Student Profile

Past experiences in mental health field and/or meditation: undergrad degree in psychology, volunteer for crisis center, worked with individuals with developmental disabilities-nine months of shamatha meditation practice learned at Shambhala center in Chicago

How was your experience of Maitri retreats? incredible for practice and for community. It was really important- spending time together, support practice, healthy for group, with that many people so close stuff comes up, it was really difficult.

What do you wish you had known about Naropa and MACP dept. before arriving here?

What is challenging about going to Naropa and the MACP dept? always being in the community is difficult- to always be willing to engage with processing and materials, the depth of that is difficult

What is rewarding about going to Naropa and the MACP dept? the same thing, the first year I was looking at my personal inner world. It was hard but insightful, enlightening. This year its more about relationship and reflection ( how others reflect back to you) Reflection is like a double-edged sword. It can be tiring but also invigorating.

What have you learned about yourself by going to Naropa and the MACP dept? I have the capacity to be gentle with myself.

Complete this sentence: Contemplative psychotherapy is… a process that helps uncover brilliant sanity

Life at Naropa and the MACP dept is… ups and downs, constant recycling, turning over new leaves

Do you feel that you are being well prepared to work in a clinical setting? Yes, the skills we are learning in mindful presence and learning to meet people from a point of brilliant insanity is a key to healing. This is something other programs don’t have.

How did you find Naropa? in college, Naropa’s psych program was mentioned. Found Naropa again when searching for a graduate program (internet.)