Mentoring
Dharma Mentoring
Many people find that establishing and committing to a regular meditation practice can be difficult and daunting. Without the support and accountability of guidance and structure it’s hard to assess if we are making progress or are developing proper techniques and skills. Dharma mentoring is an opportunity to both develop and maintain a sustainable practice while implementing the benefits and skills of mindfulness into everything you do.
The basis of 1:1 dharma work is an opportunity for us to work together in support of you becoming the best possible version of yourself. Whatever that means for you. Attention is placed on the needs and interests of the student and may look different for each person. The aim is to foster a meaningful life using the dharma as a guide.
Emphasis is placed on the cultivation of the eight-fold path as a means for developing a whole life path. The goal is to help you address and overcome ongoing challenges while acknowledging and celebrating the fruits of your hard work.
Dharma mentoring includes monthly 1:1 private meeting (45 mins); weekly group practice and teaching sessions held on zoom for all students of the program; and access to an online teaching library/portal.
Students in the mentoring program will access an online dharma library hosted on RUZUKU. There, they connect with other students around the globe and access to videos, texts, guided meditations, dharma talks, and more. For those who don’t have access to a regular sitting community, this is often the next best thing.
Fee Structure: ($150-300 Sliding/Monthly)
The income from the mentoring program compensates me not only for my current financial needs, but also allows me to recover costs I’ve incurred while accumulating my education, credentials, personal retreats, and ongoing professional training. Economic justice is important to me, and I feel strongly that the practice and teachings should be available to everyone. I recognize that the pursuit of compensation simultaneously limits access for some. Therefore, I want to make my financial motives transparent.
I’ve devoted a majority of my professional career to the nonprofit sector, donation-based programs, and incarcerated populations. I continue to teach programs that rely 100% on donations and generosity as part of my Dharma lineage. Over the course of every year I schedule and teach retreats, drop-in classes and online programs at various meditation centers around the country where my teachings are freely offered. This allows people to have access to me regardless of finances. I also offer hundreds of free online teachings through my podcast that are available to all.
What I earn in that domain does not adequately address unrecovered and reoccurring costs and financial responsibilities to me and my family. So, I bridge the gap through my work with private students in a professional mentoring capacity. Which is why my fees are adjusted accordingly.
Mentors
Dave Smith
If you would like to begin the process of mentoring with Dave Smith, send an email to: satisila74@gmail.com
Shannon Smith
Shannon Smith began practicing the Dharma in 2004. Over the last decade she has been sitting and studying in the Theravada tradition integrating Dharma Practice and addiction recovery practices resulting in more than 28 years of sobriety. In 2014, she stepped out of a long and successful corporate career to have her first son and to become a Co-Founder to a Buddhist-based Recovery Treatment Center working with recovering addicts and their families. During this time, she also graduated from a four-year teacher training program with Against the Stream Buddhist Meditation Society. Shannon has taught meditation, led recovery groups and co-facilitated Year-to-Live groups. She founded the Secular Dharma Foundation with her husband Dave Smith. Currently, she lives in Paonia, Colorado and is focused on cultivating sustainable lifestyle with her husband and two sons.
Contact Shannon: shannon@seculardharmafoundation.com
Testimonials
