Cultivating Fearlessness in Difficult Times

A Beginner’s Path to Buddhist Meditation

A WMC Open Course

Tuesdays 7–8:30 PM, Jan 13 - March 31, 2026

In person at the Aligned Center, Irvington, NY.

Taught by Jane Kolleeny, Paul Griffin and David Frankel

Suggested offering: $60* or $10 per class for drop ins

Each semester, WMC offers a Tuesday evening Open Course, where students of all levels can practice meditation and discuss topics relevant to daily life together. Newer students especially will have the opportunity to experience the very real benefits of bringing meditation practice and dharma study together in a group setting.

This Winter semester, we will be exploring Pema Chodron's teachings on Bodhichitta; the relationship between meditation practice and developing a wakeful and courageous heart, especially in the face of difficult times. Each week we will discuss a chapter from The Places that Scare You; A Guide to Fearlessness in Difficult Times. Students are encouraged to obtain a copy of the book.

From book the description: "We always have a choice in how we react to the circumstances of our lives. We can let them harden us and make us increasingly resentful and afraid, or we can let them soften us and allow our inherent human kindness to shine through. Here Pema Chödrön provides essential tools for dealing with the many difficulties that life throws our way, teaching us how to awaken our basic human goodness and connect deeply with others"

This in-person gathering offers the chance to:

• Connect with a community of students on a path of dharma study.

• Develop a consistent meditation practice

• Receive more detailed meditation instruction, one-on-one with a qualified instructor, if desired.

This course is open to all levels of prior experience. Initial meditation instruction available to anyone just starting out.

Registration for the course and regular attendance is encouraged, but drop ins are welcomed as well ($10 per session). If you have questions about this program please contact us via this email jane@westchestermeditationcenter.org

Directions to our location in Irvington can be found HERE

*WMC maintains a policy of making our programs affordable to all.

Those with limited income, please note our student/fixed income rate on the registration page.