“I invite people drenched in time to recover themselves and come out of time and taste their native immortal air”
— R.W. Emerson
High School “De-Tension”
Karen Kisslinger led relaxation and meditation workshops, retreats, and lectures for teens and students of all ages for over 30 years. At a time when people are experiencing unprecedented stress and pressure, Karen’s positive, practical and truly useful relaxation and stress reduction skills were offered in a positive and accessible manner. Her work was highly popular among teens and their teachers. as well as other groups, who bring Karen in for special sessions. The Karen Kisslinger Fund will celebrate her legacy by providing students with the opportunity to continue studying the modalities that Karen taught.
EnlighTEENment
“Pay attention not only to the cultivation of knowledge but to the cultivation of qualities of the hearts, so that at the end of education, not only will you be knowledgeable, but also you will be a warm hearted and compassionate person.”
— 14th Dalai Lama
In addition to enjoying an nearly universally positive response to her relaxation and wellness workshops with teens, Karen focused in recent years on sitting meditation, metta (loving-kindness) meditation and simple chanting. Suspecting that these might be very effective for high school students, Karen was delighted to discover that they are often the favorite activities of many students, despite the challenges they present. Karen offered these activities in a culturally neutral way so as not to interfere with students’ religious or spiritual background.
Skills for the Re-Generation
Though most of Karen’s teaching was experiential, she also offered valuable information and discussion to help teens make positive choices in many areas of life. Her teaching emphasized learning skills for “regenerative ease” so that students won’t live lives of “degenerative dis-ease”. Karen taught students that they can live healthier happier lives….and skills for doing so.