Oren Jay Sofer

Oren Jay Sofer teaches Buddhist meditation, mindfulness and Nonviolent Communication internationally. A member of the Spirit Rock Teachers Council, he holds a degree in Comparative Religion from Columbia University, is a Certified Trainer of Nonviolent Communication and a Somatic Experiencing Practitioner for the healing of trauma.

Oren is the author of several books, including Say What You Mean: A Mindful Approach to Nonviolent Communication (2018) and Your Heart Was Made for This: Contemplative Practices for Meeting a World in Crisis with Courage, Integrity, and Love (2023). He is also the founder of Next Step Dharma, an innovative online program that helps meditators integrate their retreat experiences into daily life. Oren lives in El Cerrito, California. Click here to learn more about Oren Jay Sofer.

Soothing Anxiety

With Oren Jay Sofer Recorded : October 20, 2019

Anxiety is a completely normal, natural human emotion. Anxiety can be rooted in circumstances related to one’s personal life, relationships, or larger issues affecting our society and planet. Regardless of the source, many suffer...

How to Find Balance in Difficult Times

With Oren Jay Sofer Recorded : June 2, 2019

Equanimity is balance that comes from wisdom; it’s our heart and mind’s capacity to roll with the inevitable challenges and changes of life without taking it personally, without falling into despair or hopeless. Rather...

The Power of Relational Awareness

With Oren Jay Sofer Recorded : September 9, 2018

In this session, Oren Jay Sofer shares reflections on the basics of Mindful Communication, with particular focus on the internal foundations of successful communication. The talk explores some of the ways our silent contemplative...

Meeting Grief with Love

With Oren Jay Sofer Recorded : October 4, 2020

Amidst so many changes and so much loss this year, many of us are grieving. We may be grieving the loss of a loved one, of our own health, of a job, or even...

Asking Better Questions

With Oren Jay Sofer Recorded : December 13, 2020

In this session author and communication trainer Oren Jay Sofer offered guidance and reflections on how to approach difficult situations like stress from the pandemic and conflict with family with more skill, clarity and...

Beyond the Self-Improvement Project

With Oren Jay Sofer Recorded : April 25, 2021

It’s common to come to the spiritual path seeking relief from psychological suffering or emotional pain. The modern wellness industry presents mindfulness and meditation as the ultimate antidote to stress and personal foibles. Yet...

Beyond Mindfulness: The Fullness of Insight Meditation

With Oren Jay Sofer Recorded : June 13, 2021

Mindfulness is the engine of meditation practice, and it tends to get all the press. But is mindfulness sufficient to transform our hearts, minds and lives? In this session, we’ll explore some of the...

Cultivating Wise Energy

With Oren Jay Sofer Recorded : March 6, 2022

Everything we do in life depends on energy, but the modern world has a destructive and exploitative relationship with energy. What is wise, balanced energy in spiritual practice? How can we establish this in...

Wise Resolve: Finding Inner Strength

With Oren Jay Sofer Recorded : June 26, 2022

In an effort to counter tendencies towards striving and over-achieving, many Western approaches to meditation and spirituality emphasize relaxation. While relaxation and ease are essential ingredients on the meditative path, they must be integrated...

Responding to a World in Crisis with a Strong Heart

With Oren Jay Sofer Recorded : March 24, 2024

How do we keep the heart open and strong amidst so much pain and suffering in our world? What does our contemplative practice have to offer in times of upheaval and change? Join author...

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Oren Jay Sofer