Awakening Joy

05/23/2026

05/12/2026

Starting next week! Join me for this self-paced course to cultivate equanimity in daily life. 🌿

https://courses.spiritrock.org/sp/equanimity-finding-balance-in-difficult-times-jb1c26/?fbclid=IwY2xjawRwURBleHRuA2FlbQIxMABicmlkETFjdlg5RHg3cDA3N203SVF6c3J0YwZhcHBfaWQQMjIyMDM5MTc4ODIwMDg5MgABHiXRBHkLZgjTtP9kOhz-I36t5rd28fR_1wAXcv-FfcaciNXCwBnvINBNA0yh_aem_YmBFMt7Tj2oMq_Oa_PAq2Q

Do you seek more steadiness and perspective in your meditation practice and your life? Join Spirit Rock founding teacher James Baraz for "Equanimity: Cultivating Emotional Balance, Resilience, and Well-Being in Difficult Times"--a self-paced online course with 2 LIVE sessions on May 20 & Jun 3. Learn more & register: go.spiritrock.org/balance2026

05/12/2026

In a culture that often confuses strength with hardness, men are being invited into a new kind of power — one rooted in awareness, courage, and heart.

This three-hour experiential workshop explores three core guideposts from the new book Strength with Heart.

Through embodied practice, reflective dialogue, and grounded teaching, participants will discover what real courage feels like in the body and cultivate the stability of true center. Led by James Baraz, Keith Martin-Smith (Zen teacher and martial artist), and Daniel Ellenberg (psychologist, men's group leader, and former head of the 's Division on Men and Masculinities).

Sunday, June 7 | 10 AM – 1 PM Pacific
Online via Spirit Rock Meditation Center

Register here:
https://spirit-rock.secure.retreat.guru/program/strength-with-heart-cultivating-awareness-courage-and-connection-in-men-jb1h26/?lang=en

05/07/2026

How do we find steadiness and perspective amid so much uncertainty, fear, and sadness? This self-paced course with James Baraz explores the profound Buddhist quality of equanimity (upekkhā) — not just as a concept, but as a lived experience. Through guided meditations, dharma talks, movement practices, and reflective inquiry, you'll learn to access genuine balance in daily life.

On-Demand | Online via Spirit Rock Meditation Center
Live Zoom Q&A sessions with James on
May 20 & June 3, 6 – 7 PM

Register here: https://courses.spiritrock.org/sp/equanimity-finding-balance-in-difficult-times-jb1c26/

05/06/2026

"If you're facing in the right direction, in time you'll find what you are looking for."
– James Baraz

05/03/2026

Metta 🧡

03/26/2026

💗💛 Metta 💛💗

03/25/2026

4 Week Series with James Baraz & Kate Munding
Live in Berkeley and online

Starts Wednesday, April 22, 6:30 PM to 8:30 PM

James Baraz and Kate Munding will offer a 4-week class series beginning Wednesday, April 22nd. Many people appreciate mindfulness and even practice it, but haven't been exposed to the rich Buddhist perspective of life that supports one's development both on and off the cushion. This series is for people who would like to establish a mindfulness practice rooted in classical Buddhist teachings.

Each class will explore an aspect of basic Buddhist philosophy and will include instructions, meditation, a talk and Q&A. We will share topics such as "The Four Noble Truths", "The Five Hindrances" and The Four Heart Practices" and how they can be applied to everyday life.

For more information and to register click here:
https://www.assayasangha.org/event-details/2339

03/16/2026

If you’re facing in the right direction, in time you’ll find what you are looking for.

03/13/2026

Wishing you a metta-licious weekend. 💛