Course

Living Dharma: Working With Difficult Emotions

with Michael Grady

5 Tuesdays: September 19, 26, October 3, 10, and 17; 7-8:15pm ET

via Zoom

What makes difficult emotions so difficult?

Within the framework of Insight practice and inquiry, we will explore this question and the very real potential for transforming our relationship to specific emotions that can generate so much suffering when we attach to or identify with them.

By understanding and practicing Wise Effort and Wise Mindfulness when emotions such as fear, anxiety, self-judgement, anger, or shame arise, we can discover greater ease and inner freedom.

We will examine ways to cultivate a more skillful, compassionate attitude towards difficult emotions, while abandoning unskillful habitual patterns of relating to these challenging emotions.

The format of this class includes sitting meditation, short dharma talks and ample time for sharing. Each week we will have a take home practice related to applying the practice when difficult emotions arise in our everyday life.

Suggested donation: $50-110 registration + teacher donation (we encourage you to consider giving teacher dana equal to or greater than what you gave for registration)*

Michael Grady began practicing Insight Meditation with Joseph Goldstein and Sharon Salzberg in 1974 when they first returned from Asia. He has also been a student of the late Chan master Sheng Yen who taught the practice of Silent Illumination - a practice which emphasizes relaxing the body and mind while practicing awareness without expectations or an agenda. Michael is a Core teacher at IMS in Barre, MA and was a Guiding Teacher at the Cambridge Insight Meditation Center for more than 20 years. Michael moved to Western Mass several years ago and is currently on the Teacher Council of IWM. Having taught extensively in both intensive retreats and in an urban dharma center, Michael encourages an attitude towards practice which is wholistic - that all of life is viewed as an opportunity for awakening to freedom. 

*In keeping with the Buddhist tradition of dana (generosity), the suggested registration amounts for our classes and retreats do not include any payment for the teacher. The teachers are paid entirely out of the students' generosity. Please consider giving a donation to the teacher in order to support their ability to continue to share the dharma. We encourage you to consider teacher dana equal to or greater than the amount you gave for registration. You may give a donation at the time of registration and/or give later donations through our teacher dana link or in-person at the course/retreat. Everyone is welcome to all of our offerings regardless of ability to donate.

You can give online or send checks to Insight Western Mass, 116 Pleasant Street, Suite 242, Easthampton, MA 01027. FYI: we check for mail once per week.

Zoom Link
Password: 242. 

Dial in by phone for audio only: Call (646) 558-8656. Meeting ID: 943 156 1684. Password: 242