Freedom Through the Brahmaviharas: An Introduction to the Qualities of the Heart

For People of Color, the World Majority

In this four-part, virtual workshop series, a collective of teachers will offer a decolonized and creative exploration of each Brahmavihara:

lovingkindness, compassion, joy, equanimity

Mondays June 16, 23, 30, and July 7 | 7p to 8p ET / 4p to 5p PT

What are the Brahmaviharas? Translated as the “abodes of the gods”, and also known as the four sublime attitudes or the four qualities of the heart: lovingkindness, compassion, joy, and equanimity. While taught from the Buddhist lens, these qualities are revered and practiced through many spiritual lineages, and probably all that believe in the interconnectedness of all beings. 

When does it start? June 16! It is not by accident that this workshop series starts during the week of Juneteenth. We believe the Brahmaviharas are a tool as well as a reminder of our freedom. Register today and celebrate with us (sign up form below).

What is this again? In this four-part workshop series, we’ll offer an introduction to each Brahmavihara through decolonized and creative teaching as well as practice. For example, Tia will explore equanimity through Erykah Badu and Charlene will introduce compassion through visual art. 

Who’s teaching? The teachers of this workshop are part of a collective who are dedicated to the offering of mindfulness and contemplative practices for Black, Indigenous, and People of Color - the world majority.

All teachers are graduates of the Freedom Together program. All of the teachers have been specifically trained by BIPOC teachers to teach BIPOC students and are excited to share this offering with you.

Where is it? This is a virtual workshop series.

Is this for me? This workshop is for people of color. Those who are interested in contemplative practice or mindfulness. Those who might like to practice in a mindful space which centers the voices of people of color. Those who are looking for a practice that can meet the seeming chaos of the moment.

How much is it? Payment is by sliding scale. Please pay what your means allow and know that no one will be turned away due to lack of funds. (More information about sliding scale)

How do I sign up? You can register below.

How do I contact you with a question? Email here

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Teaching Collective

  • Jacquie Brown

    With over two decades of experience in yoga, mindfulness, and Buddhist studies, I've discovered solace and empowerment in these practices. My passion lies in guiding and reminding people, especially people of color, how to have a deeper connection with themselves and the world. I teach from experience, with love, and through embodiment. I teach because I believe that in this time, awakening happens together.

  • Nathan Baptiste

    Nathan Baptiste is a certified mindfulness meditation instructor, team development specialist, and founder of EDI Mindfulness Consulting LLC. He guides team leaders, professionals, and care-takers who are dedicated to serving others to cultivate mindfulness skills for greater calm, clarity, and compassion.  He's also a facilitator and specialist in organizational change advancing racial equity, diversity, inclusion and belonging.  As a meditation practitioner for over 20 years, mindful compassion is integral to his approach.

    (for more information, click here)

  • Charlene Cambridge

    Charlene is a Mindfulness Meditation teacher and she is a Practice Leader at the NYIMC-Harlem Sangha. 

    Charlene Cambridge was introduced to meditation, hatha yoga, tantric yoga and some transcendental meditation in Trinidad and Tobago as a child. 

    Charlene believes that teaching about joy and happiness, especially mudita, is a way to interrupt the toxic individualism that indoctrinates people into a culture of grasping.

    Charlene is a writer, a published poet, and a visual artist.

  • Tia Sherèe Gaynor

    Tia Sherèe Gaynor, Ph.D. is an associate professor in leadership and management at the Hubert H. Humphrey School of Public Affairs at University of Minnesota. Tia is also a trained and certified (International Mindfulness Teachers Association) mindfulness facilitator with a justice-oriented practice focused on guiding individuals of the global majority through embodied practices to help heal the harms caused by systemic trauma.

    Prior to joining the UMN faculty, Dr. Gaynor was an associate professor of political science and founding director of the Center for Truth, Racial Healing & Transformation at the University of Cincinnati.

    Dr. Gaynor is a community-engaged scholar immersed in equity and inclusion. Her work explores the intersection of social justice, local government, and identity. Her recent work sits at the nexus of mindfulness, meditation, and public affairs to explore healing pathways for people, policy, and organizations.