About Me –
Lauren E. Rubin, Dharmamumma
The name Dharmamumma is a mélange of two things which are very precious to me; being a mumma (what my kids call me) and the wisdom teachings of the Buddhist tradition (the Dharma). A well-trained teacher recognizes meditation as one of several techniques available for achieving overall well-being which also may include counseling or therapy.
My meditation journey began in 1995 after the birth of my second child. Because I grew up with a mother who suffered from mental illness it was no surprise that I felt overwhelmed by the responsibility of raising two children. At my doctor’s recommendation I began an 8-week course on meditation and stress reduction which set me on my meditation path. I began to distinguish between what was within my control from that which was not.
In 2004, while my children were in school, I began working with parents throughout the first year of their transition into the turbulent and joyful journey of parenting in both one-on-one and group settings. Supporting other parents has remained very important in my life.
Anagarika Munindra –
“I practice meditation to notice the small purple flowers growing by the roadside, which I otherwise might miss.”
When my children were grown I returned to school to earn my master’s degree in Mindfulness Studies at Lesley University, the first program of its kind in North America. I am proud to be one of the first graduates of this pioneer program while also being certified as a Mindfulness Meditation teacher by renowned mindfulness teachers, Tara Brach, Ph.D. and Jack Kornfield, Ph.D.
I enjoy sharing the teachings. Some courses, such as Introduction to Mindfulness, will be offered as multi-week series' while other classes will be taught as one or two day workshops. Individual sessions are available by appointment. Lastly, like so many others, I have been reflecting on what it means to be white and privileged in America and look forward to exploring this topic with interested others.
My intention is to provide learning opportunities for both individuals and groups interested in either beginning or deepening their meditation practice while continuing my own development through our discussions together. It is a joy for me to share what I have found to be useful and true from these teachings while demystifying meditation.