Hello!
Shorter Bio: Melina (they/them) began meditation and Dharma practice in 2003 in both Plum Village and Vipassana traditions, eventually taking monastic vows under Thich Nhat Hanh in 2012 with the name HaiAn (Sister Ocean.) After six years in the monastery, and a few more outside of the monastery, Melina returned to lay life in 2021. They now blend Insight and Plum Village practices with an orientation to somatics, justice and creativity into meditation and Dharma teacher, in addition to their work as a psychotherapist. As a queer, white settler, Melina is honored and challenged to live on the colonized land of Tkaronto, colonially named Toronto, where they continue to sharing the gifts of the monastery with a wider community. Melina completed the the True North Insight Community Meditation Leader Mentorship program in 2022.
Longer Bio: I met the Dharma in 2003 when I found “Call Me By My True Names,” a poem by Thich Nhat Hanh, on the internet. Immediately I started reading his books and practicing on my own, then attending Vipassana retreats in Asia and North America. I studied with Molly Swan and Norman Feldman from 2009-2011 in the Insight/Vipassana tradition then in 2012 I ordained with Thich Nhat Hanh at Plum Village. After six challenging and amazing years at Plum Village (France) and Blue Cliff (NY State) monasteries, I left to live as a “monastic in the world,” sharing mindfulness practices with Sanghas across Canada and the US, doing on long silent retreats, and studying the Dharma.
I’ve now left the robes behind but my dedication to the Dharma and sharing practices of liberation remains the same. I continue to practice the precious teachings of Plum Village as I integrate them with my practice in the Theravada, mystical Christian, and social justice traditions. This journey continues to surprise me as I continue to respond to the call.
In 2022 I completed the True North Insight Community Meditation Leader Mentorship program and am excited to build sangha with this community.
I also scaled back my offerings in 2021 to begin a Master’s in Buddhist Spiritual Care and Psychotherapy. In September 2023 I will also begin working as a psychotherapist at Mindfulness for Life.
Some of the lenses of experience that shape how I live in the world include being queer, a white settler in Canada, a cancer survivor and one who has grieved deeply. Long ago I received a BFA in Theater Design and Contemporary Dance, taught yoga, and worked as a program director for a Unitarian Universalist congregation. Working for racial justice, singing, writing, and cooking bring me great joy.