TESTIMONIALS
Students and private mentoring clients share their experiences.
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This program showed me a new way to live--a much more full experience in my everyday experiences. I learned to meditate in new ways, opening myself to healing compassion I did not know (or want to admit) I truly needed. Stan was such a phenomenal teacher--he gave wonderful classes and was available for make-up classes as needed. He went above and beyond anything I could have imagined. This course truly changed my life.
~Samantha, on Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction
I came into this course a nervous wreck, had a depressive episode four months prior, and full of self-doubt and imposter syndrome. But with Stan's guidance and kindness, I am now confident, happy and serene. I've had a good performance review, mended relations with people, and through the deepest longing meditation found a new direction in life. I am completely changed, and I'm very thankful.
~Jeremy, on Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction
Before attending this MBSR class, I had relatively little prior experience with meditation. The course definitely helped me gain insight into causes of stress and practical ways to address it. But the benefits of the course were much broader. There was a significant benefit from attending classes and participating in the class discussions. The class was very open and non-judgmental, with no pressure to share beyond what was comfortable. Also, the CDs that Stan made available for home use provide several different types of guided meditation which are all easy to follow. I had to miss one class but Stan was very accommodating in emailing material that was covered in the class that I missed. Since completing this MBSR course, I have continued with regular meditation (and basic yoga) practice. I highly recommend both this course and Stan as a teacher.
~Terry, on Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction
The beauty of this course is every bit due to the skill and talent of the teacher, Stan, as it is the profoundly rich materials and practices. With compassion, humor and humility, Stan guides students through the carefully constructed mindfulness practices that have the potential to bring powerful changes into our daily lives. I wanted to return to meditation but had no idea of how much more deeply this practice of mindful meditation could go. It opens up the connection between mind and body, not on an intellectual level, but through true physical awareness of sensations and their connections to feelings and thoughts. Through that awareness I finally understood how shifts in beliefs and behavior are truly possible. What a gift to yourself and others to carry into each day of your life that can make for more peaceful, sane responses to stresses and kindness to yourself and others. Stan creates an emotionally safe community for that to unfold.
~Delsi, on Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction
This course showed me how to put mindfulness into action in my life. The many class exercises and experiences helped me to become aware of body sensations and underlying thoughts associated with feelings and reactions to stressors. I learned how to be kind to myself through self-kindness meditation. Many different meditation experiences were provided. This class was full of information and rich experiences that enable one to keep coming back to the present moment. Thank you, Stan.
~Karen, on Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction
I highly recommend this class for anyone interested in a richer, more positive, life experience. Stan is a fantastic teacher, has tremendous compassion, understanding, knowledge, and a great guided meditation voice. He also clearly connects what we are learning and practicing to our daily lives. I took this class because I wanted to make meditation a more regular practice in my life and was just not doing it. So my only expectation was that this class might help me meditate (I didn’t even know it was focused on mindfulness). It turned out to be so much more, and tremendously more helpful for general life skills than I was anticipating. It gave me skills to help me stay more centered in irritable situations, and compassion for myself and others that makes life so much enjoyable! It also helped with a more positive and realistic concept of myself. I feel more resilient in the face of the everyday ups and downs of life.
~Meghan, on Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction
This course helped strengthen and deepen my meditation practice. We learned to become familiar with the physical symptoms of our emotional states and watch thoughts float by like leaves on a stream. In a life characterized by inevitable stress, pain, confusion, and chaos, the MBSR class really teaches you to surf the waves rather than fight against the current. The more you put into it, the more you get out of it. In my case, I have noticed a giant transformation from how I dealt with stress, anxiety, and sadness before and after the course. This is easily the best money and time I've ever spent for anything in my life. The material and structure of the course by itself is amazing. In my opinion, however, it wouldn't have been nearly as great if it weren't for the man in the front of the room, Stan. He is an extremely talented teacher and role model.
~Charlie, on Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction
For as long as 8 weeks sounds, the class breezed by in a flash. I miss it and the gang dearly, which is an indication of how much I appreciated this class. Given my struggles with chronic, intense physical pain + fatigue + anxiety/depression along with everything that comes with that baggage, the strategies or tools/techniques we learned have helped me greatly. For the first time since I was diagnosed with this TN, I am learning to "be with it" as opposed to just seeking to be "fixed" or pretending it away or busying my mind as opposed to learning to deal, live and find some peace. Still have a very long way to go, but def see life through a completely new lens now. I continue to meditate daily, in fact, some days Ill do multiple depending on the severity of the TN episodes. Have not gotten the entire meditation without guidance down, but working on it. Thank you Stan for your guidance and introducing me to meditation and mindfulness.
~Albee, on Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction
Going in, I had no real expectations, but by the end of the course, I found my way of responding to my pain and disability had changed dramatically. And I was feeling better for it—physically, emotionally, and spiritually. For months, I was totally caught up in a cycle of feeling worthless, angry, and blaming my body for having failed me, but MBSR showed me how to reframe my thoughts and see life through a different lens. Even at my worst—when I wasn’t able to run around the playground with my girls anymore—I realized I could still read to them or wipe away a tear. I’m grateful for everything I have and can do right now.
~Jean, on Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction
The 8-week MBSR course with Stan Eisenstein of IMCW was life changing. No hyperbole. By practicing the meditation techniques, I have overcome a thinking pattern that has impacted my entire adult life. (I am 71.) Of course I plan to continue with my practice. If I can achieve that in 8 weeks, what awaits in years to come?
~Dierdre, on Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction
Even though I have been practicing Mindfulness for over 20 years, I came away from each MBSR practice with new insights. Stan's teaching style was clear and he was able to guide me into deep practices for personal transformation. I was concerned that a structured program like MBSR would not be organic but Stan put his own brilliant stamp on this program and I enjoyed each session and each practice.
~Leyla, on Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction
Before this class, I would call a business, etc. and say “I have a question” and would feel anxious. Since taking this class I don’t say that anymore and I feel calmer talking on the phone. I also have checked my heart rhythm with a stethoscope before and after a formal meditation and found I have less irregular heart beats after formal meditation. I want to keep practicing meditation!
~Laurie, on Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction
Stan's class provided some much needed focus for my life. Not only do I feel better prepared to deal with the day-to-day stresses of my life, but I also feel that I have a better understanding of how I want to live my life, of what really matters to me. It has truly been life-changing!
~Virginia, on Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction
Stan's explanations of different mindfulness concepts was very helpful to me and I had many "ah hah!" moments as a result. His stories about his own experiences as well as other stories he told helped me understand many of the concepts.
~Liz, on Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction
The course reinforced many principles that I have learned from yoga and the book "Buddha's Brain" including to pause, to stay in the moment, and to have compassion for myself and others. I began to appreciate and notice the felt sense of a stress reaction and the difference between what it feels like to be happy versus to feel stressed. I am now better able to identify why a stressful situation feels like a threat to me. I also noticed that when I feel threatened, I feel ungrounded. By pausing and regaining my grounding, I am better able to defend myself and be heard in a calm and effective way.
~Marlyn, on Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction
This course was just what I needed to help with my crazy, busy lifestyle. Stan's teaching style is very kind and compassionate and taught me how to be more compassionate with myself. Best of all, I've been feeling less on edge and sleeping so peacefully!
~Cecilia, on Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction
The course has greatly helped me in developing a meditation practice and apply mindfulness in daily life. The calmness and equanimity I experienced during the course has strengthened my motivation and commitment to meditation.
~Rob, on Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction
Stan is an excellent meditation teacher. I have learned other methods of meditation in the past and have taken many classes on yoga, cultivating awareness in different modalities and mindfulness over the years, as well teaching some of this myself. So as both a student and a teacher I was impressed by his ability to hold space for a large class of people with very different experiences. There were concepts that made sense to me for the first time ever with Stan's teaching. He is clearly an experienced teacher and meditator, but wears that experience lightly to connect with his students as a person on the same journey.
~Diane, on Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction
Stan is a very thoughtful and encouraging teacher. I came to the class with a certain amount of skepticism about how powerful MBSR might be, but this class has proven to me that mindfulness holds the key for bringing some peace back to my daily life. Many practical suggestions and daily models.
~Maria, on Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction
Stan went above and beyond my expectations by sending weekly encouragement and reminders. I especially appreciated the email with the course materials I missed due to an important prior engagement.
~Christina, on Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction
This course has helped me to slow down and be more intentional in my daily life, which gives me focus and my life more meaning. I found the course extraordinary and am eager to have at my fingertips ways to better approach stress and unease. I cannot speak more highly of Stan and his ability to convey information in a succinct and enticing manner. He has helped to reshape my response to stress by using techniques that invite curiosity and kindness.
~Rebecca, on Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction
Course organization, delivery, and content were among the best I’ve taken to effect behavioral change. The exercises, meditations, and homework addressed many of the challenges I have with chronic pain in the way I perceive, feel, and communicate with myself and others. Stan’s teaching was tops. His focus on intent, self-kindness, and self-compassion enabled me to explore my thoughts and feelings without falling down the rabbit hole of self-condemnation and hopelessness. I smiled a few days last week for no reason. I know that I smiled a lot, and that others noticed. Even this weekend, when I experienced a high level of pain, I could still turn up the corners of my mouth and smile.
~Janice, on Inviting Chronic Pain and Illness to Tea
The course was comprehensive, methodical and clear. Each step of the training built upon what had come before. Stan is a gifted teacher who hears his students deeply and helps the group bond. The guided meditations were particularly helpful, as were the supporting written materials. But most importantly the course has heart. Stan was in the moment flexible with what was working or not working with the group, adjusting and adapting as needed. In our interviews, he asked skillful questions to evoke perspectives and discussion when I was stuck in knowing what I wanted to talk about. The email daily gratitude practice, which our group continued, was rich and became the most important part of the course for me. Of course it would not have worked so well without everything else. I really appreciated Stan recording the two sessions I was not able to attend. It made a big difference not missing that material.
~Beth, on Inviting Chronic Pain and Illness to Tea
My level of awareness has changed for the better. I am not my pain. I have “un-learned” it. Pain is part of life--suffering with the pain is optional....The wealth and “breath” of resources that were called upon--like poetry, meditation, talks, guests. Phenomenal....I say yes to life. I am in awe of our group and especially the work that was put in to keep it ongoing. Thank you, thank you for your devotion.
~Linnea, on Inviting Chronic Pain and Illness to Tea
This course has been life changing for me. After many years of living with pain and illness, I had become an often negative, irritable and complaining person. It was as if there were a dark cloud over me a lot of the time. Though I knew better, I was pretty angry at life. Now I am not. I feel as if the windows and curtains have been thrown open and sunlight is flooding the room. Over the years I had gotten help in the form of excellent physical therapy, chiropractic, and Tui Na, and it was helpful to study and practice Chi Qung. But then I had had to go home and live with my pain and illness. I was seeking something more--teachings I could internalize that would help me learn how to cope better in my daily life with the ongoing experiences of physical distress and the attendant negative effects on my emotional life--and by the way, on the people around me.
Well, I found that help in spades with Inviting Chronic Pain and Illness to Tea. I have learned so many new ways to relate to my very real challenges, with acceptance, with perspective, with self-compassion, with an understanding of the effects of negative thoughts on my body, and of needing things to be a certain way. There is so much more but that gives a flavor of it I hope. I can't express how strongly I would recommend this course to anyone suffering with the effects of chronic pain and illness. Stan and Ruth are wonderful inspired and inspiring teachers and there are so many helpful tools in the course, including many profoundly helpful guided meditations.
An added bonus, I found, is that through the course I've learned so much about practicing mindfulness as a way of life. Though I had studied mindfulness before, being mindfully focused on something so personally important as pain and illness was powerfully motivating. It gave particular meaning to each mindful practice and made the practices come fully alive.
A final note. I'm glad that during the course, my pain, though present, was under relatively good control. I think that helped me really feel the effects of the course, especially in my body. My pain level went way down. It turns out that now, in the last couple of weeks, I'm in an episode of extreme, almost constant pain. I have severe scoliosis, am now 80 years old, and because of deconditioning and a consequent loss of core strength, there has been a shift in my bony structure causing body distortion, muscle tightness and spasms.. Without having taken this course I would probably have been pulled into a depression, but, though I'm suffering, I am not depressed. When I am feeling the most pain, I am not always doing too well with using all the tools I've learned. I've tried but it can be too intense and I can't always even focus on guided meditations. I've tended to seek distraction, like endless movies, instead. But my attitude is different, and once, hopefully, things ease up, I know the tools are there. If not, I hope I have enough experience now to know how to get back to them.
~Lucy, on Inviting Chronic Pain and Illness to Tea
My main intent in signing up for workshop was to learn techniques for minimizing the emotional impact of chronic pain, particularly in relation to my tendency to be self-critical about causing or adding to pain. The course not only met my expectations but exceeded them....[The main takeaways of course were] becoming more aware and appreciative of the parts of the body that are not in pain, as well as those that are; becoming more aware of judgement and emotion relative to pain and providing kindness and compassion when they occurs; becoming more aware of role emotions play in my pain, particularly with help of emotions chart; gaining wider perspective on pain thru spaciousness and tonglen exercises and meditations; finding how important gratitude is in providing perspective on judgement and suffering; being reminded of the importance of regularly "pausing" before acting; [and] finding tools to deal with self critical thinking, particularly thru self talk, use of kind and true criteria, and resolving to let go as much as possible....Stan and Ruth were tremendously sensitive to my needs.
Thank you for offering this program! I was fortunate enough to take this program soon after I began treatment for cancer. The information, guidance, practice and support offered through this program and by the instructors was so very helpful and valuable at this time. I highly recommend the program for those struggling with chronic pain or illness. It has given me new perspective and ways to relate to my illness and life, a wealth of resources and deepened my meditation practice. I feel the experiences and resources offered through this program will guide and help me through whatever challenges life may present. What a gift!...Ruth and Stan are amazing! They are knowledgeable, organized, articulate, patient, kind, encouraging, inspiring and motivating.
~Melanie, on Inviting Chronic Pain and Illness to Tea
A life changer! I have gained a new perspective on how to be ok with the disease instead of wanting it to go away....The safe space created, a sense of community for healing and growing. Being in the body instead of resisting it. t was very well designed. Stan and Ruth, the guest speakers. There is so much I got from this course.
~Luciana, on Inviting Chronic Pain and Illness to Tea
This course has been awesome. I am so grateful to Ruth and Stan for all the time they have put into it. The handouts and meditations have been so helpful. I feel certain I will be studying the handouts and using the meditations for many weeks in the near future. I truly appreciate all the extra evenings, guest speakers, and emails as well. And I do appreciate that adding the extra evenings has required effort above and beyond what is normally provided in such a course. I would highly recommend this program to anyone experiencing chronic pain and/or illness.
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The meditations are awesome and I need to continue these daily. I think the gratitude practice is quite important and I know I need to develop that into a daily routine. Helping us get to know others in the group was so helpful and I do appreciate the break-out rooms discussions. The sharing of emails with a smaller half group enabled us to get to know others much better and appreciate the struggles and insights of the other members of the group and experience their caring for one another.. The extra meetings each week were such a gift and I do appreciate the extended time helped us to make the meditations more of a habit than if we just experienced the teachings of the course for 8 or 9 weeks. Both Stan and Ruth are so supportive and I am so impressed with how they were able to address people’s needs and concerns.
~Kathie, on Inviting Chronic Pain and Illness to Tea
The course gave me many tools to lessen the burden of, and my identification with my pain and chronic illness. The sense of community it fostered was an unexpected bonus. Many thanks! The 17 weeks, alternating class with practice session was really beneficial in allowing me to fully grasp material of one class over two weeks. The small groups fostered a sense of community which was great. Stan and Ruth, both good teachers with a lot compassionate and patience, they balanced each other well.
~Mary Ellen, on Inviting Chronic Pain and Illness to Tea
I'm not ready for the 17 weeks to end. The invaluable mindfulness tools and resources we were given, the caring community we built (teachers and classmates included), and the boundless hope that was generated lightened my experience with daily chronic pain and illness. For those and many other reasons, this program was extremely helpful....Thank you. Thank you, thank you, thank you, Stan and Ruth, for this program. The course is fantastic, and so are you. Your strengths and skills as teachers complement each other beautifully. It's evident that you poured your hearts and souls into the creation of the materials and teaching of each unit. You gave students tools and hope to carry forward individually and collectively. You helped us make our bodies a better place to come home to. Please keep offering and teaching this program. People who are experiencing chronic pain and illness need this course and you.
~Brenda, on Inviting Chronic Pain and Illness to Tea
I have become more sensitive to taking another person’s perspective and also to considering their possible intentions. I have noticed that after meditating I am more calm and even-keeled, positive, strong, optimistic. I feel like I ruminate far less than before on emotionally-laden events.
~Arlene, on Deepening Practice
One of the things I take away is the cultivation of space to feel and connect to my body through difficult emotions and uncertainty. I feel like I have gained access to a core, central voice of wisdom that is just waiting for me to access at any moment.
~Raisa, on Deepening Practice​
Going in I had no real expectations. But by the end of the course, I found my way of responding to my pain and disability had changed dramatically. And I was feeling better for it--physically, emotionally, and spiritually.
~Jean, on Deepening Practice​
I was reminded of RAIN, a tool that I think is quite useful. I was able to introduce my partner to meditation in the applied context of some challenging relationship issues we're dealing with. In many ways, this day was more helpful than the couples therapy we've been doing. The difficult conversation practice gave us an opportunity to communicate the journey we'd each been on that day in relation to a recent painful event. I clarified my desires in this relationship and was able to communicate those.
~Workshop Participant, on Mindful Relationships
I know a lot of the things I need to work on, but it is difficult to face those issues. I found the exercises and strategies presented at the workshop to be very powerful because each of them helped me get to the core, or the essence of what I would like to achieve. Each exercise and strategy had a purpose and was interconnected. I definitely walked away feeling more accomplished and positive.
~Workshop Participant, on Mindful Relationships​
Stan's Inquiry course was phenomenal. The choice of topics as well as the talks, meditations, handouts and suggested at-home practices were engaging and incredibly helpful. Stan has a way of explaining some rather "unexplainable" topics, clearly. He is compassionate and insightful. The class ran smoothly--the pacing, in terms of talks, meditation time, experiential exercises, and Q&A was perfect. The class also ran smoothly from a technological point of view. Stan is extremely generous with his time and with his materials. All materials were, and still are, easily accessible online. Cathy's assistance added another positive dimension to the class. It was helpful to watch her and Stan demonstrate some of the experiential exercises. If you are looking for a class that will provide an opportunity for tremendous growth in both your life and in your meditation practice in a well-run, safe space, I highly recommend Stan's Inquiry class.
~Maryellen, on Inquiry
Stan is a skilled teacher with a deep grounding in meditation who presents carefully structured, impactful learning experiences.
~Student, on Inquiry
I went into the Inquiry class with an open mind. I came out of the class with a different perspective on awareness and how I can relate to what is taking place on a moment-to-moment basis. The class also helped deepen my awareness of what was going on with me internally, and introduced the insight that peace can only be found within.
~Clay, on Inquiry
I have learned new things about myself and my patterns of thought, emotion and behavior. The reparenting exercises and self-kindness were valuable in facilitating healing.
~Anne, on Inquiry
I highly recommend this Inquiry course led by Stan where he offers invaluable tools and shares lots of wisdom on how his students can access the deeper aspects of themselves. Stan is a caring and knowledgeable teacher, a loving presence who holds the space for his groups in a way that everyone feels safe to be vulnerable.
~Luciana, on Inquiry
~Luciana, on Telesangha
When I joined Stan’s morning Telesangha I was looking for structure and accountability. A way of creating a condition that would ensure I sat in formal mindfulness sitting practice daily. I believed that a regular daily practice would give my spiritual path a strong foundation and help bring about well-being in my life.
Telesangha gifted me with consistency, structure, a community of good, smart people and an ongoing relationship with an excellent teacher. In the service of healing and understanding this imperfect and impermanent life Stan guides us each weekday to look deeply into our heart and mind. Practice is filled with care, curiosity, clarity and loving kindness.
A good teacher is important and Stan is certainly a very good teacher. A good community is also important and the members of Telesangha (sangha, a Pali and Sanskript word meaning community) joining over the phone, in morning practice, is a main ingredient to the success of my practice.
I have learned much from participating; both from Stan and the group.
Thich Nhat Hahn explains it with a metaphor. Your desire to learn and grow are like seeds. Your sangha, including your teacher, is the soil. No matter how vigorous the seed is, if the soil does not provide nourishment, your seed will die. A good, stable, nourishing sangha is crucial for the growth of mindfulness practice.
~Jeanne, on Telesangha
Telesangha has been an amazing gift in my life for almost four years now, and I am so grateful to be part of this group. It's enabled me to have a daily meditation practice and experience all of the benefits that brings. But more than that, it's given me a community that I meditate with every morning, that I get to know through our weekly discussions, that is made up of people who provide each other with care and lovingkindness. Stan is a tremendous and deeply kind guide who encourages self-compassion, helps us build our capacity for mindfulness, and holds space when we speak about our growth and development and our struggles. Having Stan greet me personally and guide meditation each morning fills me with a sense of connection and centers me at the start of the day. I could not recommend Telesangha more highly.
~Cathy, on Telesangha
Stan's Telesangha practice is the highlight of my day. Through daily structured meditation practice and a variety of guided meditations--such as lovingkindness, embodiment and cultivating mindfulness--our Telesangha Community is encouraged to live in the present moment without judgment and find an inner calm in the the midst of our ever changing, sometimes difficult lives. No matter how bad I feel or how much physical pain I am experiencing, I always leave feeling uplifted, hopeful and strengthened by the practice. The group enables me to experience and receive the loving and supportive energy of the members, and Stan has a unique gift of making everyone in the group feel welcome and important. He is a kind and compassionate leader and he has a genuine interest in the healing and growth of each individual in the group. I love this Telesangha and the group members and I am so very thankful for all the ways I have been supported in my healing work and in cultivating mindfulness and lovingkindness in my daily life.
~Rhonda, on Telesangha
I found Stan's Telesangha group when I was literally at a near crisis point in my life. The anxiety that I was experiencing related to my pending divorce was overwhelming and every day seemed a step nearer to imploding. I'd been raised a Christian but it seemed like I needed more tools than I'd had available to me at that point. I was very curious about meditation and put my last bits of energy into finding a group that would work for me. Stan's group filled that need! His calming voice and presence, his sense of humor and the perpetual relevance of the teachings he presented and that we explored as a group, helped me find more stable ground. I began to let go of things that were causing unnecessary stress in my life and with that my sense of inner peace and self acceptance began to grow. I still have many stresses in my life, but I'm much more grounded and in an emotional place that allows me to respond in a much healthier way to those stressors. I would not have come this far if it weren't for Stan's Telesangha and mindfulness meditation.
~Joylene, on Telesangha
During this season of separation and isolation caused by COVID joining Stan’s Telesangha has been a true blessing. Having practiced meditation for many years alone, I was immediately aware of how powerful it is to spend time with a group of like-minded people and how absolutely wonderful it is to start each day with a sense of community and belonging.
Stan, with his many years of practice, has developed a wise and intuitive knowing that allows him to choose meditations and practices that meet each member of our sangha just where we are. My practice has deepened 10-fold. For this I am grateful.
~Melanie, on Telesangha
I have been so very fortunate and grateful to have my phone ring M-F at 7:30 AM and be gently and skillfully guided by a most gifted meditation teacher--Stan. I have been with Teleshanga for over 3 years doing guided and unguided mindful meditation sessions but it is clear as day that the ones which Stan leads are by far my favorite. His calm voice, and deep understanding of the meditation process comes not only from his training and years as a teacher but from a place of personal knowing and self journeying. His genuine authenticity and compassion are omnipresent. Stan has created a loving community of folks on our Teleshanga group which truly embrace the meaning of Sangha which has been much appreciated during this challenging past year. So if you are looking to develop a more consistent meditation practice, come join us and let Stan help guide your way--a master teacher.
~Beryl, on Telesangha
I started meditating on my own several years ago and I became interested in joining a meditation group. I had trouble finding a group locally to join and decided to join Telesangha. It was a great decision because I immediately felt very welcome and supported. Stan has been a wonderful teacher. He is a knowledgeable and kind teacher whose guidance has been invaluable. Stan not only offers wisdom he also is able to connect with the students with empathy and compassion and asks for feedback from them. I highly recommend Stan as a meditation teacher.
~Maria, on Telesangha
It seemed an odd thing to me at first, this phone meditation thing. Over time I have found that quite apart from being a great, grounding way to start the day (even when I really want to run off and do stuff), it is it's own little community, and that in itself is helpful for me. And of course Stan is an excellent teacher--honest & gentle.
~Clara, on Telesangha
I have been doing Telesangha with Stan for many years. I was new to meditation and suffering from anxiety for the first time in my life. Telesangha was the answer I needed! It was an easy way to incorporate meditation into my life. It now has because part of my daily routine. Telesangha sets the tone for my day. Stan imparts his wisdom and the collective experience is a valuable part of my life.
~Susan, on Telesangha
I am so grateful to be part of Telesangha with Stan! I have been part of it for a few months now and I cannot recommend it enough. I truly appreciate his care, expertise and intuition. I feel part of a true community. It is wonderful to meditate with a group of like minded people led by someone as special as Stan.
When the mind tries to overrule the body...the body reacts. Listen to the body and the body will say when it’s ready.
Because of Stan’s gentle, non-judging, skillful abilities to witness and guide...for the first time I felt supported enough to go through a PTSD episode with him there. In fact he was the first to recognize my PTSD. It was such a relief to have someone see it, stay with me through it and then help me find within myself the resources to recover from it. And then little by little the underlining trauma revealed itself....
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This is how I describe our work together. It is my session. I decide what we look at. I choose how we might get a little closer to whatever disturbs me or more importantly whatever rises up in meditation or reflection during the time between sessions. Stan offers suggestions, reminders and reflections. It’s my journey. Stan acts as my "guardrails" and a wise overseer. He reminds me of how far I have journeyed and how difficult the work has been.
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Stan reminds me that it isn’t a straight path in fact he describes it as a puzzle where we wait for pieces in different parts to reveal themselves and then we glean understanding. He helped me develop the compassionate inner resources which are available to me even in the darkest, most traumatic memories. Stan reminds me that I am strong and dedicated. I am an open hearted warrior.
~Marianne, on private sessions
Stan has been my meditation teacher for approximately seven years and mentor for two. As my teacher, he has provided guidance and resources that have enriched my spiritual exploration(s). As a mentor, he has worked alongside to help me navigate my sometimes challenging inner journey. Stan, with his intuitive, kind, and gentle approach, has been a trusted ally who has helped me find my inner resources in the midst of living this life.
~Linda, on private sessions
Stan providing online mentoring was more than a lucky break as there are no local teachers in my area. Despite the online setting, Stan‘s friendly and compassionate attitude crosses the digital divide and lets you feel right at home with the teachings.
Cherishing independence and self-reliance, I hesitated to seek help from a teacher. I couldn’t have been more wrong. Stan encouraged me to challenge my stale meditation techniques, try out new ways of meditating and trust my inner wisdom to guide my practice. Stan‘s skillful questions let me drop down from my head into my body and allow sensations to play out rather than suppressing them. Stan's teaching style encourages freedom and self-guidance.
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Since Stan started mentoring me, many of the metaphors that I read in Buddhist books came to life in my practice. This reinvigorated trust in my practice which changed my life.
~Stefan, on private sessions
I went into the retreat with little expectation, just knowing that Stan is a wonderful teacher. What unfolded felt life-changing. The second night I really wrestled with the topic and what came up for me but trusted the following day whatever Stan presented would shed light. The following day I had such a profound experience. It was beyond anything I could have hoped for. I'm so grateful to Stan for taking on this difficult topic and presenting it with clarity, compassion and humility.
~Karin, on a retreat
I have no words at this moment to describe what I learned or how I benefited from attending this retreat other than to say I will carry the truths Stan so skillfully taught, the people I met, and the deep knowing found during our meditation periods with me for the rest of my life. I am profoundly changed, and grateful.
~Melanie, on a retreat
This retreat gave me the special opportunity to sit with and touch the embodiment of no-self. The practices presented worked in a systematic and congruous way that, both rationally and subconsciously, helped us to touch deep into our being and be with the emptiness and awareness that is our true nature.
~Ari, on a retreat
This was a much needed respite from the craziness of the world around us. Stan is a wonderful guide, teaching with love and kindness how to be loving and kind to ourselves during difficult times. His practices gave me a sense of calm and clearing out, and being in community with others (even over Zoom) felt so supportive. Many thanks!
~Julie, on a retreat
For the first time I saw how my meditation practice connects with my emotional life. We were encouraged to feel and process feelings not just notice our breath. My meditation practice will be changed forever.
~Chris, on a retreat
Stan's presentations of the teachings are always excellent and this retreat was no different. I have worked with Stan in the past and this was a chance to deepen my awareness of habitual reactivity patterns that I would like to change. My experience with Stan keeps insights building on each other and for that I am so grateful.
~Bridgette, on a retreat
A moving an insightful retreat--even over Zoom I felt connected to Stan and to the larger group. It helped me to feel "unstuck" in my life and feel into where my life choices could be in better alignment with what I really want/need.
~Beth, on a retreat
Stan's guidance throughout the retreat was unparalleled in the variety of teachings he incorporated and balancing that with periods without guidance to let those teachings do their work. I truly appreciated the way the activities throughout the day flowed into one another and how even the breaks had the spirit of the retreat. I could sense that he was keenly aware of folks' responses to his guidance and would provide additional guidance when necessary. It didn't feel like we were simply going through a set of preplanned events and the retreat had a sense of aliveness to it that was beneficial for me finding clarity about what it means to allow every part of my experience to be as it is and trust that all is unfolding as it should.
~Wouhib, on a retreat
After the retreat, I feel relieved to have moved through some difficult emotions and patterns that were stored in my body for years. I feel recharged to face the "real world" with a deeper inner sense of calm. I feel that my experiences were relevant and respected by Stan as our guide; he listened deeply, supported us through it, and offered suggestions for sitting with sadness and grief. Thank you Stan for kindness, wisdom, and truly seeing us for who we are. I feel stronger now than when the weekend began and you charged my personal growth. Namaste.
~Martha, on a retreat
I began a much needed homecoming this weekend, and I imagine the benefits will continue as I integrate the teachings and experiences from the retreat. The container and rhythm created by the managers and teacher, the guidance through all stages of the retreat, the availability of the retreat managers and teacher, the felt sense of sincere welcoming and openness of the community, and the balance of guided and unguided meditations, all worked together to allow me to reconnect with my body. I was invited to resume healing old wounds in a trauma-informed and respectful way, and open to a sense of loving awareness holding it all.
~Melissa, on a retreat
I moved through a great deal of physical pain and discomfort, greeting and accepting them. I investigated my reactions to daily uncertainties in my work as a secondary teacher during the pandemic and felt a moment of the ease that accompanies the spontaneous freedom of accepting, rather than fighting against. All of this was possible with Stan's gentle and safe guidance. I was inspired by the great care he showed each of us and the prescient questions he challenged us with.
~Amy, on a retreat
I didn't realize that a Zoom retreat could be so deep. The teachings, the time in practice, and the community were wonderful.
~Moira, on a retreat
In the relatively short span of the retreat, and with the expert guidance of the teachers, I touched into some new ways of cultivating self kindness or metta. The practice described as "reparenting" which I admit I was somewhat skeptical of at first, was surprisingly powerful and I look forward to exploring it further. I really appreciated the interaction with the other participants in breakout rooms. The retreat was a well-balanced mix of sitting, walking, Dharma talks, and engaging with the teachers and participants.
~Michelle, on a retreat
Stan has such an intuitive and healing presence. His meditations took me to a vulnerable and tender place, and I'm grateful for that experience. A wise guide indeed!
~Cheryl, on a retreat
The teachers' and managers' welcomes created a space where I could welcome more and more of myself throughout the weekend. I was surprised by what I came to be aware of during the retreat. I was allowed my original intentions, and then by letting them go and surrendering to the process, came to see and accept both my deep struggles and deep aspirations, all with kind acceptance and with an eye toward the ever-emerging nature of being. I felt comfortable asking questions because the teachers didn't analyze participants. A heartfelt thank you for this offering.
~Melissa, on a retreat
This retreat gave me the space to safely connect and feel into the energetic reality of my body. I really enjoyed exploring my aspirations, not only for now and the year ahead, but also to recall aspirations that have guided me throughout my life. This was very enlightening. I was able to notice deep beliefs that that I had never considered before. The insights, wise and gentle guidance and community will stay with me for a long time.
~Jenny, on a retreat
Stan is without a doubt one of the best teachers for helping embody lessons. I felt connected to the lessons of the Noble Truths. In the end I was left with wanting to live with loving kindness and equanimity. What could be better?
~Jane, on a retreat
As a practitioner and teacher of Vipassana mindfulness this retreat was expansive and transformative for me. Enjoyed Stan’s version of RAIN which was a different journey that resonated with me. Also enjoyed the Spiritual Heart Meditation, timing was perfect. The hybrid format was a wonderful opportunity for me because driving the distance wasn’t possible at this time and also the cost was considerably lower. Even though I missed the in-person energy I felt that there was an online sangha. I very much enjoyed that ability to hear from the in-person participants there comments during the integration portion of the retreat. Overall perfect timing and wonderful way to stay connected with other mindfulness meditators.