with Your Koan” (Working Problems Out).
Specific, direct tools and instructions will be included, along with interactive exercises, lecture, discussion, and questions and answers.
The Conversation
“Bring Your Words and Come to Me”
“For A True Conversation Not a Sound Is Needed
Not Even A Word”
Martin Buber
We are always having conversations, most of the time, with ourselves. Although we have a profound need to speak our truth and to be heard, there are few who can really listen and perhaps even fewer who know what it means to truly speak. There is fear that we will become vulnerable, hurt, or exposed. So we mask our thoughts, present double messages and think we have communicated. But we have not yet spoken. Nor have we been heard or known. This leaves us a stranger not only to others, but to ourselves.
Yet, “Words from The Heart Go Into The Heart”. When we learn how to be silent, empty our cup and really listen, something deep inside opens up. Then our response comes from a different place and reaches far and wide. Buber has said that at moments like that, “It Speaks”. Speaking happens through us. Speaking also happens to us. True connection appears and can even turns into communion, in which differences melt away and we see that we are One.
This Workshop will explore the nature of both speech and silence. We will discover how to listen, be silent, open up and speak from the heart.
One Breath Away
A workshop on the process of returning to our innate wisdom and authentic selves. In this process we learn to release painful feelings, thoughts and memories and to make friends with all parts of ourselves. We let go of self created obstacles, encumbrances and negative attachments of all kinds. As we do so, our innate ability to be clear, kind, whole and healthy emerges naturally.This workshop is based upon the Sedona Method, created by Lester Levenson. It is also informed by zazen practice and dialogue based upon Martin Buber's I and Thou.
The day includes instruction, exercises, discussion, role playing and time to enter the healing silence together.
(Brenda is an original student of Lester Levenson and a practitioner of the releasing method for many years).