Jack Kornfield’s Heartfelt Message to Therapists: “You are the heart-holders of our culture.”
We’ve recently been working with our friends at Psychotherapy Networker to help spread the word about their 43rd annual Symposium, and we came across this clip from 2018 that we find so touching and inspiring that we‘d like to share it with you all as well.
In this 5-minute video, renowned Buddhist teacher and psychologist Jack Kornfield shares a poignant story that illustrates the possibility that the mind and heart can be trained — and that this is the work of therapists. Then he goes on to share a personal and loving message that we hope you’ll take the time to hear.
Now in its 45th year, the Psychotherapy Networker Symposium is a gathering of connection, creativity, and rejuvenation for therapists dedicated to creating meaningful change for clients, communities, and themselves. This year’s event will be happening March 10-13, 2022, and participants have the option to attend the live conference in Washington DC, or participate online. Learn more and register here.
About Jack Kornfield
Jack Kornfield trained as a Buddhist monk in the monasteries of Thailand, India and Burma. He has taught meditation internationally since 1974 and is one of the key teachers to introduce Buddhist mindfulness practice to the West. After graduating from Dartmouth College in Asian Studies in 1967 he joined the Peace Corps and worked on tropical medicine teams in the Mekong River valley. He met and studied as a monk under the Buddhist master Ven. Ajahn Chah, as well as the Ven. Mahasi Sayadaw of Burma. Returning to the United States, Jack co-founded the Insight Meditation Society in Barre, Massachusetts, with fellow meditation teachers Sharon Salzberg and Joseph Goldstein and the Spirit Rock Center in Woodacre, California. Over the years, Jack has taught in centers and universities worldwide, led International Buddhist Teacher meetings, and worked with many of the great teachers of our time. He holds a Ph.D. in clinical psychology and is a father, husband and activist.
About Psychotherapy Networker
Psychotherapy Networker is a nonprofit educational organization dedicated to offering practical guidance, creative inspiration, and community support to therapists around the world. Whether you want to stay informed about new ideas and current debates in the field, connect with colleagues who share your professional interests, or just keep the spirit of discovery alive and well in your work, Psychotherapy Networker provides indispensable guidance and resources for your practice.
You are so right we can be so quick to judge we cannot see each others pain, we cannot see what another person is going through, thank you
Jayne from the UK
Thank you, Jack, your message is beautiful, it touched my heart, and is so inspiring. I feel honored to be a heart-holder of our culture.
Thank you Jack. It has always been an insight into peace and my development to hear or read your work. Through the years you have helped so many reawaken their true nature of peace, kindness and compassion. One of the great masters of our community.
Thank you. . .
What a beautiful message and teaching to share. I am always inspired by both the simplicity and the depth of teachings that Jack shares. Thank you for your compassionate heart.
I am sharing this with therapists and even some clients who need it. Ilene Frommer, MFT
With gratitude for honouring the truth that we are in this together where heart meets heart as therapists.
Jack,
Thank You for sharing this with us Mindfulness and bring people together and helping others together. It’s So helpful.
Thank You,
Lori English, MSW