James Baraz, a founding teacher of Spirit Rock Meditation Center  leads an annual on-line experiential course Awakening Joy beginning February 2012. Register at www.awakeningjoy.info

The  course uses dharma principles and practices to cultivate 10 wholesome states over a 5 -month period (Jan-May). It’s a way to bring practice into daily life with the intention of greater well-being. When people actually do the practices, they work.  The book, Awakening Joy, is coming out in paper-back in November 2012.

The course is done as a nourishing experience and fun. No failing, no guilt, no pressure. Doing it with dharma friends in a group makes it even more powerful. Though not essential, the added dimension of sangha creates a feeling of connection that enriches the experience. Many dharma communities have formed Awakening Joy groups.

If you’re doing the course online, you’re welcome to offer any amount that works for you as an alternative to the suggested donation. I want to share the course with anyone who really wants to take it.   To register go to the website and click on Sign Up button.

“I don’t read a lot of self-help or inspirational books, but even if you never read anything in this genre, this book is one you should try. Baraz teaches a very popular course and has an online lecture series on this. Melinda and I actually went to one of his seminars. He’s a very nice guy, and Awakening Joy is very good.”  Bill Gates  – www.thegatesnotes.com