Meet Kurt Peloquin: Meditation Teacher and Dharma Dad

Dads make a difference. This Father’s Day, we’re celebrating all of the incredible fathers in our sangha and beyond!

Adding a meditation practice to your life, even if it’s just a few minutes a day, can transform your parenting style in several incredible ways. We talked to one of our favorite teachers, Kurt Peloquin, to learn about the benefits of integrating Buddhist practices in his approach toward fatherhood.

Instagram: @KurtPeloquin

Children: Willow, age 2

How has fatherhood changed your sense of spirituality?

Woah. That's big question. In every way, to say the least. I put it this way when people ask me what it's like: It feels like a part of your body is living outside of your body, because it is...but it really feels that way. Feel me? The whole idea of interbeing became very real for me, in a felt sense. I realized before she arrived that my spiritual practice was essential to our relationship, and it actually played a big role in my decision to enroll in Three Jewels Meditation Teacher Training back in 2018. For a while, when she first popped on the scene, we were in pure survival mode—it wasn't pretty and I have my wife and boo boo guru Katie to thank, who really pushed me to make time for my meditations, poetry, and teaching. For me, being a father has destroyed the illusion of my "separate self," and if that's not spirituality, I don't know what is.

Are there any meditation practices you share with your children?

Yes, we practice deep breathing when our energy high (often) and I'm slowly working in some Nadi Shodhana. It's also important for me to give her the chance to see me meditating and nothing fills my heart more than when she sits down with me, even for a second of pure silence.

Do you have any advice for fathers who are interested in incorporating dharma and meditation into their life?

Start now. Like, literally, exhale all the stale air from your body and breathe everything in—all your worries and blessings—hold for a minute, and exhale to make space for all of it in your heart. Repeat as needed, pay it forward, and then go find a teacher and style that works for you.

Where can we practice with you?

Tuesdays 9 a.m. EST Bliss Meditation at Three Jewels

Monday - Friday 9:35 am - 10 am, sign-up at https://www.letsgetreset.com/dailyresets

Personal site: www.kurtpeloquin.com

Meditation & Creativity Coaching: www.LetsGetReset.com