Fridays, 5:30 - 6:30pm

We Can Heal the Past – The Healing Power of Meditation

This class is offered in person only

$10 per class, free for supporting members

All our struggles with mental health have their roots in the past. We feel ourselves trapped in unhappy states and behaviors, and in some cases traumatized and stuck there, due to situations now long gone.

Because we see the past as something that definitely happened—something locked in – we feel there is nothing we can do about it. Our various coping mechanisms such as distractions and compulsions, do not solve the underlying problems and sometimes make things worse, both for ourselves and those close to us.

According to Buddha, however, we can completely heal our past. The reasons for this are profound. The past is actually not a fixed thing. Like everything, it depends on our perception.

In this series we will apply Buddha’s powerful and liberating teachings on the nature of the mind and reality to change our experience of the past. These tried and tested methods are immensely empowering. By helping us let go of the mistaken states of mind that keep us trapped in the past, we can reassess our experience from the vantage point of our incredible potential. That which previously held us back becomes the springboard towards real inner growth and fulfillment.

Julie will explain these profound insights and guide us in applying them in meditation so that we can begin to experience their transformative impact for ourselves.

May 15: Meditation and Healing the Mind
May 22: The Mental "Health" Journey
May 29: How Meditation Gives Us the Freedom to Change
June 5: Transforming Past Pain into Fuel for Happiness

NEXT SERIES

How the Mind Creates our World

"All phenomena that appear to my mind are the nature of my mind. My mind is the nature of emptiness."
Geshe Kelsang Gyatso, Modern Buddhism

In this class, we will explore the Buddhist understanding of the mind and the liberating idea of emptiness — not as nothingness, but as freedom from fixed identity and limitation.
So often we feel trapped in habitual ways of thinking: anxious, insecure, overwhelmed, or unable to change. We may believe, “This is just who I am.” Buddhist wisdom teaches something radically hopeful — that the mind is not fixed or solid. Its true nature is open, spacious, and full of possibility.

Through guided meditation, reflection, and practical teachings from the Kadampa Buddhist tradition, we will begin to explore how our experience of the world is shaped by the mind, and how understanding this can help us let go of limiting patterns and emotional suffering.

As we become familiar with the mind’s deeper nature, we discover greater freedom, compassion, clarity, and inner peace. Rather than feeling stuck inside old stories or habits, we begin to connect with the possibility of transformation and lasting happiness.

Open to everyone, this class offers a warm and accessible introduction to meditation and Buddha's teachings, with practical tools for everyday life.

June 12: The Nature of the Mind and Emptiness.
June 19: The Interdependence of Mind and its Objects
June 26: How the Mind’s Emptiness is our Buddha Nature
July 3: Change Your Perception
July 10: The Dream-like Nature of Everything

DETAILS

Our general program classes include Dharma teachings along with guided meditations
Each class is self-contained and is also presented as part of a series. Drop into any class you like
These classes are suitable for both beginners and more advanced meditation practitioners
No special clothing is required
Everyone welcome!
Read our terms and conditions
Headphones are available for those who are hard of hearing. Please contact [email protected] to reserve a pair