The bells and whistles of modern life take a toll on humans mentally, physically, and emotionally. These burdens are exacerbated by the compulsion to resist and control the chaos because self-protection and the protection of our children are key motivators. But how do we create a sustainable, lasting transformation to quell modern turbulence?

To more deeply understand how we can realize zen in the chaos, Harvesting Happiness Podcast Host Lisa Cypers Kamen speaks with Oren Jay Sofer, a Certified Trainer of Nonviolent Communication and a Somatic Experiencing Practitioner. 

Oren’s book, Your Heart Was Made for This: Contemplative Practices for Meeting a World in Crisis with Courage, Integrity, and Love is a guidebook for a year’s worth of contemplative practices. Oren highlights the twenty-six beautiful capacities humans have, the main themes of his book, and how to nurture inner peace amid the chaos.

Oren Jay Sofer — Nurturing Inner Peace:

• The inspiration for Oren’s book, Your Heart Was Made for This was created as he contemplated what world he was leaving for his children. {3:03}
• Oren shares the three key themes of his book. {7:52}
• Contemplative practices can be anything that calms and focuses a racing mind. {10:32}
• Making space for chaos can foster inner peace amid modern turbulence. {15:47}
• Resistance either becomes an additional burden or it becomes regenerative. {21:46} 
• Oren highlights the 26 beautiful capacities humans have. {24:17}

About Lisa’s guest:

Oren Jay Sofer teaches meditation and communication internationally. He holds a degree in comparative religion from Columbia University and is a Certified Trainer of Nonviolent Communication and a Somatic Experiencing Practitioner for the healing of trauma. His teaching has reached people around the world through his online communication courses and guided meditations. A husband and a father, Oren lives in the San Francisco Bay Area, where he enjoys cooking, spending time in nature, and home woodworking projects.

“We are all bearing so much right now. With a heavy heart, with worry, concern, and not only for ourselves but for the future of the world."  - Lisa Cypers Kamen

For more inspiration visit www.harvestinghappiness.com!