Meditation Mentoring
For many, the possibility of working an individual basis with a skilled teacher can be of great value.
I work with individuals on an on-going basis to help develop and strengthen their practice. My experience as an MBSR teacher, a Buddhist Dharma teacher and Somatic Experience Practitioner can aid practitioners in working with various problem areas of meditation and life in general.
After a free initial consult to determine specific areas of focus and what your practice edges are, we then work with either specific Buddhist teachings or a in more “secular” context to address these edges.
I recommend an initial commitment of six weekly sessions which can then continue with either bi-monthly or monthly practice check-ins. It is important that regardless of your level of experience you are dedicated to a daily practice before you embark on individual mentoring.
If you would like to explore working with me, I recommend booking a free 30 minute exploratory conversation.
How I work with individuals
What to expect
A friendly and nonjudgemental approach
Weekly 50-minute, individual session
On the phone, Zoom or in person
Guided practices, check-ins and questions
Specific assignments each week
Depending on needs, we focus on a chosen theme such as concentration, open presence, lovingkindness, etc.
Exploration of a relevant foundational Buddhist teaching
Recommended resources specific to what you are working with
Kind Words
“I am grateful to have been introduced to Jon early in my contemplative practice. I was keenly interested, but unskilled, in meditation and reflective practice and Jon accompanied me on my journey through his kindness, wisdom and encouragement. He was a deeply insightful thought partner and guide to many aspects of meditation and mindfulness.”
“I had the opportunity to first study with Jon at NYIMC when I participated in a course on “Emptiness” that he led. I found his knowledge and dedication to the dharma inspiring! This led me to work with Jon as a mentee as he guided me with my own personal practice and working with students helping to hone my inquiry skills. I then participated in MBSR fundamentals course under Jon’s guidance. Merely watching Jon facilitate MBSR taught me how deep his own personal practice is. His patience, kindness and inclusiveness as he guided 30+ individuals from very diverse backgrounds and his dedication to the curriculum was incredibly influential to me as I lead my own trainings. Jon, continues to encourage and generously makes himself available in any way he can. ”
FAQs
What is individual mediation mentoring?
Mentoring provides an opportunity to work one-to-one with a teacher on an ongoing basis to give you greater confidence in your practice. As the teacher (in this case me) gets to know your practice more, habit patterns can be spotted and worked with, and progress and moments of fruition can be pointed out.
Is there homework?
Well, your daily practice is the main “homework.” If you just show up at sessions but are not making much effort to practice in between, neither of us will get much out of the process. Each week as we spot habits and fruitions, I will likely suggest specific practices and a means of self-inquiry. If relevant, we might work through a text or a book together.
How much does it cost?
I offer mentoring on the basis of generosity and mutual support. That said since this practice is not something we are used to I’ve determined that it’s best to offer suggestions based on a large sliding scale to meet various needs. This ranges from $80-$300 per session depending on your income. Those with greater means help to make this available to those with less. Generosity is a mutual practice based on your individual situation.
How do I know if this is right for me?
Generally you don’t which is why we have an initial consult. If you’ve taken prior classes with me and know how I teach, then that’s a good start. The exploratory conversation will answer any questions about what to expect and what can make the process most beneficial. If we are not a fit, I will let you know, and I may recommend other professionals you might work with.
Why do you recommend six weeks?
I’ve found that making a commitment of this duration is a good way to hold yourself accountable and build momentum. It also takes a week or so to determine what would be most beneficial to you. This is a suggestion, but after our initial exploratory conversation we may determine another plan for you. If you are a returning mentee student, we sometimes work together for shorter periods or one-off check-ins.