In meditation and in daily life, we are accustomed to bringing our attention to “objects.” We typically focus on what we see, hear, taste, smell and feel in the body, as well as our thoughts, perceptions and moods. And yet, these sense experiences aren’t all that is here. There is also awareness, the capacity to know what is happening.

In this four-week series, we'll explore a powerful question: What happens when we turn our attention to the awareness itself? As we learn to more fully know that we are aware, we gain access to a deep space inside that is unruffled by whatever is arising in the present moment. In each class, we'll open to this spaciousness through guided meditation, Dharma reflections and group discussion.

The magic of awareness is that, like a dear friend, our knowing capacity is always ready to receive whatever is here. The more we become familiar with awareness itself, the easier we can access a sense of spaciousness, non-judgement, ease and well being. We look forward to having you join this exploration!

About Alexa Redner

Alexa Redner, Lead Teacher at Portland Insight Meditation Center, has practiced in the Insight meditation tradition for over twenty years, including more than a year in intensive retreat. She was authorized to teach by Spirit Rock founding teacher James Baraz and holds degrees from Naropa University in Visual Arts and Creation Spirituality. She currently mentors in Jack Kornfield and Tara Brach’s Mindfulness Meditation Certification Program, and teaches with Banyan, Spirit Rock, IMS, and the Insight Meditation Community of Berkeley.

An educator across many settings, Alexa brings a playful and gentle approach to awakening, influenced by U Tejaniya and Rob Burbea. She is especially passionate about creating brave, loving spaces where women can cultivate healing relationships with food and their bodies. Learn more about Alexa.