The Naropa DifferenceNaropa Community

Naropa Community

Who Are We?

Through its incredibly vibrant and welcoming community, "Naropa offers a home for those who aren’t willing to conform to convention—the mystic, the healer, the prophet, the rebel, the artist, the revolutionary, the oddball—those who are incredible contributors to the evolution of society and of our planet.”

At Naropa University, we are an inclusive community (and working to become more so) of artists, seekers, peacemakers, activists, scholars, and people for whom the status quo is not an option.

Composed of people practicing the world’s great religions and wisdom traditions, agnostics, international students, local high school graduates, career changers, LGBTQIAP students, BIPOC, transfers, veterans, and elders, the Naropa community will both hold you—and hold you accountable—while you learn and grow.

 

The first day of school I was surrounded by excited students—students who had a desire to speak about mindfulness, conscious living, and transformation within themselves and the community. I felt I found my tribe. Naropa students bring such a healing essence to the campus. I felt safe, secure, heard, and appreciated by those who surrounded me at Naropa.

Amanda Coleman

BA in Psychology

Meet the Humans of Naropa

🌼 Humans of Naropa: Cari Lewis 

“I had never got involved with my community in this way before. I didn’t want to be part of the stereotypes. I grew up around politics. I grew up in the D.C. metropolitan area, my stepdad worked for the government at one point and so politics were part of my experience growing up and it was terrible. The energy was heavy, and it was overwhelming. So for awhile, I just thought, I'm going to focus on my bubble and what I can control and live life peacefully. However, when MCIC spoke at orientation, and I mean all of MCIC: JEDI, the Joanna Macy Center, CACE, it was like, wait, I want to be part of this. I want to help my community for the first time. My heart strings were pulled.”

Cari is a first year graduate student in the Clinical Mental Health Counseling program with a Mindfulness-based Transpersonal focus. They serve as a behavioral health specialist doing boots on the ground work at a UC Health rehabilitation facility working with addictions and disorders, and are also the Mission Culture and Inclusive Community (MCIC) graduate assistant work-study. Their dream is to open a wellness center after completing a graduate degree where people can come for mental, physical, spiritual, and emotional health.

🌼 Humans of Naropa: Cari Lewis

“I had never got involved with my community in this way before. I didn’t want to be part of the stereotypes. I grew up around politics. I grew up in the D.C. metropolitan area, my stepdad worked for the government at one point and so politics were part of my experience growing up and it was terrible. The energy was heavy, and it was overwhelming. So for awhile, I just thought, I`m going to focus on my bubble and what I can control and live life peacefully. However, when MCIC spoke at orientation, and I mean all of MCIC: JEDI, the Joanna Macy Center, CACE, it was like, wait, I want to be part of this. I want to help my community for the first time. My heart strings were pulled.”

Cari is a first year graduate student in the Clinical Mental Health Counseling program with a Mindfulness-based Transpersonal focus. They serve as a behavioral health specialist doing boots on the ground work at a UC Health rehabilitation facility working with addictions and disorders, and are also the Mission Culture and Inclusive Community (MCIC) graduate assistant work-study. Their dream is to open a wellness center after completing a graduate degree where people can come for mental, physical, spiritual, and emotional health.
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🌼 Humans of Naropa: Robi Robichaud

“I definitely wasn't asked to put this amount of hours into the Naropa recording studio, but it was something that gave me infinite energy—one of those moments in my life where I feel like I'm tapping into some type of purpose or dharma. It's always an ever changing relationship with how much time that I'm able to spend making music, but there's just this drive there. I don't know where it comes from, but it makes me really happy to do it. And it's been really fun to learn to use the technology and bring ideas to life in a tangible way. 

I see music as a really powerful force for bringing people together. They could be divided in so many ways that they perceive, and then there they are singing to the same song. It’s a great feeling. So I see that as one purpose in this life to bring people together around music. I've had a lot of fun with the community at Naropa where we're doing just that, so I'm grateful to be tapping into some of that magic.” 

Robi is a junior Interdisciplinary major focusing on music, meditation, yoga and teaching. She is a student work-study at Naropa’s recording studio and is passionate about helping others bring their creations to life. She produced an album called The River, which can be found on Spotify, featuring Naropa students and Boulder local singer-song writers, rappers, and spoken work poets. Outside of her music passions, she also runs a free food kitchen that goes to regional events and feeds the people with the help of food donations and other volunteers.

🌼 Humans of Naropa: Robi Robichaud

“I definitely wasn`t asked to put this amount of hours into the Naropa recording studio, but it was something that gave me infinite energy—one of those moments in my life where I feel like I`m tapping into some type of purpose or dharma. It`s always an ever changing relationship with how much time that I`m able to spend making music, but there`s just this drive there. I don`t know where it comes from, but it makes me really happy to do it. And it`s been really fun to learn to use the technology and bring ideas to life in a tangible way.

I see music as a really powerful force for bringing people together. They could be divided in so many ways that they perceive, and then there they are singing to the same song. It’s a great feeling. So I see that as one purpose in this life to bring people together around music. I`ve had a lot of fun with the community at Naropa where we`re doing just that, so I`m grateful to be tapping into some of that magic.”

Robi is a junior Interdisciplinary major focusing on music, meditation, yoga and teaching. She is a student work-study at Naropa’s recording studio and is passionate about helping others bring their creations to life. She produced an album called The River, which can be found on Spotify, featuring Naropa students and Boulder local singer-song writers, rappers, and spoken work poets. Outside of her music passions, she also runs a free food kitchen that goes to regional events and feeds the people with the help of food donations and other volunteers.
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🌼 Humans of Naropa: Stephan Taylor 
 
“What’s made me stay at Naropa is the people. A lot of the students I've met and worked with have been awesome people, and I’ve had some really great supervisors and coworkers here. I think the thing that I love about our students and everyone here is how open to change Naropians are or at least accepting of change. And we may not necessarily be happy that it’s happening, but we roll with it, we process our feelings, and we go with it. Because that’s life. I think that's an amazing quality and it’s a strength to be built upon. And you don't find that capability in many other places. I think there's such a wanting to hold on to things, even to the point where it's unhealthy—like in other places where I've been there is a trying to get back to something, and we can't go back to that and maybe the thing we’re trying to get back to was never what it was. For example, I went to school at LSU which was founded in 1860 and our first president was General Sherman, who was a union general who burnt Atlanta, and there were people there who really wanted to hold on to things from the past that were just never true.
 
The other thing I love is that so many people here are seekers and they want to find truth and that's a really cool thing. Now sometimes that leads them into places that I'm like…maybe that part is not the best, but you live and you learn. At the same time, the fact that people are actively wanting to seek truth, particularly in a world where so many people are perfectly fine with a comfortable lie is also another strength to be built upon.”
 
Stephan is the Director of Campus & Residential Life at Naropa. He’s worked in Higher Ed institutions since 2013, and prior to that his jobs included being a film extra in movies and TV! When not working he loves karaoke, tabletop role playing games, nature, science and history documentaries, and is currently working on a Doctorate in Higher Education & Student Affairs.

🌼 Humans of Naropa: Stephan Taylor

“What’s made me stay at Naropa is the people. A lot of the students I`ve met and worked with have been awesome people, and I’ve had some really great supervisors and coworkers here. I think the thing that I love about our students and everyone here is how open to change Naropians are or at least accepting of change. And we may not necessarily be happy that it’s happening, but we roll with it, we process our feelings, and we go with it. Because that’s life. I think that`s an amazing quality and it’s a strength to be built upon. And you don`t find that capability in many other places. I think there`s such a wanting to hold on to things, even to the point where it`s unhealthy—like in other places where I`ve been there is a trying to get back to something, and we can`t go back to that and maybe the thing we’re trying to get back to was never what it was. For example, I went to school at LSU which was founded in 1860 and our first president was General Sherman, who was a union general who burnt Atlanta, and there were people there who really wanted to hold on to things from the past that were just never true.

The other thing I love is that so many people here are seekers and they want to find truth and that`s a really cool thing. Now sometimes that leads them into places that I`m like…maybe that part is not the best, but you live and you learn. At the same time, the fact that people are actively wanting to seek truth, particularly in a world where so many people are perfectly fine with a comfortable lie is also another strength to be built upon.”

Stephan is the Director of Campus & Residential Life at Naropa. He’s worked in Higher Ed institutions since 2013, and prior to that his jobs included being a film extra in movies and TV! When not working he loves karaoke, tabletop role playing games, nature, science and history documentaries, and is currently working on a Doctorate in Higher Education & Student Affairs.
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🌼 Humans of Naropa: Jenna Priest 

“I am a nerd for two things: Naruto, my favorite anime, and Bill Plotkin. Plotkin is an eco-depth-psychologist who founded the Animas Valley Institute and created a modern nature-based rite-of-passage influenced by indigenous vision quests. The rites-of-passages initiate people into a true adulthood, which is inherently ecologically aligned, and reintegrates them with their ecological identity. So, it was during a two-week Animas Quest that I did in 2020 that I first heard about Naropa from someone, and wrote it down in my journal and circled it. Months later, I came across Naropa's website and discovered the Ecopsychology program and I just kind of fell in love. The beauty of Naropa programs is that you’re able to tailor it to your passions and interests, so a lot of my work within my psychology degree always came back to Ecopsychology topics.
 
As for Naruto, to me he embodies self-development, the value of community, and the importance of never giving up, no matter how bleak the future seems. His determination to change things, even in the most hopeless moments, inspires me. It’s his relentless hope and courage that reminds me that I, too, have the strength to face our ecological crisis and the power to make a meaningful difference.”
 
Jenna is a Naropa Admissions Counselor and BA Psychology graduate with a concentration in humanistic and transpersonal psychology. She loves dancing, jazz, and reading fiction. A former casino dealer, you can still find her slinging cards at local charity events. Jenna has a green belt in Chukido Kwan and a deep love for Tai Chi, which she still practices whole-heartedly at Naropa each semester.

🌼 Humans of Naropa: Jenna Priest

“I am a nerd for two things: Naruto, my favorite anime, and Bill Plotkin. Plotkin is an eco-depth-psychologist who founded the Animas Valley Institute and created a modern nature-based rite-of-passage influenced by indigenous vision quests. The rites-of-passages initiate people into a true adulthood, which is inherently ecologically aligned, and reintegrates them with their ecological identity. So, it was during a two-week Animas Quest that I did in 2020 that I first heard about Naropa from someone, and wrote it down in my journal and circled it. Months later, I came across Naropa`s website and discovered the Ecopsychology program and I just kind of fell in love. The beauty of Naropa programs is that you’re able to tailor it to your passions and interests, so a lot of my work within my psychology degree always came back to Ecopsychology topics.

As for Naruto, to me he embodies self-development, the value of community, and the importance of never giving up, no matter how bleak the future seems. His determination to change things, even in the most hopeless moments, inspires me. It’s his relentless hope and courage that reminds me that I, too, have the strength to face our ecological crisis and the power to make a meaningful difference.”

Jenna is a Naropa Admissions Counselor and BA Psychology graduate with a concentration in humanistic and transpersonal psychology. She loves dancing, jazz, and reading fiction. A former casino dealer, you can still find her slinging cards at local charity events. Jenna has a green belt in Chukido Kwan and a deep love for Tai Chi, which she still practices whole-heartedly at Naropa each semester.
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🌼 Humans of Naropa: Marcos Perez

“I’m passionate about art and creativity, and I just love life and how challenging it is. So I've always wanted to be either a therapist or a graphic artist.
 
I used to do my art as illustration or graphic design more as a profession and that can be hard on an artist. Coming from: what do you want and what will people like? When art, really, is working from my soul. It's creative. My soul's showing me things I didn’t even know I knew, and it keeps showing me picture after picture. I can't keep up. That’s the art I do now. So there's a part of me that's mechanical, and that’s fine, and there's part of me that's just generative.
 
The human condition also feels similar when you’re working on an area of life where you are suffering, and then all of a sudden, you resolve it! It's along the same lines as creative problem-solving. And being able to help someone solve a problem in their life and seeing that thing unlock—it’s generative. I guess it feels like the same thing to me: art and the human condition.”
 
Marcos is the Creative Manager and Lead Designer at Naropa—doing all the branding and design work across Naropa’s website, campuses, events, and more. He is simultaneously in his second year as a grad student for the Master’s in Transpersonal Contemplative Art–Based Counseling, and he is author of the recently released book, The Next Good Thing, chronicling his story through a dark night of the soul and the guidance, messages, and inspiring mentors that showed up along the way.

🌼 Humans of Naropa: Marcos Perez

“I’m passionate about art and creativity, and I just love life and how challenging it is. So I`ve always wanted to be either a therapist or a graphic artist.

I used to do my art as illustration or graphic design more as a profession and that can be hard on an artist. Coming from: what do you want and what will people like? When art, really, is working from my soul. It`s creative. My soul`s showing me things I didn’t even know I knew, and it keeps showing me picture after picture. I can`t keep up. That’s the art I do now. So there`s a part of me that`s mechanical, and that’s fine, and there`s part of me that`s just generative.

The human condition also feels similar when you’re working on an area of life where you are suffering, and then all of a sudden, you resolve it! It`s along the same lines as creative problem-solving. And being able to help someone solve a problem in their life and seeing that thing unlock—it’s generative. I guess it feels like the same thing to me: art and the human condition.”

Marcos is the Creative Manager and Lead Designer at Naropa—doing all the branding and design work across Naropa’s website, campuses, events, and more. He is simultaneously in his second year as a grad student for the Master’s in Transpersonal Contemplative Art–Based Counseling, and he is author of the recently released book, The Next Good Thing, chronicling his story through a dark night of the soul and the guidance, messages, and inspiring mentors that showed up along the way.
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🌼 Humans of Naropa: Gabriella Espinoza

“I’m fascinated by the ways mental fabrication, which is influenced by internal and external structures and experience, can shape our realities. I’m interested in the philosophical inquiry of non-duality and seeing how we can look at non-dual concepts and apply it to working with the malleability of the mind—understanding that we have agency over our perceptions and interactions with the world. 

I’m passionate about being within the intensity of life and doing whatever I do in the most present state. Whether it’s resting, reading, or running, I’m constantly approaching it with my full attention. In doing so there’s confrontation with a more unfiltered experience of reality. That’s the only way I want to live.” 

Gabriella is a junior with a double major in psychology and yoga and a minor in psychedelic studies. She started as a physics and philosophy major at CU before transferring to Naropa in search of a more non-duality framework. On campus, she leads Insight Circle, which is a dialogue club with guest speakers and intercommunal activities. In her free time she loves backpacking, running, being in nature, reading, practicing at the zen center, dancing, and doing vocals for meditation concerts.

🌼 Humans of Naropa: Gabriella Espinoza

“I’m fascinated by the ways mental fabrication, which is influenced by internal and external structures and experience, can shape our realities. I’m interested in the philosophical inquiry of non-duality and seeing how we can look at non-dual concepts and apply it to working with the malleability of the mind—understanding that we have agency over our perceptions and interactions with the world.

I’m passionate about being within the intensity of life and doing whatever I do in the most present state. Whether it’s resting, reading, or running, I’m constantly approaching it with my full attention. In doing so there’s confrontation with a more unfiltered experience of reality. That’s the only way I want to live.”

Gabriella is a junior with a double major in psychology and yoga and a minor in psychedelic studies. She started as a physics and philosophy major at CU before transferring to Naropa in search of a more non-duality framework. On campus, she leads Insight Circle, which is a dialogue club with guest speakers and intercommunal activities. In her free time she loves backpacking, running, being in nature, reading, practicing at the zen center, dancing, and doing vocals for meditation concerts.
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🌼 Humans of Naropa: Sean Russell

“I’m inspired to create environments where good conversations keep happening. If I’m passionate about anything it’s communication and connecting with other people. I want the health of our conversations to get better as a species. A lot of our conversations perpetuate cycles of suffering, but I see conversation as something that has capacity to change the world. Like a good conversation can make two people go off happier and more fulfilled, and then go on to have another good conversation with someone else. My life would probably become nearly meaningless if good conversations ceased. There are still many things in life I enjoy, but I believe a big majority of why I’m here is to have good conversations and facilitate an environment where other people can start good conversations and feel connected, whether I’m there or not.”

Sean is a senior of BA Interdisciplinary Studies with an emphasis on religious studies and education. Coming from a background in politics and hospitality, he transferred to Naropa with a vision to impact education and encourage the next generation—even getting started now during his studies as he substitute teaches in Boulder classrooms. You can find him on campus at the cafe doing work, playing music with friends, and of course, huddled up with someone in a good conversation.

🌼 Humans of Naropa: Sean Russell

“I’m inspired to create environments where good conversations keep happening. If I’m passionate about anything it’s communication and connecting with other people. I want the health of our conversations to get better as a species. A lot of our conversations perpetuate cycles of suffering, but I see conversation as something that has capacity to change the world. Like a good conversation can make two people go off happier and more fulfilled, and then go on to have another good conversation with someone else. My life would probably become nearly meaningless if good conversations ceased. There are still many things in life I enjoy, but I believe a big majority of why I’m here is to have good conversations and facilitate an environment where other people can start good conversations and feel connected, whether I’m there or not.”

Sean is a senior of BA Interdisciplinary Studies with an emphasis on religious studies and education. Coming from a background in politics and hospitality, he transferred to Naropa with a vision to impact education and encourage the next generation—even getting started now during his studies as he substitute teaches in Boulder classrooms. You can find him on campus at the cafe doing work, playing music with friends, and of course, huddled up with someone in a good conversation.
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🌼 Humans of Naropa

We’re starting a new weekly series that showcases the amazing people at Naropa University—sharing a glimpse into the stories, experiences, and individuals that make up our beloved community. Our first highlight is recent alum, Nicole (Niki) Mathurā:

“When I first arrived at Naropa University, I felt as though I was aimlessly navigating the vast landscape of my creativity, unsure of my place within it. Over time, I discovered that the journey itself was leading me home—to the mandala of my heartmind and the uncharted depths of my inner child. Through contemplative practices and the embrace of loving-kindness toward myself, Naropa helped me find my center. I learned that creativity thrives when it’s nurtured with compassion, not only for the world around us but also for ourselves. In those moments of self-kindness and reflection, I realized that art is more than an outward form of expression—it is a deeply healing practice of inner exploration. My time here gave me the tools to view art as an extension of self-love, where every stroke of the brush carries the intention of mindfulness and gentleness.” 

Niki, also known as Muse of Meow, is a talented artist, mom of 2, recent Naropa graduate of the BA in Interdisciplinary Studies with a focus on environmental studies and psychology, and current Donor Relations Officer at Greenpeace. @themuseofmeow

🌼 Humans of Naropa

We’re starting a new weekly series that showcases the amazing people at Naropa University—sharing a glimpse into the stories, experiences, and individuals that make up our beloved community. Our first highlight is recent alum, Nicole (Niki) Mathurā:

“When I first arrived at Naropa University, I felt as though I was aimlessly navigating the vast landscape of my creativity, unsure of my place within it. Over time, I discovered that the journey itself was leading me home—to the mandala of my heartmind and the uncharted depths of my inner child. Through contemplative practices and the embrace of loving-kindness toward myself, Naropa helped me find my center. I learned that creativity thrives when it’s nurtured with compassion, not only for the world around us but also for ourselves. In those moments of self-kindness and reflection, I realized that art is more than an outward form of expression—it is a deeply healing practice of inner exploration. My time here gave me the tools to view art as an extension of self-love, where every stroke of the brush carries the intention of mindfulness and gentleness.”

Niki, also known as Muse of Meow, is a talented artist, mom of 2, recent Naropa graduate of the BA in Interdisciplinary Studies with a focus on environmental studies and psychology, and current Donor Relations Officer at Greenpeace. @themuseofmeow
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Fun Naropa-Style

There’s no football, no fraternities, and no Homecoming King or Queen. But that doesn’t mean there’s no fun.

On any given day, we’re attending concerts, spoken-word performances, gallery openings, and open-mike nights. We’re organizing to make Naropa more inclusive. Hosting food drives to support our own Food Pantry. Caring for Naropa’s garden. Or hiking Boulder’s Flatirons.

Acquire leadership skills through Naropa’s student government. Practice free yoga courtesy of Team Ananda. Or join our Sustainability Council, where you can help us continue our commitment to reducing Naropa’s environmental impact.

Want to make a real difference? Commit to starting your own organization to fill an unmet need in our community. And we’ll walk the path you.

The Naropa Bow

It is a tradition at Naropa University to begin and end our classes and meetings with a bow. The bow acknowledges and honors the qualities of warriorship—that brave path of gentleness and wakeful intelligence we’re all working to achieve.

It also binds us together in a mindful moment of community before the start of the next adventure.

Community Practice Day

Every semester Naropa suspends classes for Community Practice Day. During Community Practice Day, Naropa students, faculty, and staff participate in a variety of contemplative practices attend lectures and experiential workshops, and perform service in the community.

It’s our way of taking a time out to refresh ourselves and our community.  Check out the offerings for our most recent Community Practice Day

YOU ARE READY.

This is where experiential learning meets academic rigor. Where you challenge your intellect and uncover your potential. Where you discover the work you’re moved to do—then use it to transform our world.

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Academics

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.  

Admissions & Aid

If you’re seeking an education that resonates with both personal fulfillment and global impact, Naropa could be your top choice. At Naropa, you will experience a comprehensive curriculum that integrates the best of Eastern and Western educational approaches. Explore how Naropa can fuel your journey of intellectual and spiritual development.

Life at Naropa

Through its incredibly vibrant and welcoming community,  “Naropa offers a home for those who aren’t willing to conform to convention—the mystic, the healer, the prophet, the rebel, the artist, the revolutionary, the oddball—those who are incredible contributors to the evolution of society and of our planet.”—Core Associate Professor Zvi Ish-Shalom

The Naropa Difference

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. 

About Naropa

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.