Danny Morris
Danny first came to mindfulness practice from a deep interest in the nature of mind and the nature of reality. When he first learned of the complementary relationship between the most recent insights in quantum physics and the insights that have been gained for centuries through meditation, he was instantly hooked. When he was introduced to Shinzen Young and the Unified Mindfulness paradigm, he was drawn to the system because of its scientific nature and comprehensive overview of practices from various traditions. He has studied and practiced with Shinzen for over 10 years and participated in 2 scientific research studies that utilized the Unified Mindfulness framework.
Continuing to explore, he began studying yoga with Kathy McNames through the Yoga Vermont teacher training. In addition he completed the Anusara Yoga Immersion with Todd Norian and Ann Green and the Self Transformation Program at Swami Rama’s ashram in Rishikesh, India, integrating my knowledge of mindfulness with the physical practices of the energetic body. He began teaching Mindfulness at IBM where he hoped to give engineers the tools to develop an innovative and flexible mind. Through teaching Yoga in the local community and mindfulness at IBM, he had realized that teaching mindful awareness practices is what gave his life the most meaning and fulfillment. So in 2012 he quit his job and left for Thailand, Nepal and India to deepen his practice with a year in full time retreat.
During that time he became certified as a teacher of “Cultivating Emotional Balance”, a program developed by Alan Wallace and Paul Ekman as a response to the Dalai Lama’s request from a Mind and Life conference on destructive emotions. As he continued to travel to retreat centers and various monasteries to study and practice, he met many amazing teachers from various traditions who all contributed to his knowledge and experience. Besides Unified Mindfulness, major influences and teachers he has practiced with include Alan Wallace, Reggie Ray and Swami Rama.
Upon returning home he joined the Monastic Academy at the Center for Mindful Learning led by Soryu Forall. Which is the first full time practice center using the Unified Mindfulness system. There he dedicated himself to intensive practice, integrating awakening and responsibility. Maintaining a rigorous schedule of 4+ hours daily formal practice and frequent extended silent retreats, all while managing a successful non-profit organization that brings mindfulness to schools and the local community.
In 2016 It became clear to Danny that it was time to take his experience in mindfulness and share it with the world. He now lives in Austin, TX where he is a full time Mindfulness Coach, Somatic Healer and Yoga Teacher. He is now studying Authentic Relating, Circling, Dance, Trauma Healing, Somatic Psychology and Energy Healing as further ways to develop and grow as a human being in service to the world.
Check out more about Danny at his website, http://embodytrue.com/mindfulness/.