Press Release
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
New Zen Lifestyle Center to Debut in Chicago
CHICAGO (May 1, 2010) The former Zen Community of Chicago today announces the debut of the new Zen Life & Meditation Center of Chicago (ZLMC).
Zen Life & Meditation Center is redefining what Zen is and how it is practiced in the West. "For the first time", says Zen Master Robert Althouse, "we are offering a vast array of programs that translate Zen into our modern society in ways that make these ancient wisdom teachings more accessible to people regardless of their religion, belief or culture. Zen is more relevant to our times than ever before because it helps ground us in our natural wisdom and respond to rapidly chaning circumstances with great effectiveness and confidence."
The Center's entry-level curriculum can empower anyone to live a more effective, Zen-inspired life of openness, empathy and clarity. Classes showcase a simple mindfulness meditation that anyone can learn. These classes offer practical down-to-earth tools that can have a positive impact on one's personal life, one's relationships, as well as show how one is able to contribute their unique gifts to the world at large. These tools are all based on popular western psychological disciplines such as Nonviolent Communication, Focusing, and Big Mind process.
Leading the instruction is Zen Master Robert Joshin Althouse, who has been teaching for 18 years and practicing Zen for over 40 years. He has studied with many great Zen teachers such as Taizan Maezumi Roshi, and Nicolee McMahon Roshi, and with Chogyam Trungpa Rinpoche.
"ZLMC serves to help people effectively deal with commonplace problems in their daily lives", says Zen Master Althouse. The Center's program help people:
- reduce stress
- experience peace of mind, confidence and positive self worth
- deal more effectively with conflict and anger
- be more focused, relaxed and grounded
- develop more trust in interpersonal relationships at work and at home
- build sound physical and emotional health
Besides the entry-level Core Curriculum, ZLMC offers a broad range of programs including meditation, retreats, Fridays with Roshi, Empathic Listening Circles, Self Liberation Workshops, Advanced Zen Studies, Zen Counseling and Corporate Wellness.
ZLMC is conveniently located in Oak Park, close to I-290 and the CTA Green Line. The Center is open Monday through Saturday. For more information about Zen Life & Meditation Center, please visit our new website at www.zlmc.org. To conduct interviews, please call Zen Master Robert Althouse at 708.445.1651.
