What Our Students Say About Love Is Presence
I wandered into my first Love is Presence class not knowing the slightest bit about meditation.  I had just lost my father and felt lost myself.  Throughout the series, I transformed.   Abra's insight, teachings, and vast knowledge allowed me to understand my mind and uncover my potential to come home to the body.   Her guidance has helped me find myself again.  Thank you so much for all the positive energy and great change you've brought into my life!  What a blessing to have met you.  ~ Brittany

I wanted to say thank you so much.  Your class has already made a big difference in my life, and I'm certain that the impact is just going to keep growing.  I'll remember your words for a long time, but more than that I'll remember your example.  I'll remember the way that you looked at each of us, without words, at the part of us that has no words, and smiled, and paid attention.  And I'll remember the way that that made me feel.  ~ Dena

I took your Vipassana series at Carrboro Yoga in January 2011, and I gained quite a bit from that experience.  I am so very glad I began a mindfulness practice, in general.  But recently, in the wake of some serious personal losses and changes, I picked up my notes from your class and have found them to be a really great distillation of the practice (specifically: the practice of coping with discomfort), and with pointers to other teachers whose work has been so helpful.  I just wanted to say thank you for leading that class and for introducing me to this way of living, looking at the world, moving through challenges...it's been an enormous help, and I'm so glad I took notes!  ~ Winnie

Abra is an eloquent speaker who exquisitely prepares meaningful presentations each week.  It is wonderful to hear Abra share lessons with the class to develop our meditation and mindfulness skills.  These skills may then be applied directly to move away from being stuck and to enhance the joy in our lives.  The meditation and mindfulness series is wonderful because we not only learn new skills, but also learn how our classmates apply these skills.  Abra encourages people to candidly share their experiences by offering a safe environment for this discussion.  Some of the greatest lessons I've learned in the class have been through the perspective of others.  It is joyful to hear the humanity reflected in the stories that people openly and generously share.  ~ Courtney

I really enjoyed the session and found it a profound learning experience.  I will definitely sign up for the next series once registration opens.  ~ Vivian

Abra is a masterful teacher of the mindfulness practice.  She has a unique ability to simplify the principles of everyday mindfulness, showing her students how to develop their own abilities in becoming more present in their own lives.  Her teachings are made strong by her rich knowledge of literature, religion, psychology, meditation and the mindfulness practice.  My mindfulness practice has changed my life.  I strongly encourage everyone to study with Abra—whether you are completely new to the practice, or a seasoned practitioner.  ~ Natalie

Only an extraordinarily talented teacher and compassionate person could bring a meditation skeptic to practice and mindfulness.  I am so very grateful you did that for me.  ~ Karl

I have enjoyed the Meditation sessions very much and would recommend them to anyone who wants to understand themselves better, anyone going through any kind of change or transition, or anyone who simply wants less stress. I feel even one session would be helpful for anyone.  But it really is about changing how you look at your life, so it is really helpful for me to continue taking sessions.   ~ Sandy  

As someone fairly new to meditation, I cannot emphasize how helpful the Love is Presence class was in guiding me and affirming that the practice of mindfulness is worth a lifetime's dedication.  Abra is a refreshingly thoughtful speaker, choosing her words with care, kindness and wisdom.  I highly recommend her classes to anyone who seeks to live a more meaningful life.  ~ Lisa

My experience with this teacher and sangha was tremendous.  Abra emanates a calming effect.  I love that she draws and shares inspiration from many different sources.  The weekly talks each had their own message while still relating back to the series topic.  Attending class regularly was just what I needed to start establishing a sitting practice and applying a more mindful approach to my everyday life.  I look forward to continuing to practice with Abra and would recommend her as a teacher to anyone.  ~ Erin

As an old Vipassana student, it has been a special delight to experience Abra bring the Buddhist Dharma here locally.  I would recommend these six-week sessions to anyone interested in deepening their wisdom and spiritual practice.  We have a gem in Abra.  ~ Tom

Abra is a very knowledgeable, wise, and compassionate teacher.  Her class is wonderful, and I'm grateful to have the opportunity to learn from her.  Just being around her makes me feel more peaceful and centered.  ~ Bob L.

I use what I've been learning here in every part of my life.  I'm kinder to myself, which makes me kinder to others.  The effects of the practice were immediate for me, though ongoing because there is always something else for me to learn.  The practice has educational, therapeutic and spiritual elements that have helped stir me out of a general feeling of malaise.  Abra's guidance is gentle, open and encouraging.  ~ April

That hour and a half is the most glorious and welcome respite in my week, as are the other slivers of time where I can practice seated meditation. . . . If anyone is on the fence, I'd urge them to just GO and see/hear for themselves.  ~ another Natalie

Attending Love Is Presence has shifted the course of my mindfulness practice in such a positive way.  It has been so moving to be amongst others and come to understand how much my experience really is the human experience.  Abra does a beautiful job of being both a guide in the process of mindfulness and an open ear as she invites students to share, comment, and question along the way.  My understanding of how to integrate mindfulness into my life as a whole rather than just my time on the cushion has grown so much as a result of Love Is Presence.  I would recommend this experience to anyone that is looking for an existence with more ease, patience, compassion, and connection.  ~ Anita