Olean Meditation Center: A Symposium for Practitioners
Olean Meditation Center: A Symposium for Practitioners
The Olean Meditation Center is a non-sectarian sanctuary elevating personal well-being and spiritual living. The Olean Meditation Center was incorporated in 2011 as a non-profit organization in Cattaraugus County. In 2013 the Olean Meditation Center, otherwise known as OMC, was blessed and fortunate to purchase its own permanent residence at 2275 Dugan Road in Olean, NY.
Prior to the OMC nestling into its home, the OMC held a menu of community events. These events were often held at the Olean Public Library and St. Bonaventure University with the vision of educating the community of what meditation is from an interfaith perspective. All rainbows of belief or spiritual practices were and are welcome; these include but are not limited to Christian, Hindu, Buddaist, Doaist, Jewish, etc.
The Olean Meditation Center promotes meditation practices in various forms. Interfaith dialogues are also offered at the center. The OMC defines itself as non-sectarian. A recent evening led by compassion was about the “Golden Rule,” the principle of treating others as one wants to be treated. Following this evening, participants and the Olean Meditation Center realized that community members needed an avenue or vehicle in which to share commonalities in how or ways to help/love/support one another. From this evening’s conversation a galvanized notion of the commonalities of this rule across spiritual frameworks surfaced. Hence and with momentum, the OMC began to articulate what a charter for compassion would mean or look like in the Olean area. We are and would emphasize supporting agencies and individuals who embrace compassion in helping others.
Richard Reilly, Celine Daly, and Audrey Hager are among a few of the members of the Olean Meditation Center. Yoga programs are offered 4 times a week. The Hindu Society of Olean and Allegany hold gatherings at the OMC. An interfaith group is organized by Pastor Bruce from the 1st Presbyterian Church in Olean. Three meditation sessions per week are held from either a non-sectarian or Buddhist orientation. Mindfulness based stress reduction programs are offered as well. The Olean Meditation Center is very eclectic and inclusive.
There is an upcoming event on April 27, 2022 called “Mindfulness, Trauma, Compassion: A Symposium for Practitioners.” This event is being offered following an awakening on our ends, regarding the experiences of meditation on people who have had trauma or painful life experiences. We have hopes that this event will help us learn about trauma survival responses, as well as become accustomed to moving and growing towards an accommodating trauma lens practice to meditation.
Dr. Michael Krasner will be the keynote speaker at this event. Dr. Krasner has a background in mindfulness based stress reduction practices with decades of experience teaching physicians the framework of MBSR - a John Cabot Zinn model. Following Dr. Krasner’s presentation, we hope to focus discussions and dialogue around trauma sensitive practices and meditation frameworks. Celine Daly, a public health specialist and 40 year meditator, Andrea Spako, a MBSR practitioner and educator of mindfulness in schools and communities, and Laura Widger, a trauma trained mental health therapist will be panel members for community feedback and engagements to take place. We hope that you can explore the Olean Meditation Center and attend this exciting event.
“We are a welcome place for all. We wish to promote compassion, and understanding. This is a part of who we are.” - Olean Meditation Center
Laura Widger is a NY State Licensed Clinical Social Worker with 15 years of experience in the field of emotional wellness and mental health. She owns and operates Inner Peace and Strength - Mental and Emotional Health, and specializes in trauma healing with children and adults. She lives in Cattaraugus County with her husband, children, and German short haired dog. Laura personally and professionally strives to promote internal self leadership and the discovery of true genuineness and balance within.