Join Sam for another Signature Training that combines the foundations of mindfulness with training in compassion, using mindful awareness and a clear understanding of what compassion is and is not. 

The first section of the training will guide students through an introduction to the 4 Foundations of Mindfulness from the Buddhist and Secular lens’. Students will learn to practice and teach Secular Mindfulness with the flavor for the history of the lineage of the Buddha. Not only will Sam begin with simple mindfulness practices, but will also delve more deeply into why mindfulness is considered to be the “first psychology” and how with a dedication to practice, we begin to see more clearly what, why and how the mind is steering us in life. Through this clear seeing, we gain the agency to choose what our heart/minds are practicing. We become more grounded, calm and able to regulate our emotions in difficult times. 

The second half of the training will focus on training in Compassion through G.R.A.C.E, which is an acronym for a set of tools that support us in bringing true compassion, a steadfast compassion and care, that can meet the suffering, ours and that of others, without empathetic distress (commonly mis-labeled “Compassion Burn Out”) You will learn that Compassion actually has no end, no burn out. We first must understand empathy, what it is and how to work with this skillfully without becoming lost in suffering and pain. How do we presence the injustices of the world? How do we presence our friends, family, yoga students, ourselves, without becoming exhausted or needing to “fix”? Rooted in mindfulness training, G.R.A.C.E will lead the way to an open, caring and stable heart. 

Last but not least, this training will include orienting towards mindful speech, action and ethics. May we all take our seats with presence, compassion and wisdom, in ways that lead to less suffering for all living beings.