Melissa Lago head shot

Melissa Lago

Visiting Instructor

Wisdom Traditions Department

melissa.lago@naropa.edu

EDUCATION:

BA, Political Science, Yale University; MA, Philosophy and Religion, California Institute of Integral Studies; MDiv, Harvard Divinity School

ACADEMIC PROGRAMS:

BA Yoga Studies, MA Yoga Studies, Master of Divinity

COURSES TAUGHT:

Yoga History, Theory, and Philosophy / Yoga 1: Foundations / Yoga Meditation / Meditation in Yogic and Tantric Traditions: A Practicum / Meditation in Yogic and Tantric Traditions II / Death, Dying, and Mourning / Contemplative Communication in Spiritual Caregiving

Melissa Lago, MA, MDiv, was introduced to yoga as a child while attending the Oak Grove School founded by Jiddu Krishnamurti in Ojai, CA. In 2018 she completed a Master of Divinity degree where she worked to bring yoga, spiritual care, and chaplaincy together. Her research and studies culminated in her thesis titled, “Yoga Transforms Us: Building Resiliency and Intrinsic Spiritual Reliance through Yoga.” Prior to completing her MDiv, she taught yoga, philosophy, interdisciplinary studies, and world religions at Holy Names University in Oakland, CA. In 2022 she joined the faculty of the Yoga Studies program at Naropa University as a Visiting Instructor. She now teaches in the Master of Divinity program as well. In addition to teaching at Naropa, she enjoys teaching at The StarHouse, Drala Mountain Center, Kondition, privately, and for groups. To learn more about her background, please visit her website at https://www.yogatransformsus.com/.

PUBLICATIONS:

“What Does It Mean to be Awake?” Harvard Divinity School, Cambridge, MA, 2018

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Contemplative education brings together the best of Western scholarship and Eastern world wisdom traditions. Therefore, your pursuit of wisdom at Naropa means learning both about academic subjects and about your own place in the world. This innovative approach places Naropa on the cutting edge of the newest and most effective methods of teaching and learning.  

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How is Naropa different from other universities? At Naropa, a liberal arts education balances rigorous academics with powerful interpersonal skills and self-awareness to educate the whole person. Naropa’s contemplative approach is inspired by Buddhist philosophy and the conviction that we can build a diverse, contemplative, enlightened society when we have transformed education to affirm the basic goodness of every person. 

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Located in Boulder, Colorado, Naropa University is a Buddhist-inspired, nonsectarian liberal arts university that is recognized as the birthplace of the mindfulness movement. Naropa offers undergraduate and graduate degree programs that emphasize professional and personal growth, intellectual development, and cultivating compassion. 

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Naropa Campuses Closed on Friday, March 15, 2024

Due to adverse weather conditions, all Naropa campuses will be closed Friday, March 15, 2024.  All classes that require a physical presence on campus will be canceled. All online and low-residency programs are to meet as scheduled.

Based on the current weather forecast, the Healing with the Ancestors Talk & Breeze of Simplicity program scheduled for Friday evening, Saturday, and Sunday will be held as planned.

Staff that do not work remotely or are scheduled to work on campus, can work remotely. Staff that routinely work remotely are expected to continue to do so.

As a reminder, notifications will be sent by e-mail and the LiveSafe app.  

Regardless of Naropa University’s decision, if you ever believe the weather conditions are unsafe, please contact your supervisor and professors.  Naropa University trusts you to make thoughtful and wise decisions based on the conditions and situation in which you find yourself in.

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