- This event has passed.
Deep Rest: Learning to Let Go, Online 10/4–10/25
Description
The Zoom link to participate in this event will be provided at least 24 hours before it begins. Please call 415-354-0360 if you have any questions.
Four Sundays, October 4–25, 2:30–4:00 pm PT
Deep Rest is a skill that we all need. With regular practice, we can learn how to allow mind and body to easily transition from their usual activated (sympathetic) state to a relaxed (parasympathetic) mode. This state is mentally and physically restorative, bringing balance and ease. Deep Rest is repose—a profound stillness of bodymind that is sustained without strain, that cultivates refreshment. It is the basis of meditative absorption.
In this 4-week class, we will practice restorative yoga postures and awareness of breathing to bring us into this state of relaxed stillness. As we become familiar with the physical and mental changes that come with Deep Rest, we can begin to see how we can apply this practice to meditation.
A follow-up class, Deeper Rest: Exploring Relaxation in Daily Life, will be offered on Sundays in November. Registration is separate; more information is available on the SFZC event page.
Please wear comfortable, non-restrictive clothing and, if possible, have the following props available:
- Yoga mat
- Two blankets
- Yoga strap
- Bolster or firm cushion
- Eye covering
- Your usual meditation support (cushion, chair, or bench)
Recordings:
All course sessions will be recorded, and registered participants will receive temporary access to the recordings for later viewing.
Fee Information
- Benefactor Ticket Price: $210 — supports others’ participation
- Standard ticket price: $168 — covers full program costs
- Member (Become an SFZC Member): $151 — for current SFZC members
- Supported: $101 — community supported rate
- Deeply Supported: $42 — for broadest accessibility
- Current SFZC residents and qualified SFZC retirees may attend this course for free. To register, please email onlineprograms@sfzc.org at least 72 hours before the program begins.
Or call 415-354-0360.

Shokuchi Deirdre Carrigan
Shokuchi Deirdre Carrigan trained in Zen at San Francisco Zen Center for 20 years, including four practice periods at Tassajara Zen Mountain Center and more than a decade of residential practice at Green Gulch Farm. She was ordained a Soto Zen priest by Tenshin Reb Anderson in 2010 and served as Shuso (Head Student) in 2014.
