I began formal practice in 2002 in the Goenka tradition. Beginning in 2004 I spent five years volunteering in Theravada Buddhist monasteries including the Bhavana Society, Abhayagiri, Amaravati, and Santi Forest Monastery where I trained as an anagarikaa (lay postulant). In Buddhist community, we were supported to practice mindfulness and metta both in meditation and throughout our daily lives.
The Dhamma seems to me an immersive practice of acceptance and unfolding that brings our hearts freedom and the courage to meet the extreme challenges of life. I draw inspiration from devotional practices like chanting and reading Ch’an poetry, and engaged practices like chaplaincy and social justice activism. I love working close to the early texts and exploring with others how these beautiful teachings come to life for us.