Introduction to Mindfulness
with Venerable Katy Cole
Fridays, Jan 3, 10, 17, 24 & 31, 7–8:30pm EST
ONLINE
The “Introduction to Mindfulness” course is a gentle and practical gateway into mindfulness meditation, guiding participants to cultivate present-moment awareness and reduce stress. Through a combination of guided meditations, discussions, and hands-on exercises, this course provides a comprehensive approach to learning mindfulness.
In this course, you’ll cover the basics of mindfulness meditation, explore ways to incorporate mindfulness into daily life, and learn practical techniques for managing stress and anxiety. Additionally, strategies for improving focus and concentration will be taught, equipping you with tools to handle the demands of modern life more effectively.
Mindfulness meditation offers an array of benefits for mental health. By becoming more aware of thoughts and feelings, you can manage stress and anxiety with greater ease, while regular practice can enhance focus, concentration, and productivity. Mindfulness also helps regulate emotions, increase self-awareness, and challenge negative thought patterns, encouraging a more positive mindset.
Physical health benefits include reduced blood pressure, improved sleep quality, and better management of chronic pain through an emphasis on the present moment. Some studies also suggest mindfulness may help strengthen the immune system, adding a layer of resilience to physical well-being.
Beyond mental and physical health, mindfulness promotes empathy, compassion, creativity, and improved relationships. A calm mind opens up new possibilities for creative expression, strengthens interpersonal bonds, and fosters a greater sense of connection with others.
No prior experience is needed, and everyone is welcome. Join us for a journey into self-discovery and inner peace, and experience the transformative power of mindfulness in your life.
Important Note
This is an online-only event that is administered using Zoom.
After registering, the system automatically sends a confirmation and/or a receipt email that contains the Zoom meeting link and/or other instructions. If you don’t immediately receive the system email(s) or you have any other questions, please contact us at registration@shantidevanyc.org.
*Zoom is an interactive video-conferencing tool that allows participants to see one another and ask questions. You will need a computer, a tablet or a smartphone with the Zoom application to attend. If you are using Zoom for the first time, please login earlier to allow any necessary installations on your device.
Registration / Schedule
Suggested: $20 per session
Other offering options: free, $5, $10, $30
The suggested amount helps support teacher offerings and expenses, direct costs and rent. Shantideva member benefits will apply automatically if you have a membership in MindBody.
Shantideva Center may publish recorded sessions in the public domain (e.g., on YouTube). By registering for this event, you are agreeing to give your consent to this process. To protect your privacy, we recommend being conscious about any personal information you share during the sessions. To further enhance anonymity, you may want to consider turning off video or naming yourself using abbreviations.
Time zone: US Eastern Standard Time (GMT/UTC-5)
For questions regarding registration, please email registration@shantidevanyc.org for assistance.
Additional Materials
Stages of Meditation (PDF)
Recording
Available soon.
Dana for the Teacher
About the Teacher
Originally from Perth, Western Australia, Katy Cole (Tenzin Zomkyi) has been a Buddhist nun for over 18 years. She was ordained with His Holiness the Dalai Lama in Dharamsala in 2004.
Since 2003, Katy has served in a variety of positions within Lama Zopa Rinpoche’s FPMT: as Liberation Prison Project’s spiritual program coordinator, chaplain coordinator, and on the project’s US Board of Directors; and at one of Lama Zopa Rinpoche’s residences in Aptos, CA, Kachoe Dechen Ling, helping with the numerous extensive offerings completed there every day. In 2008 she did a one-year retreat at FPMT’s De-Tong Ling Retreat center on the western side of Kangaroo Island, just off the coast of South Australia.
Since 2013, and until the pandemic, Katy visited Lawudo Gompa annually for retreat, study, and to help Rinpoche’s sister with offerings in Rinpoche’s cave and main gompa, helping the tourists who come to stay, and baby cow care.
Prior to meeting her teachers, Katy studied Vipassana meditation with practitioners from Myanmar.
Katy has a BA Hons in Theatre Arts from Dartington College of Arts, U.K., a BA Hons in Psychology from Murdoch University, W.A, and a MA in clinical psychology from the University of Western Australia. She worked as a psychologist prior to moving to California to work for Liberation Prison Project.
Katy is currently living north of San Francisco, leading meditations and pujas online over Zoom, studying, and engaging in Nyung Nay retreat.
