Practice the Practice: Quieting the Mind

What is this course?

This course will address actual how-to techniques for cultivating mindfulness, based on traditional spiritual texts. Together, we will explore contemplative and meditative practices that bring the practitioner closer to their inner selves — the inner chamber within all of us, where the Divine Presence (Shechinah) dwells. Specifically, the curriculum focuses on cultivating quieting of the mind. Our guiding text will be Rav DovBer Pinson’s Breathing and Quieting of The Mind, part of his Jewish Meditation Series (IYYUN Publishing, 2014). Have you ever felt that you are a victim of your own never-ending onslaught of diverse thoughts, each competing for attention? Perhaps you have experienced a torrent of many thoughts anxiously vying for recognition? This course will help each of us move into a more relaxed, reflective, and responsive — rather than reactive — state. As you become aware of a quiet emptying out, your attention can now begin to focus on the Creator’s presence as She speaks to us through “the still small voice.” Over the years, many students have asked me, “When do we learn techniques — methodologies that I can actually acquire and use in my spiritual practice?” My answer to this important question: “NOW!” HOW DOES IT WORK? The course consists of eight live online sessions, of approximately 1.25 hours. Each class is recorded as well and is sent out to all registrants following each class, so participants can watch and listen to the recordings at their own leisure. Each class includes three essential components:   1) An exploration of several sections in Rav DovBer Pinson’s book, Breathing and Quieting The Mind. The source sheet will be sent out each week prior to the class. ​ 2) A guided meditative practice utilizing the method studied in class. This nurtures and cultivates spiritual practice, as it brings theory to actual experience and actualizing the potential. 3) The concluding 15 minutes is time dedicated to participants sharing their experiences during the sit as well as asking questions that may arise from both the text and the sit. DATES AND TIMES Mondays, 23 OCT – 18 DEC* at 9am Pacific / 12pm Eastern / 5pm UK / 7pm Israel and the relevant hours in your time zones, for 75 minutes each time. *Except no class on 30 OCT The cost of the course is $200. Please contact R' Daniel if you would like to request subsidized registration.