Compassion and Acceptance: Spirituality in Recovery from Mental Illness
with the Rev. Jana Drakka, Zen Buddhist Monk
Wednesday, May 11 – Saturday, May 14, 2011
In recognition of May as Mental Health Month, the Interfaith Network on Mental Illness (INMI), in collaboration with the Buddhist Coalition (BCBA) and a number of other groups in Boulder, is sponsoring a four-day conference about “Spirituality and Mental Illness.” The keynote speaker for this event will be the Rev. Jana Drakka. Because of the richness of her background, the events that will be part of this conference will be unusually varied and of interest to many in our wider community.
About the Rev. Jana Drakka: “Once homeless, abused and addicted, Jana Drakka found her calling as a Zen Buddhist monk 18 years ago. Instead of carrying on a quiet life in a monastery, she returned to the streets to reach out to others.” Her community outreach to the homeless of San Francisco is based on Harm Reduction Principles. She also has a degree in Education Sociology and Psychology, and ESL certification. She conducts training and workshop for varied groups, including: HIV positive women, caregivers for patients with Alzheimer's, mindfulness training, and grief support groups. Creativity and practicality mark her work. She combines ancient and modern skills with a Scottish sense of humor (having grown up in Scotland). Jana is the teacher for three Gay Sanghas and has begun ordaining folks from her own Sangha in the Soto Zen lineage of Suzuki Roshi. (http://janadrakka.com)
Note: All sessions are free, except for the panel/workshops for clinicians on the morning of May 12. No one will be turned away for lack of funds. Donations will be gratefully received to continue the work of the Interfaith Network on Mental Illness (INMI).
Wednesday, May 11
1 – 3pm “We are all beginners: Meditation Practice” with Jana Drakka.
This session is open to anyone who has practiced for years or just wants to learn about it. As Merton says, “We are all beginners.” We hope lay leaders of faith communities will attend. Chairs provided; bring your own meditation cushion if you like.
Location: First Congregational Church, Chapel, 1128 Pine St.
7 – 9 pm “Spirituality as a Resource in Overcoming Addiction/Substance Abuse and PTSD”
Jana will speak from her own experience in dealing with these issues, as well as
about her work with the homeless in San Francisco. Q & A will follow.
Location: Shambala, 1345 Spruce St.
Thursday, May 12
8 – 11:15 am – “Skills for Clinicians and Professionals Working with Most Challenging Clients: Shelter From the Storm”
There will be five workshops with a keynote address by Jana. Topics will focus on teaching mindfulness to challenging clients and self-care for providers in challenging environments. Workshop Leaders:
Jed Shapiro, M.D., psychiatrist at Mental Health Partners
Elicia Goodsoldier, Administrative Unit coordinator, Chinook and former staff member at SAMHSA-funded suicide prevention project on Lakota Reservation
Dennis White, taught meditation in Federal and State prisons, taught Compassionate Outreach at Naropa, and volunteers at Carriage House/Community Table.
Bob Unger, Faculty, Naropa University Masters Program in Contemplative Psychology and Founder, Colorado Center for the Advancement of Group Studies.
Michael M. Dow, licensed professional counselor (LPC) and a certified addictions counselor (CAC III).Charlotte Shintaku, Safehouse.
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A continental breakfast will be served. Fee is $20 for those who pre-register by Tuesday, May 10 at revalan2004@comcast.net; $25 after May 10.
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Location: Har HaShem, South Bldg., 3950 Baseline Rd.
11:30 am – 1 “How Spiritual Communities Address Mental Health Issues – Using Community Resources.”
In collaboration with Restoring the Soul and KGNU. This is a radio taping event for
KGNU. Panel will include:
The Rev. Jana Drakka, Zen Buddhist monk, San Francisco
Rabbi D. Bronstein, Har HaShem, Pastoral Care and Social Justice
The Rev. Jason Hays, The First Congregational Church, Associate Minister for Pastoral Care and Congregational Life
Chuck Knapp, co-founder of Windhorse Community Services and serves as a director
Moderator: The Rev. Alan Johnson, a founder of INMI.
Location: Har HaShem, South Bldg.,3950 Baseline Rd.(at the Red Building to the South)
7 – 9 pm “Out of the Shadows: Total Acceptance”
Jana will focus her remarks on the need to accept those with mental illness and also those in the GLBTQ community. She will answer questions about any group that experiences stigma and lives “in the shadows.”
Location: Community United Church of Christ, 2650 Table Mesa Dr.
Friday, May 13
7 – 9 pm “ An Informal Evening with Jana: Comments and Questions on Spirituality and Mental Health.”
Location: First United Methodist Church, 15th and Spruce Street
Saturday, May 14
10 am – 12 noon “Finding Balance in our Daily Life”
This morning’s program will speak to all who strive to find balance in their lives, including students. Jana will share her wisdom about how to meet the needs of
others while remaining present to one’s self.
Location: First Congregational Church, 1128 Pine Street
These events, May 11-May 14, highlight Mental Health Month, and is sponsored by the Interfaith Network on Mental Illness and has been planned by representatives of:
The Interfaith Network on Mental Illness
Windhorse Community Services
Shambala
Carriage House/Community Table
Buddhist Coalition for Bodhisattva Activity, and
Mental Health Partners
For further information contact Alan Johnson at
revalan2004@comcast.net or Susan Marine at swdkm321@comcast.net.
