Non-Traditional Practice

Open Mind Zen Non-Traditional Practice

We believe in using what we have found to be the most effective methods from traditional Zen, combined with the most effective methods from more modern Western schools. This combination results in quicker benefits for those with limited time and energy to devote to practice due to work and family responsibilities.

Zen Dialogue is an innovative process based on the fact that the most direct way to deal with the quest for Awakening is to enlist the help of the ego part of the Self rather than attempting to force it to change. Zen Dialogue is a facilitated series of one to two hour individual or group sessions that focus on identifying and dialoging with various aspects of the Self. The result of this method is increased clarity of purpose and understanding of how and why we function the way we do. At least several Zen Dialogue sessions are required for new students, although it is available to anyone wishing to go further on their spiritual journey.

Zen Transformational Breathwork is a facilitated deep breathing exercise done with sound healing music. It has a powerful ability to energetically harmonize body, mind and spirit. On a physical level it helps regulate and calm the breath, increasing lung capacity. On an emotional level it often brings hidden information to the surface helping us to release it when necessary. On a spiritual level it can propel us to new vistas that we may not have experienced before. These sessions last about 90 minutes including instruction, and can be done individually or in a group.

Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) is a program based on the practice of mindfulness. The core of mindfulness is developing non-judgmental awareness, which results in an empowerment of the practitioner to respond to life’s difficulties with increased creativity, clarity and stability. This occurs through simply being aware of past conditioning, which often limits the ability to respond in the best manner possible when illness, stress or anxiety arise.

The MBSR training takes place over 8 weeks, with a 2.5 – 3 hour class per week and a one-day silent retreat between sessions six and seven. It has been adopted by thousands of doctors, therapists, hospitals and spiritual leaders worldwide as a method effective in helping to reduce the symptoms associated with chronic pain, hypertension, heart disease, autoimmune disorders, stress and anxiety. Roshi Rapaport is a Certified MBSR Trainer and can tailor an MBSR program to fit any personal or corporate setting.