“If every eight-year-old in the world was taught meditation, we would eliminate violence in the world in one generation”.
- Dalai Lamaand contemplative methods that help cultivate and empower students, teachers, and all individuals who operate within our education system.
I think that the purpose of education is the development—the unfolding—of our human potential. My goal is to help transform the educational landscape so it better reflects this purpose and to help faculty and students reduce stress, experience greater calm, peace, connection, and empowerment.
I BELIEVE IN THE POWER OF MEDITATION
is to teach 100,000 people to meditate using research-based methods (the estimate is that about 10-12 percent of the population practice regular meditation, despite the robust body of empirical research showing its benefits both mentally and physically. I would like to move the needle!).
Personally, I am a 26-year meditator. I recall my first introduction to meditate at the age 12. When taking karate classes, the teacher (sensei) was a tough-looking guy, who always wore a bandana—like Johhny from Cobra Kai. He would have us kneel and close our eyes and tell us to “block out any noise or distractions.” Meanwhile, music from the aerobics studio next door (this was the 80s) would shake the dojo walls. I didn’t quite embrace meditation then but later formally learned Transcendental Meditation then ventured into Zazen/mindfulness meditation and other forms. I am certified in a two-year Contemplative Studies program taught by Dr. Miles Neale, who is renowned in the Tibetan Buddhist tradition of lam rim, or gradual path.
ONE SPECIFIC GOAL I HAVE
who has studied mindfulness and meditation in higher education settings for the past decade. As an assistant professor in the College of Community Innovation & Education at the University of Central Florida, I currently research meditation practices with undergraduates. I have authored three books: one that serves as a guide for higher education faculty who want to implement meditation in the classroom, a second (available this December by Rowan &Littlefield) that explores a mindfulness-based approach to preparing and coaching teachers, and a third (due out in Spring 2024) that coaches k-12 educators in embedding mind-body practices in the classroom to help students with stress and anxiety.
I also train faculty in facilitating meditation through workshops and professional development.