Growing Courage One Moment at a Time
Jun 30, 2025 4:03 pm
Dear friends,
I'm writing to share a teaching on courage from my weekly group, some upcoming events, and a shout-out to two excellent mindfulness teacher training certification programs that I recommend.
Growing Courage One Moment at a Time
Summer's beauty has arrived, alongside record heat and the fires of war. Keeping the heart steady takes courage, tenderness, and support.
Courage isn’t the absence of fear—it’s the willingness to face what’s hard with an open heart. Rooted in the Latin cor, meaning heart, true courage is the capacity to stay with our experience, even when it’s painful or uncertain. It arises when we use our strength in service of something meaningful.
Whether we’re caring for a loved one, facing injustice, meeting our own grief or anger, courage supports us to act—not out of panic or a need to control—but from integrity and care.
We all possess courage, in our own hearts and through the ancestors we carry within. When you feel stuck or overwhelmed, ask: What’s needed here? Can I stay with this for one breath? Would it help to ground myself, turn to a resource, or reach out for support?
If you'd like to explore this theme further, here's a recent guided meditation and teaching on courage from Clear Dharma Sangha.
With care,
Oren
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Upcoming Events:
I warmly invite you to join me for a drop-in session of Clear Dharma Sangha, an online retreat, or communication training.
- Clear Dharma Sangha: Wednesdays at 4pm PT & every other Saturday at 9am PT; weekly meditation group with drop-ins by donation.
- July 22-26, Summer Online Insight Meditation Retreat: Five-day online retreat with Oren & Matthew Brensilver; a few spaces still available.
- August 21-24: Living Peace Retreat: Learn Nonviolent Communication at this four-day online retreat with Oren and Roxy Manning; includes small group coaching with assistant trainers, empathy groups, and more.
- 8-month Immersion in Nonviolent Communication: Dive deep one weekend per month with Oren and Roxy Manning; includes small group coaching, empathy groups, empathy buddy, reference materials, and more.
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Two High-Quality Mindfulness Teacher Trainings
I rarely promote other programs in my newsletter. But as more people ask where to receive deeper training in teaching mindfulness, I wanted to pass along two offerings I trust and respect, led by longtime colleagues. Each offers in-depth training and mentorship; one is hybrid, the other is online only.
Mindfulness Training Institute: Hybrid, Year-long Professional Training
with Mark Coleman and Martin Aylward
The Mindfulness Training Institute offers a rare hybrid training that includes in-person retreats and online mentorship. Co-led by Dharma teachers Mark Coleman and Martin Aylward, the program blends deep personal practice with professional-level training. You’ll learn to teach mindfulness with clarity and confidence through MTI’s carefully designed curriculum.
Mindfulness Exercises: Self-Paced Professional Training
with Sean Fargo
Mindfulness Exercises, led by Sean Fargo, offers a flexible, self-paced internationally accredited certification in mindfulness teaching. This trauma-sensitive, evidence-based program includes lifetime access, one-on-one mentorship, and a curriculum trusted by thousands of teachers worldwide. Endorsed by leaders like Gabor Maté and Chris Germer, it’s a supportive and thorough path to becoming a certified teacher.
Note: These are affiliate links, which means I receive a small commission if you choose to enroll. I only recommend programs I trust.
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