Mindfulness Meditation Teacher

Julie Chisho Kase

Julie is certified by ZLMC as a “Mindfulness and Meditation Teacher”.

Julie Chisho Kase is a former substitute teacher who spent a decade in Chicago Public Schools bringing mindfulness and respect into every classroom. With a degree in Environmental Science, a minor in Philosophy, and teaching certification in Science for grades 6-12, she worked with students across diverse communities. She volunteered with the Chicago Wisdom Project and attended two Zen Peacemakers Native American Bearing Witness Retreats.

During her teaching years, Julie was passionate about treating students with dignity, making learning engaging, and teaching practical life skills like meditation. She listened deeply, helped students reframe negative self-talk, and excelled at motivating them to reach their potential.

Her spiritual journey began when she heard Roshi Robert Joshin Althouse on the radio and was struck by his clarity. She came to ZLMC seeking help with physical tension during meditation and found a community and practice that would support her through profound life challenges. Through Zen counseling, the Foundations class, and eventually Jukai, Julie discovered tools like Non-Violent Communication and council circles that transformed her approach to life's difficulties.

"Lately my spiritual practice has been 'don't give up,'" Julie reflects. "Keep trying. Keep doing things." She typically sits an hour daily, working with breath counting, body sensations, or koans. Her practice is rooted in service and the aspiration to do good for others.

Julie finds inspiration in Lake Michigan—"a very old being who has seen it all"—and in the ZLMC sangha. "The Zen Center has helped me to have a lot of courage. It is my real home and my family. I am drawn to ZLMC because it is full of incredible people that I love."

A woman smiling for a selfie indoors during the holiday season, with a decorated Christmas tree in the background.
  • A woman praying with folded hands in front of another woman, who is also praying, in a room with a table that has a vase with purple flowers and various items. The woman on the right is wearing a red apron and has curly hair.

    Student Ceremonies

  • A Buddhist monk with glasses and a tan robe prays with a woman in a tan jacket and glasses, who has her hands folded in prayer, standing outside against beige walls and greenery.

    Buddhist Services

  • People sitting in a circle during a discussion or meeting, with one holding a microphone and others smiling and listening, in an indoor setting with artwork and decorations on the walls.

    Conversations with teachers

  • A group of people seated with eyes closed, appearing to meditate or pray, in a room with a whiteboard and a television screen.

    Meditation