Training for Meditation Instructors: Weekend Three (In Person and Online)

Hosted by Shambhala Online

Prerequisites: Weekend Three is for authorized Meditation Instructors and those being mentored into the role only. 

Please join us at the Albuquerque Shambhala Center for 3 weekend trainings for Meditation Instructors and those interested in developing a Meditation Instructors. The weekends are being offered through Shambhala Online, but we will be participating in as a group in person at the Albuquerque Shambhala Center. If you are interested in joining us in person please contact Leslie Bailly.

Weekend Three is the last of a series of 3 weekend trainings that are designed as continuing education for already authorized Meditation Instructors, as well as meditation practitioners who are interested in developing as Meditation Instructors. Each weekend is designed to support those interested in sharing the practice of meditation with others to cultivate the understanding and skills to assist others along their meditation path. 

Weekend Three includes a Saturday overview of mental health, meditation, and the role of the Meditation Instructor tailored for people who are not mental health experts. Presenters will address the following topics: 

• An overview of therapeutic modalities in contrast to meditation 
• The role of meditation 
• When to refer patients for mental health support

Sunday will focus on investigating the personal journey of a Meditation Instructor framed in terms of the four dignities of meek, perky, outrageous, and inscrutable. Topics that will be addressed are:

• Modesty, while at the same time the development of confidence
• Maintaining lungta and offering that to our local communities
• Community building across the Meditation Instructor community—how can we help and support each other and mentor new MIs

NOTE: This course is being offered through Shambhala Online. In order for Shambhala Albuquerque to receive a portion of the course price, please select "Albuquerque" as your center upon registration and use the course code: 2024CONTINUING50. If you have any questions about how to register or should you run into any issues, please contact Eric Zechman.

About the Teachers:

Janet Solyntjes has been a member of the Shambhala community since 1984 and began directing Shambhala Training levels in 1993. She has led dathuns as well as co-directed Warrior Assembly and Enlightened Society Assembly. Janet has served as a meditation teacher on the faculty of Naropa University, Center for Mindfulness, Engaged Mindfulness Institute, and Mindful Leader. Janet and her husband, Jeff Price, are co-founders of the Boulder-based Center for Courageous Living.

Elaine Yuen is an educator, chaplain and researcher. She has been a student and teacher in the Shambhala community since the early 1970’s. Between 2012 and 2020 she was a professor at Naropa University where she taught courses on pastoral caregiving (chaplaincy), contemplative education and Buddhist studies. Elaine is deeply interested in how we shape our social interactions with caring and authentic presence. She teaches nationally and internationally, continuing to explore the interfaces between Buddhism, meditation, creativity, and contemplative care-giving. Her website on Contemplative Chaplaincy can be found at elaineyuen.com.