Will both Will and Jon Kabat-Zinn be teaching together, or is this primarily Will's event?

The event is titled "The Way of Awareness with Will Kabat-Zinn and Jon Kabat-Zinn," indicating both will be present, though Jon Kabat-Zinn (Will's father and founder of MBSR) typically plays a more limited role in public events due to his age. Expect Will as the primary teacher, with Jon's participation likely in dialogue or select sessions—reach out to Omega directly for the specific format.

I work in law enforcement/criminal justice—is this event designed with practitioners like me in mind?

Yes. Will has spent years bringing mindfulness specifically to law enforcement officers and incarcerated populations, so his teaching is grounded in the real pressures and skepticism of those fields. This isn't abstract spirituality—it's practical meditation adapted for high-stress, authority-based environments.

I'm a tech executive or work in Silicon Valley—why would I attend this versus a standard corporate mindfulness workshop?

Will spent a year as an executive in residence at UC Berkeley Haas School of Business, so he understands tech and business culture from the inside. His approach bridges deep meditation practice (nearly a decade in silent retreats in Burma and the US) with real-world application for leaders—not surface-level stress reduction.

What tradition of meditation does Will teach, and is it secular or explicitly spiritual?

Will teaches in the Insight Meditation tradition, deeply influenced by Burmese teacher Sayadaw U Pandita and Chan Master Sheng-Yen. While rooted in Buddhist lineage, his teaching to diverse secular audiences (police, educators, tech leaders) is presented in accessible, non-dogmatic language—spiritual in depth but not requiring religious belief.

Is this a one-day workshop or a multi-day retreat, and what's the time commitment?

The listing shows this as a single-day event on Sunday, September 13, 2026 at Omega Institute. For exact timing and session structure, check Omega's website directly, as day programs can range from 6-10 hours depending on format.

I'm an educator interested in bringing mindfulness into schools—is this event relevant for me?

Yes. Will explicitly teaches educators and has spent years translating mindfulness practice into institutional settings. This event will likely include insights on how to adapt his approach for classroom and school environments, not just personal practice.

What should I read or know about Will's teaching before attending?

Will hasn't authored major published works like his father (Jon Kabat-Zinn), so pre-reading isn't necessary. Come familiar with basic mindfulness concepts, but his teaching is designed to be accessible to beginners—what matters more is your genuine interest in how meditation applies to your specific role or life context.

The Way of Awareness with Will Kabat-Zinn and Jon Kabat-Zinn | Sep 13

Name: The Way of Awareness with Will Kabat-Zinn and Jon Kabat-Zinn
Location: Omega Institute

About This Event

Description

Join Will Kabat-Zinn and Jon Kabat-Zinn for an extraordinary day of mindfulness practice and embodied awareness at the Omega Institute in Rhinebeck, NY on Sunday, September 13, 2026. This mindfulness event brings together two generations of meditation teachers to explore "The Way of Awareness"—a transformative exploration of how mindfulness can reshape our relationship with ourselves and the world around us. Whether you're a seasoned practitioner or curious newcomer, this mindfulness experience in Rhinebeck offers a rare opportunity to deepen your practice with master teachers who have dedicated their lives to bringing contemplative wisdom into everyday life.

The day unfolds as a guided journey into present-moment awareness, blending seated meditation, movement-based mindfulness practices, and teachings that bridge ancient wisdom with contemporary neuroscience. You'll experience how mindfulness practices can enhance clarity, reduce stress, and foster genuine connection—whether in schools, communities, or within yourself. The warm, supportive atmosphere at Omega creates the ideal container for this intimate exploration of awareness, making it one of the most impactful mindfulness events you can attend in the Hudson Valley region.

What to Expect

Arrive early to settle into Omega's peaceful grounds and find your seat in the meditation hall. The day begins with a gentle settling practice, allowing your mind and body to transition from daily life into a state of relaxed attention. You'll move through periods of guided meditation, teachings that illuminate the science and practice of mindfulness, and interactive sessions where you can explore your own experience with awareness.

The sensory landscape throughout the day invites you into deeper presence: the sound of bells marking transitions, the feeling of your breath moving naturally, the gentle guidance of voices trained in the art of mindfulness instruction. Expect moments of profound stillness, insights that arise from quiet reflection, and community with fellow seekers. You'll also have opportunities to ask questions and deepen your understanding of how mindfulness translates into meaningful change in daily life.

By day's end, you'll leave with practical tools, renewed perspective, and a tangible sense of what sustained mindfulness practice can offer. Many attendees report feeling more grounded, clearer mentally, and more compassionate—qualities that ripple outward long after this mindfulness event concludes.

About the Artists

Will Kabat-Zinn brings over two decades of dedicated meditation practice to his teaching, with a unique mission: bringing mindfulness directly to those who need it most. His work with incarcerated youth, educators, law enforcement, and tech leaders demonstrates how contemplative practice transforms even the most challenging environments. Will's approach is both accessible and deeply grounded, making complex awareness practices feel natural and immediately applicable.

Jon Kabat-Zinn, Ph.D. is widely recognized as a pioneer in bringing mindfulness into mainstream culture and medicine. His groundbreaking work developing Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) has influenced millions worldwide and reshaped how we understand the healing power of present-moment awareness. Teaching alongside his son creates a unique intergenerational dialogue about the evolution and timeless relevance of mindfulness practice.

Venue & Location

The Omega Institute in Rhinebeck, NY is a sanctuary nestled in the beautiful Hudson Valley—a 150-acre retreat center designed to support deep learning and transformation. The meditation hall provides an acoustically refined, peaceful space where you can settle fully into practice. Rhinebeck itself is a charming, walkable village with natural beauty surrounding every corner, making the journey to this mindfulness event feel like a retreat from ordinary life.

Omega is conveniently accessible from New York City and the broader Northeast, with ample parking available on-site. The center's welcoming ethos and well-designed spaces create ideal conditions for a day of mindfulness practice and inner exploration.

The Way of Awareness with Will Kabat-Zinn and Jon Kabat-Zinn

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What to Expect

About the Artists

Venue & Location

The Lineup

Omega Institute

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The Way of Awareness with Will Kabat-Zinn and Jon Kabat-Zinn

Description

What to Expect

About the Artists

Venue & Location

The Lineup

Omega Institute

FAQs

There's more where this came from.

Discover More Artists

Find More Events

List Your Own Event