Parenting as the Path

Instructor(s): Cara Lai, Ofosu Jones-Quartey, Jessica Morey

Program Description:

**This program began on 9/8, but registration is open for late participants until Friday, 9/22 at 4:30 PM ET. An automated email with recordings of the first two meetings will be shared upon completing registration.**

We may have the idea, perhaps based on our own experience or the experience of others, that the responsibilities of parenthood are an obstacle to deep practice. The lack of sustained sleep, the constant attention to others, the challenge of maintaining physical order that often accompanies family life, and the obstacles to going on retreat when there are such great needs at home all might lead one to feel that being a parent is a hindrance to deepening one’s practice. This program, taught by three parents, will explore and celebrate the many ways that being a parent has the potential to be a path to awakening. We will gather inspiration through sharing stories; we will practice, reflect, and play together; and we will remember the wisdom of parents walking the path before us.

In an effort to make this program accessible for the busy lives of parents, participants are encouraged to attend as many sessions as they are able; it is ok to miss a couple of sessions if need be. Any work outside of the program will be optional.

Watch an invitation by Ofosu on YouTube.

About the Instructor(s):
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  Cara Lai

  Cara Lai spent most of her life trying to figure out how to be happy, or at least avoid total misery, which landed her on a cushion for the majority of her adulthood. Throughout many consciousness adventures including a few mind-bendingly long meditation retreats, she has explored the wilderness of the mind, chronic illness, the importance of pleasure, and lots of other things that sound too risqué to mention here. In the past, Cara has worked as an artist, wilderness guide, social worker, and psychotherapist, but at this point, she’s given up on being an adult in exchange for an all-out mindfulness rampage. Her teaching is relatable, authentic, funny, sometimes crass, and accessible to many people. She teaches adults and teens in various contexts, including Spirit Rock Meditation Center, Insight Meditation Society, and Ten Percent Happier, ultimately hoping to get woke enough to bend spoons with her mind in front of large audiences. And to help people be happier.

• 

  Ofosu Jones-Quartey

  Ofosu Jones-Quartey is a meditation teacher, rapper, performing under the name “Born I” and an author. Ofosu was introduced to meditation by his mother when he was very young and has been teaching mindfulness and meditation since 2004. In 2022,  Ofosu released a children’s book, “Love Your Amazing Self,” a collection of lyrical meditations for young people and families via Storey Publishing. Ofosu’s work emphasizes the importance of self-compassion and mindfulness in daily life. He enjoys using creativity through music, soundbath, and guided meditation to help people learn to be more present, reduce stress and feel at ease.

• 

  Jessica Morey

  Jessica Morey is a meditation teacher and coach. She has been practicing meditation for three decades. She began her practice on teen retreats at the Insight Meditation Society (IMS) and graduated from the IMS teacher training program in 2021. She brings a sense of playfulness and care to her teaching and is focused on how we can bring our meditation practice off the cushion into our relationships and our work. Jess studied engineering and worked in clean energy finance before founding Inward Bound Mindfulness Education (iBme).