Dave Smith and Rev. Mikey Noechel will join in discussion and practices of how the Buddhist Dharma can help us in these modern times. In 1951, one of the most iconic texts of modern Buddhist thought was published -- the Wisdom of Insecurity written by Alan Watts. The general message of the book states that for us to live a fulfilling and meaningful life we all must all embrace the reality of our lives in the here and now, opening to everything with an open mind and an open heart. His claim that our pre-occupation with having, getting, fixing and controlling blocks us from living a full an embodied life. Opening to uncertainty, feeling into the vulnerability of insecurity and fear is the doorway into wholehearted living and is the bedrock of courage. These ideas illuminated by Watts have deep roots in early Buddhist thought (Dharma). As we are entering a time when our world is evolving at rapid speed, without clear direction, these ideas and practices may be more relevant than ever. How can we find the courage to implement ideas and tools that have lasting benefits on our sense of well-being? During this online event, Dave Smith and Rev. Mikey Noechel will offer a range of ideas and practices we can cultivate that embody a trustworthy sense of wisdom and courage, both collectively and as individuals living with the context of modernity. About Dave Smith: For nearly 30 years, Dave Smith has held a practice rooted in the Insight Meditation (Vipassana) tradition. He was empowered to teach through the Against the Stream Buddhist Meditation Society. He is a certified teacher for Cultivating Emotional Balance (CEB) which is combines contemporary emotion based scientific research with contemplative practices and psychology drawn from Buddhism. Dave teaches residential meditation retreats, weekly live dharma classes, online courses, and workshops. He has developed educational tools and resources, including mindfulness and emotional skills trainings, in both secular and Buddhist contexts. Dave also works with students 1:1 through his dharma mentoring program. Dave lives in rural Colorado with his wife and two sons. About Rev. Mikey Noechel: Mikey Noechel is a Buddhist Meditation Instructor and addiction treatment specialist based out of Nashville. Therapy is just a small part of Mikey’s passions. He has been trained to facilitate meditation groups through Against The Stream Buddhist Meditation Society and holds a Master’s Degree in Counseling Psychology. Mikey regularly leads groups at Wild Heart Meditation Center. Mikey has also helped launch Mindful Nashville, a collective of helping professionals incorporating mindfulness as a method of treatment. In 2020, Mikey completed the Dharmacharya Ordination program through Heartwood Refuge in Hendersonville, NC. It is a multi-lineage lay ordination program lead by the Venerable Pannavati Bhikkhuni and the Venerable Pannadipa Bhikkhu. Mikey is available for recovery coaching and individual and group meditation instruction in East Nashville. Therapy, meditation, and other mindfulness practices help heal our whole selves, and Mikey is here to help you along your holistic wellness journey.