Broken Heart Dharma Part 2: Picking Up The Pieces
When Sh*t Hits the Fan: Broken Heart Dharma
Part 2: Picking Up The Pieces
Six Thursdays (online)
April 9th – May 14th
10:00 AM–12:00 PM EST
9:00 AM–11:00 AM CST
7:00 AM–9:00 AM PST
3:00 PM–5:00 PM GMT
This course is held entirely on-line, and is part of a Three-Part Series.
What the course includes:
a period of guided meditation specific to the course theme
a dharma talk
Q&A and discussion
somatic exercises and occasional chanting/mantra practice
Recording of the talk porting and any readings will be sent to registered participants
Optional Mentoring:
Every registrant will also have the option to join the course with an individual mentoring session in each of the sections.
Optional Retreats :
An online Retreat Day will be scheduled after Part 1 (optional), and a short retreat after Part 2.
Sliding Scale
I am committed to making these courses accessible to as many as possible, so I use a sliding scale. Each of the three sections is offered at a sliding scale as follows:
Benefactor $420
Standard $300
Supported $180 (please inquire about scholarships if this is still out of reach).
Please choose the level of contribution that is most suitable to your situation. Anything you offer over the standard rate allows me to offer scholarships to those for whom even the Supported rate is out of reach. This is how we support one another.
If you can commit to the entire series in three parts (18 weeks), there is a 20% discount.
Everyone who is registered will receive recordings of the talks and all materials, even if they miss a session.
South Side Insight Meditation Sangha
I’m delighted to begin an Insight Meditation Sangha at the University of Chicago in Hyde Park. The summer will be initated with six weekly sessions on Thursdays evenings from 6:30-8:00 in the beautiful Bond Chapel. These are drop-in sessions offered on the basis of generosity.
South Side Insight Meditation Sangha
I’m delighted to begin an Insight Meditation Sangha at the University of Chicago in Hyde Park. The summer will be initated with six weekly sessions on Thursdays evenings from 6:30-8:00 in the beautiful Bond Chapel. These are drop-in sessions offered on the basis of generosity.
South Side Insight Meditation Sangha
I’m delighted to begin an Insight Meditation Sangha at the University of Chicago in Hyde Park. The summer will be initated with six weekly sessions on Thursdays evenings from 6:30-8:00 in the beautiful Bond Chapel. These are drop-in sessions offered on the basis of generosity.
South Side Insight Meditation Sangha
I’m delighted to begin an Insight Meditation Sangha at the University of Chicago in Hyde Park. The summer will be initated with six weekly sessions on Thursdays evenings from 6:30-8:00 in the beautiful Bond Chapel. These are drop-in sessions offered on the basis of generosity.
Reconnecting with Our Elemental Nature
It's said that when we die, the four elements - earth, air, fire and water - dissolve one by one, each into the other, and finally just dissolve into space. But while we're living, we share the energy that makes everything, from a blade of grass to an elephant, grow and live and then inevitably wear out and die. This energy, this life force, creates the whole world.
Pema Chodron
The teachings on the elements predate the Buddha, but the Buddha integrated them into his teachings on Mindfulness of the Body and elsewhere in the suttas.
Added to the common four are also space and consciousness and together these six elements are one way of seeing the continually changing nature of this thing we call “Me”. The practices help us reconnect with the elements that we are in touch with at every moment of our existence. The “earth” element in me is not separate from the earth element in you, nor is it separate from the earth I step on.
In this day of practice, we will explore the practices on the six elements both through formal sitting, as well as walking in nature.
Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) in Chicago
MBSR
8 Tuesday Mornings 10:00am-12:30pm
May 5-June 23
Practice Day on Saturday, June 6, 9:30 am - 5:00 pm
Orientation on Tuesday, April 28, 6:30-8:00pm (hybrid)
(required if you intend to register for the class)
Tuition on a sliding scale: $600-$450, includes materials and Practice Day
There are a limited number of scholarships, please inquire here.
Menomonee Club
1535 North Dayton St.
Chicago, IL 60642
parking available
redline: North/Clybourn
Please select a tuition rate in accordance with your current financial situation. Paying at the high price range, if you are able, allows me to offer a lower subsidized rate, as well as scholarships. Your generosity makes the course more accessible to a great number of people regardless of circumstance.
MBSR REFUND Policy: We understand that circumstances may arise leading you to withdraw from a class. This can be discussed at the time, so that you can keep up with the progression of the program. If you withdraw from the course following the Orientation and before the start of Class1 you will be fully refund. If you withdraw after Class1 you will be refunded up to 90%. No refunds are offered after Class 2.
A Path through the Broken Heart
In this day of practice, we will explore how to fully inhabit the broken heart, releasing ourselves from the grip of our stories—the “What ifs,” the “If onlys,” the “I should haves”—and open to what is actually here. This is done with an intention of kindness, humor and joy.
Broken Heart Dharma Part 3: Shattered And Whole
When Sh*t Hits the Fan: Broken Heart Dharma
Part 3: Shattered And Whole
Six Thursdays (online)
May 21st – June 25th
10:00 AM–12:00 PM EST
9:00 AM–11:00 AM CST
7:00 AM–9:00 AM PST
3:00 PM–5:00 PM GMT
This course is held entirely on-line, and is part of a Three-Part Series.
What the course includes:
a period of guided meditation specific to the course theme
a dharma talk
Q&A and discussion
somatic exercises and occasional chanting/mantra practice
Recording of the talk porting and any readings will be sent to registered participants
Optional Mentoring:
Every registrant will also have the option to join the course with an individual mentoring session in each of the sections.
Optional Retreats :
An online Retreat Day will be scheduled after Part 1 (optional), and a short retreat after Part 2.
Sliding Scale
I am committed to making these courses accessible to as many as possible, so I use a sliding scale. Each of the three sections is offered at a sliding scale as follows:
Benefactor $420
Standard $300
Supported $180 (please inquire about scholarships if this is still out of reach).
Please choose the level of contribution that is most suitable to your situation. Anything you offer over the standard rate allows me to offer scholarships to those for whom even the Supported rate is out of reach. This is how we support one another.
If you can commit to the entire series in three parts (18 weeks), there is a 20% discount.
Everyone who is registered will receive recordings of the talks and all materials, even if they miss a session.
MBSR ESSENTIALS (on-line)
I will be offering Essentials in Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction in this summer,the first step in the MBSR Teacher Training Pathway. It will be online, live, via Zoom in association with the Mindfulness Teacher Training Alliance and the Global Mindfulness Collabortive.
In this ten session program, students:
* attend all sessions as a participant/observer of an MBSR program (includes orientation, all eight week sessions plus the All-Day session)
* participate in ten concurrent professional training seminars
In this first step in the MBSR Teacher Training pathway teacher trainees engage fully in the 8-week MBSR program as participants and as observers. In addition, they engage with other trainees and the instructor in a 3.5 hour seminar exploring the underpinnings, approach, and teacher qualities in which the program is steeped. Full attendance at all sessions is required, excluding emergencies or weather cancellations.
While completion of this training does not authorize you to teach the 8-Week MBSR curriculum, it will provide a solid foundation to teach introductory mindfulness classes. MBSR Essentials will be accepted as satisfying the first step on the MBSR teaching teacher training pathway by any member of the Mindfulness Teacher Training Alliance or the Global Mindfulness Collaborative, including the Center for Mindfulness at Brown. Click here for a full description of the MBSR Teacher Training Pathway.
Pre-requisites
- Previous participation in an 8-week MBSR course
- A minimum of one 5-7-day residential meditation retreat*
- A minimum of two years of personal meditation practice
*Each application will be evaluated on its individual merits.
Dates- All Times EST
MBSR 8-Week Class Orientation: Tuesday, June 9 , 6:30-8:00pm
Essentials Opening Seminar, Wednesday, June 10 5::00-8:30pm
MBSR 8-Week Classes: Tuesdays, June 16-August 4 6:30-9:00 pm
Essentials Seminars: Wednesdays,5:00-8;30PM June 17-August 5 5:00-8;30PM
MBSR All-day Retreat: Saturday, July 18, 9:30 am - 5:00 pm
Essentials Closing Tuesday, August 11 , 5:00-8:30PM
Commitment Required
This is an intensive course! Attendance at all MBSR classes and seminars is required, in addition to the MBSR Class ongoing practice assignments between classes, there are readings, journaling and other assignments.
Successful completion of this training allows for continuation
NOTE: Cohorts are limited to just 10 teacher trainees.
Tuition: $2,200.00 Payment plans and financial aid are available but limited.
MBSR ESSENTIALS (on-line)
I will be offering Essentials in Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction in this summer,the first step in the MBSR Teacher Training Pathway. It will be online, live, via Zoom in association with the Mindfulness Teacher Training Alliance and the Global Mindfulness Collabortive.
In this ten session program, students:
* attend all sessions as a participant/observer of an MBSR program (includes orientation, all eight week sessions plus the All-Day session)
* participate in ten concurrent professional training seminars
In this first step in the MBSR Teacher Training pathway teacher trainees engage fully in the 8-week MBSR program as participants and as observers. In addition, they engage with other trainees and the instructor in a 3.5 hour seminar exploring the underpinnings, approach, and teacher qualities in which the program is steeped. Full attendance at all sessions is required, excluding emergencies or weather cancellations.
While completion of this training does not authorize you to teach the 8-Week MBSR curriculum, it will provide a solid foundation to teach introductory mindfulness classes. MBSR Essentials will be accepted as satisfying the first step on the MBSR teaching teacher training pathway by any member of the Mindfulness Teacher Training Alliance or the Global Mindfulness Collaborative, including the Center for Mindfulness at Brown. Click here for a full description of the MBSR Teacher Training Pathway.
Pre-requisites
- Previous participation in an 8-week MBSR course
- A minimum of one 5-7-day residential meditation retreat*
- A minimum of two years of personal meditation practice
*Each application will be evaluated on its individual merits.
Dates- All Times EST
MBSR 8-Week Class Orientation: Tuesday, June 9 , 6:30-8:00pm
Essentials Opening Seminar, Wednesday, June 10 5::00-8:30pm
MBSR 8-Week Classes: Tuesdays, June 16-August 4 6:30-9:00 pm
Essentials Seminars: Wednesdays,5:00-8;30PM June 17-August 5 5:00-8;30PM
MBSR All-day Retreat: Saturday, July 18, 9:30 am - 5:00 pm
Essentials Closing Tuesday, August 11 , 5:00-8:30PM
Commitment Required
This is an intensive course! Attendance at all MBSR classes and seminars is required, in addition to the MBSR Class ongoing practice assignments between classes, there are readings, journaling and other assignments.
Successful completion of this training allows for continuation
NOTE: Cohorts are limited to just 10 teacher trainees.
Tuition: $2,200.00 Payment plans and financial aid are available but limited.
Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) on-line
MBSR
8 Tuesday Evenings from 6:30-9:00
June 16-August 4, 2026
Practice Day on Saturday, August 18, 9:30 am - 5:00 pm
Orientation Tuesday, June 3, 6:30PM-8:00PM
(required if you intend to register for the class)
Tuition $715-$415 .00 includes materials and Practice Day
There are a limited number of scholarships.
This course is offered by New York Insight Meditation Center
A Path through the Broken Heart
In these three hours of practice, we will explore how to fully inhabit the broken heart, releasing ourselves from the grip of our stories—the “What ifs,” the “If onlys,” the “I should haves”—and open to what is actually here. This is done with an intention of kindness, humor and joy.An opportunity to
South Side Insight Meditation Sangha
I’m delighted to begin an Insight Meditation Sangha at the University of Chicago in Hyde Park. The summer will be initated with six weekly sessions on Thursdays evenings from 6:30-8:00 in the beautiful Bond Chapel. These are drop-in sessions offered on the basis of generosity.
South Side Insight Meditation Sangha
I’m delighted to begin an Insight Meditation Sangha at the University of Chicago in Hyde Park. The summer will be initated with six weekly sessions on Thursdays evenings from 6:30-8:00 in the beautiful Bond Chapel. These are drop-in sessions offered on the basis of generosity.
South Side Insight Meditation Sangha
I’m delighted to begin an Insight Meditation Sangha at the University of Chicago in Hyde Park. The summer will be initated with six weekly sessions on Thursdays evenings from 6:30-8:00 in the beautiful Bond Chapel. These are drop-in sessions offered on the basis of generosity.
South Side Insight Meditation Sangha
I’m delighted to begin an Insight Meditation Sangha at the University of Chicago in Hyde Park. The summer will be initated with six weekly sessions on Thursdays evenings from 6:30-8:00 in the beautiful Bond Chapel. These are drop-in sessions offered on the basis of generosity.
Dharma Night with Jon
On the 2nd Sunday of the month, I will be offering a Dharma talk after a short sit. We will then have some discussion and Q&A. Totally free, just drop in! This will be an opportunity to explore various aspects of the Dharma and how these can help us in these times and in our lives. This month's theme will be Evertying is Always Falling Apart
South Side Insight Meditation Sangha
I’m delighted to begin an Insight Meditation Sangha at the University of Chicago in Hyde Park. The summer will be initated with six weekly sessions on Thursdays evenings from 6:30-8:00 in the beautiful Bond Chapel. These are drop-in sessions offered on the basis of generosity.
South Side Insight Meditation Sangha
I’m delighted to begin an Insight Meditation Sangha at the University of Chicago in Hyde Park. The summer will be initated with six weekly sessions on Thursdays evenings from 6:30-8:00 in the beautiful Bond Chapel. These are drop-in sessions offered on the basis of generosity.
South Side Insight Meditation Sangha
I’m delighted to begin an Insight Meditation Sangha at the University of Chicago in Hyde Park. The summer will be initated with six weekly sessions on Thursdays evenings from 6:30-8:00 in the beautiful Bond Chapel. These are drop-in sessions offered on the basis of generosity.
South Side Insight Meditation Sangha
I’m delighted to begin an Insight Meditation Sangha at the University of Chicago in Hyde Park. The summer will be initated with six weekly sessions on Thursdays evenings from 6:30-8:00 in the beautiful Bond Chapel. These are drop-in sessions offered on the basis of generosity.
Finding the Stillness Within
To allow oneself to be carried away by a multitude of conflicting concerns, to surrender to too many demands, to commit oneself to too many projects, to want to help everyone in everything, is to succumb to the violence of our times. Some of us need to discover that we will not begin to live more fully until we have the courage to do and see and taste and experience
much less than usual....
Thomas Merton
This day of meditation practice will be devoted to finding the stillness within us that is always accessible. This essential capacity is so necessary to deal with all that we face, personally and societally. As Merton implies above, many, if not most of us, tend to overcommit, taking on every demand. We need the stability of mind which meditation can provide, along with a compassionate heart to confront all that is before us.
This daylong Insight Meditation retreat will explore how our meditation nurtures this essential wisdom. Through guided sits, walking meditation, chanting, and dharma reflection, we will investigate how the still mind and open heart allow us to find balance and be more effective in whatever we do.
South Side Insight Meditation Sangha
I’m delighted to begin an Insight Meditation Sangha at the University of Chicago in Hyde Park. The summer will be initated with six weekly sessions on Thursdays evenings from 6:30-8:00 in the beautiful Bond Chapel. These are drop-in sessions offered on the basis of generosity.
South Side Insight Meditation Sangha
I’m delighted to begin an Insight Meditation Sangha at the University of Chicago in Hyde Park. The summer will be initated with six weekly sessions on Thursdays evenings from 6:30-8:00 in the beautiful Bond Chapel. These are drop-in sessions offered on the basis of generosity.
South Side Insight Meditation Sangha
I’m delighted to begin an Insight Meditation Sangha at the University of Chicago in Hyde Park. The summer will be initated with six weekly sessions on Thursdays evenings from 6:30-8:00 in the beautiful Bond Chapel. These are drop-in sessions offered on the basis of generosity.
South Side Insight Meditation Sangha
I’m delighted to begin an Insight Meditation Sangha at the University of Chicago in Hyde Park. The summer will be initated with six weekly sessions on Thursdays evenings from 6:30-8:00 in the beautiful Bond Chapel. These are drop-in sessions offered on the basis of generosity.
South Side Insight Meditation Sangha
I’m delighted to begin an Insight Meditation Sangha at the University of Chicago in Hyde Park. The summer will be initated with six weekly sessions on Thursdays evenings from 6:30-8:00 in the beautiful Bond Chapel. These are drop-in sessions offered on the basis of generosity.
South Side Insight Meditation Sangha
I’m delighted to begin an Insight Meditation Sangha at the University of Chicago in Hyde Park. The summer will be initated with six weekly sessions on Thursdays evenings from 6:30-8:00 in the beautiful Bond Chapel. These are drop-in sessions offered on the basis of generosity.
South Side Insight Meditation Sangha
I’m delighted to begin an Insight Meditation Sangha at the University of Chicago in Hyde Park. The summer will be initated with six weekly sessions on Thursdays evenings from 6:30-8:00 in the beautiful Bond Chapel. These are drop-in sessions offered on the basis of generosity.
South Side Insight Meditation Sangha
I’m delighted to begin an Insight Meditation Sangha at the University of Chicago in Hyde Park. The summer will be initated with six weekly sessions on Thursdays evenings from 6:30-8:00 in the beautiful Bond Chapel. These are drop-in sessions offered on the basis of generosity.
South Side Insight Meditation Sangha
I’m delighted to begin an Insight Meditation Sangha at the University of Chicago in Hyde Park. The summer will be initated with six weekly sessions on Thursdays evenings from 6:30-8:00 in the beautiful Bond Chapel. These are drop-in sessions offered on the basis of generosity.
Yom Kippur - A Day of Silence and Refection
A Day of Silence and Reflection - Yom Kippur
In person or Online
co-led with Elaine Retholtz
10am-7pm
Yom Kippur is the Jewish Day of Atonement, a day when, as a community, Jews are asked to reflect on their actions of the past year and to ask for atonement for any actions that were unskillful. In support of this day, for over 20 years, NYI has hosted a day of silence and reflection.
This year New York Insight will continue the annual Yom Kippur tradition. We are happy to offer a hybrid event. All are welcome to participate. While we acknowledge the culture of “shul hopping” – coming for a part of the day and moving on, we ask that you make sure to register for this event no matter the length of time you plan to stay. That said, we encourage you to consider staying until the close of the retreat – experiencing the urgency (samvega) of our aspirations and intentions as the day comes to an end remembering the traditional image of the gates of heaven closing for the year.
As always, there will be meditations focused on the idea of right action, the difference between guilt and remorse, the laws of karma, forgiveness, and lovingkindness. There will also be an opportunity for mindful discussion of various aspects of the Buddhist perspective on atonement. Doors open at 9:30am. If you are participating via zoom, you will be able to login at
9:50 AM.
Pre-registration is required. Please note the NY Insight
This daylong retreat is a dana (donation) based event, with donations being directed to New York Insight and the Buddhist Global Relief Fund.Thank you for your generosity!
New York Insight Community Sit
These teacher-led sittings provide an opportunity for the Sangha to meet with NewYork Insight teachers for meditation, a Dharma talk and dialogue to address practice issues. Open to all regardless of experience.
Orientation (only) to MBSR Sept 30th
MBSR Orientation
September 30, 6:30pm-8:00pm (ONLINE)
Other date option: September 29, 6:30pm-8:00pm (click here)
(required if you intend to register for the 8 week MBSR class in Chicago)
Feel free to sign up only for the Orientation to MBSR, without committing to the entire class. The point of the Orientation is to give you more information and context, to experience a taster of the work, and to answer any questions you might have.
The MBSR Orientation is free.
If you have already registered and paid for the 8-week MBSR Course you do not need to also register for the Orientation. You are automatically registered.
However, if you are unsure and prefer to attend an orientation before deciding, please select this option. Please note that this does not guarantee your spot in the MBSR Course, in the event that it fills up.
The World is our Practice: Finding Presence and Peace in the Midst of It All
Let go of the past, let go of the future, let go of the present and pass over to the further shore.
from the Dhammapada
Insight practice reveals the world as it truly is. As we begin to clearly see and embody the fundamental truths of Dukkha (suffering), Anicca (impermanence), and Anatta (non-self), we discover a profound paradox. On one hand, this understanding brings greater lightness and freedom to our lives. On the other hand, we may become even more acutely sensitive to how the three poisons—greed, hatred, and delusion—manifest around us, both in our personal experience and throughout society.
How do we skillfully navigate our lives between these two realities? How do we maintain inner tranquility and ease while remaining fully present to the world as it is, with all its beauty and suffering? This delicate balance is the essence of equanimity—perhaps the most crucial quality we can cultivate on the spiritual path.
This daylong retreat will explore how our meditation nurtures this essential wisdom. Through guided sits, walking meditation, and dharma reflection, we will investigate how equanimity allows us to remain open-hearted and responsive without being overwhelmed, and how this quality serves both our own liberation and our capacity to serve others with clarity and compassion.
Dharma Night with Jon
On the 2nd Sunday of the month, I will be offering a Dharma talk after a short sit. We will then have some discussion and Q&A. Totally free, just drop in! This will be an opportunity to explore various aspects of the Dharma and how these can help us in these times and in our lives. This month's theme will be Finding Joy and Grace with Uncertainty.
Dharma Night with Jon
On the 2nd Sunday of the month, I will be offering a Dharma talk after a short sit. We will then have some discussion and Q&A. Totally free, just drop in! This will be an opportunity to explore various aspects of the Dharma and how these can help us in these times and in our lives. This month's theme will be Letting Go is Hard to Do
Peace as Practice (Michigan Retreat)
This retreat is full. Check out my retreats in Indiana and Colorado.
Peace as Practice: Strengthening Compassion and Expanding Mindfulness in a Frantic World
Together we will explore ancient teachings about heart practices, and how these work in tandem with mindfulness. Grounded in a Buddhist orientation as well as drawing on other wisdom traditions, we will learn and deepen our practice of what is referred to as the Four Divine Abodes: loving-friendliness (metta), compassion (karuna), resonant joy (mudita) and equanimity (upekkha). Each of these practices is understood as appropriate responses to what arises internally and in our world. In this way, we can develop a more capacious, sustainable and creative way of meeting life’s challenges.
These days will be held in Noble Silence, including giving ourselves a well needed break from our devices. This can support us to unravel our nervous systems and experience a more natural, luminous nature of mind.
The retreat will include guided and silent sitting meditation, walking meditation, chanting, poetry and dharma talks. Prior retreat experience will of course be helpful, though it is perfectly appropriate for first timers as well. There will be several opportunities during the retreat group for Q&A and 1:1 meetings.
Internal, External, Eternal: Being Nature Together (Indiana Retreat)
A weeklong retreat held at the lovely Oakwood Retreat Center in Selma Indiana
Dharma Night with Jon
On the 2nd Sunday of the month, I will be offering a Dharma talk after a short sit. We will then have some discussion and Q&A. Totally free, just drop in! This will be an opportunity to explore various aspects of the Dharma and how these can help us in these times and in our lives. This month's theme will be Finding Joy and Grace with Uncertainty.
Dharma Night with Jon
On the 2nd Sunday of the month, I will be offering a Dharma talk after a short sit. We will then have some discussion and Q&A. Totally free, just drop in! This will be an opportunity to explore various aspects of the Dharma and how these can help us in these times and in our lives. This month's theme will be Finding Joy and Grace with Uncertainty.