How I meet James Baraz

This post is both a personal reflection and an invitation. I want to share how I came to meet James Baraz—co-founder of the Spirit Rock Meditation Center in California, founder of the renowned Awakening Joy program, and co-author of the book Awakening Joy: 10 Steps to Happiness—and to invite you to attend his upcoming workshop in Perth this November (details at the end).

I first encountered James in late 2014 during a silent insight retreat co-led by James and Jill Shepherd in the Yarra Valley, Victoria. Nestled in a peaceful landscape just outside Melbourne, the retreat was exactly what I needed after a year marked by grief, tension, and emotional heaviness.

After traveling from Perth to Melbourne and then driving another two hours, I arrived feeling a mix of fatigue, nervous anticipation, and emotional strain. Sharing a room with four others for seven days added to the initial discomfort. But something within me knew this retreat was the right place to process and gently conclude a difficult year—with kindness, embodiment, and the space to breathe.

Soon after settling in, I went exploring. I stumbled across the meditation hall, the gardens, and walking paths—and then, I met James Baraz.

He greeted everyone with a radiant smile, a few heartfelt words, and a genuine presence that made each of us feel deeply welcomed. I’ve met many wonderful dharma teachers, each humble and kind in their own way, but there was something distinct about James. Perhaps it was his openness, his warm humour, or the ease with which he connected. In that moment, I felt safe. I knew that whatever might arise for me during the retreat—physically, emotionally, spiritually—he would be there. Time to relax.

Throughout the retreat, James offered daily dharma talks exploring themes such as awareness, gratitude, forgiveness, love, joy, and compassion. He spoke about the dance of awareness, where intention precedes action, and how this flow invites us to live with more presence. He introduced the Brahma Viharas—loving-kindness, compassion, empathetic joy, and equanimity—and explored the intricate relationship between wisdom and compassion.

James reminded us that facing suffering takes both courage and tenderness. When compassion and joy are cultivated in balance, they naturally lead to equanimity—a steady, spacious mind that can hold life as it is.

He guided us through both short and extended practices to cultivate self-compassion. A few of his phrases that still resonate with me include:

In this moment, there is suffering.
Suffering is part of life.
May I hold it with kindness and compassion.

I am aware of this pain.
I care about this pain.
At the right time, may it release.
May I know peace.

May I hold my experience with balance and ease.
It is as it is.
Life is unfolding as it should.
It is like this. Right now.

These teachings helped me access new insights and a deeper sense of peace. By the end of the retreat, I truly felt lighter, more joyful, and—most importantly—more equipped to meet life as it comes. I found resolution with issues that had previously felt too painful to touch, and I returned home with renewed clarity and a heart a little more open.

One of the most memorable aspects of James’ teaching was how he closed each day. He would gently remind us:

“Don’t miss the moment.”
“Stop and start again. That’s always an option.”
“Peace is always within.”
“Don’t cure—care.”
“You don’t have to figure it out.”

These simple phrases continue to echo in my practice.

About James Baraz

James holds a master’s degree in psychology and has taught mindfulness meditation since 1978. He co-founded Spirit Rock Meditation Center in California and is a guiding teacher for One Earth Sangha, a community exploring a Buddhist response to climate change. Since creating the Awakening Joy course in 2003, James has taught and led retreats across North America and Europe. His book Awakening Joy and its companion Awakening Joy for Kids have inspired thousands of people worldwide. He lives in Berkeley, California, with his wife Jane, and together they continue to teach and model a life grounded in joy, mindfulness, and service.

Mindfulness2Be | Regina Gerlach Psychology