Stories that Liberate

Across traditions and throughout history, stories have been one of the most powerful vehicles for transmitting wisdom and culture. The Buddhist path is rich with archetypes, parables, and symbolic narratives that illuminate the possibilities of the human heart. At a time when our lives can feel overwhelmed by complexity and distant from a time where communities gathered around a fire or hearth to share stories, the tales and archetypes of the dharma offer guidance, perspective, and a direct invitation into our own capacity for awakening. 

Through reflection, meditation, and dialogue, we will investigate themes including:

• How Dharma stories illuminate universal truths and experiences, while presenting a way forward towards less suffering

• The liberating potential of imagination, myth, and meaning-making on the path of awakening

• The ways we can understand and embody the wisdom shared in Dharma stories in our own modern lives

Each session will include guided meditation, dharma talks, and time for inquiry and connection. This class is suitable for anyone who has received and practiced basic instructions in mindfulness.

The Practice Support Group is designed to help you establish a consistent and nourishing daily practice. When questions or challenges arise, you will have the opportunity to explore them here. Participating in a Dharma group is one of the most supportive things you can do to help your meditation practice grow.

Suggested Donation: $125-$40. No one is turned away for financial reasons.

Juliana Sloane, IMT Guest Teacher

Juliana Sloane first encountered the Dharma as a teenager, along with many of the beauties and challenges of practice. This led her to academic study of religion and gender, and ultimately, to pursue deeper practice and training in the Dharma. Over the years, Juliana has participated in Buddhist Chaplaincy training with the Sati Center, spent many years teaching with Spirit Rock Meditation Center’s Family Program, and co-founded a weekly sitting group for those who identify as women that has been active for the last 8 years. Juliana participated in the sixth iteration of Spirit Rock’s Community Dharma Leader Program in 2019 and completed this training through a Dharma Mentoring Program with Erin Treat and Pamela Weiss. Today, Juliana works one-on-one with individuals as a hypnotherapist and spiritual counselor, and teaches with communities including San Francisco Insight, Spirit Rock,  Santa Fe Vipassana Sangha, and the Durango Dharma Center. Juliana lives in Santa Fe, NM and is delighted to be spending time with the Insight Meditation Tucson community!