DONNA QUESADA
I teach an unconventional eastern philosophy class to large groups at Santa Monica College, where my students and I "tune-in" before lecture. We stop, we greet the day, we breathe, we meditate and we listen to the delicious music, if only for a few minutes, or so.
I believe that as teachers, we teach just as much through our presence and our way of being, as through our words. I believe we are in a unique position to uplift others and I also believe we are all teachers in some way.It is in this spirit that I wrote my first book, Buddha in the Classroom; Zen Wisdom to Inspire Teachers. Although it was my most trying year, it was also the beginning of a renewed sense of enjoyment in the classroom.Darkness always gives birth to the light! My hope now is that this collection of vignettes may serve as a source of encouragement to all readers. I have an extensive background in Zen Buddhism and am a student and a teacher of Kundalini Yoga. When I'm not teaching or writing, you'll likely find me walking my nutty little terrier, Marcel.
Please also see my articles at:
Spirit Voyage, Elephant Journal and Shambhala Sun.
NEWS
I am thrilled to have had two of my poems selected for inclusion in the beautiful anthology, The Poetry of Yoga, released on 11.11.11!
Edited by HawaH, other contributors include Krishna Das, Erich Schiffman and Lilias Folan, with an introduction by Shiva Rea!