Oren Jay Sofer teaches mindfulness, meditation and Nonviolent Communication in secular and Buddhist contexts.

Oren Jay Sofer teaches meditation and communication internationally and is known for his accessible and clear voice. His teachings integrate classical Buddhist training with modern disciplines of Nonviolent Communication and Somatics.

Oren holds a degree in Comparative Religion from Columbia University and spent over two years as a novice monastic in the Ajahn Chah Thai Forest lineage. He is a Certified Trainer of Nonviolent Communication and a Somatic Experiencing Practitioner specializing in trauma healing.

Oren has practiced meditation in the early Buddhist tradition since 1997, studying with Anagarika Munindra, Godwin Samararatne, Joseph Goldstein, Michele McDonald, and Ajahn Sucitto. A member of the Spirit Rock Teacher’s Council, he combines classical Buddhist wisdom with the accessible language of secular mindfulness.

He is the author of several books, including the best-seller Say What You Mean: A Mindful Approach to Nonviolent Communication, a practical guidebook for having more effective, satisfying conversations. His latest book, Your Heart Was Made For This: Contemplative Practices to Meet a World in Crisis with Courage, Integrity and Love, explores the relevance of contemplative practice for our current moment in history. He has also co-authored The Mindful Schools Curriculum for Adolescents and Teaching Mindfulness to Empower Teens.

Born and raised in New Jersey, Oren lives in the San Francisco Bay Area with his wife and son, where he enjoys cooking, time in nature, and woodworking. His interest in contemplative practice began in high school with The Tao of Pooh by Benjamin Hoff, inspiring a lifelong journey of integrating mindfulness, communication, and compassionate living.

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