Young Urban Zen SF

In a culture that often measures human worth by productivity and output, this talk explores what is distinctly and irreducibly human—our capacity for empathy, our unique perspective, our ability to be present with difficulty, and our power to connect. Drawing on Zen practice, neuroscience, and contemplative wisdom, Sozan Michael McCord examines our relationships with technology, with each other, and with the processes that fill our days.
























Being-Human-In-The-Age-Of-AI

Young Urban Zen

Let's get real. Life can be messy. Relationships become complicated. Work is uncertain. We lose our way. Our bodies change. The people we love get older. We lose faith in everything. Sometimes everything seems to happen at once. Now what?
Buddhism and meditation practice doesn't promise that life will become easy or that somehow we'll rise above it all. It does offer practical ways to meet whatever arises with a little more awareness, honesty, kindness, and freedom.
























It's-a-Mess-Now-What?

Young Urban Zen

Heather Iarusso leads us through a talk on the "origin of conflict" and "mindfulness of mind." How does our thought-world affect how we think, act, and speak? How can we transform harmful "verbal action" into beneficial "internal speech"? The more we pay close attention to what arises in the mind, the more we can respond to what's happening in the moment with compassion and care. There is a slightly guided meditation at the end as well!
























Origin of Conflict and Mindfulness of Mind

Young Urban Zen

Kodo Conlin and Mei Elliott each reflect on the topic of romance, relationship, and sexuality. How can we be free in the midst of romance, dating, and attraction? What is the relationship between practice and sexuality? American culture has a notable lack of education about what authentic and awake relationships can look like. This session explores how self-study provides a gateway to greater freedom in romance.
























Romance, Relationship, and Sexuality

Young Urban Zen

Eli will conclude our exploration of the Four Foundations of Mindfulness with the Fourth Foundation: Mindfulness of Phenomena (dhammas).
This foundation invites us to look beyond individual experiences and begin noticing the patterns and conditions that shape them. Rather than asking, “What’s wrong with me?” we begin asking, “What conditions are present?” Together we’ll explore how the Buddha’s teachings including the Five Hindrances serve not as abstract concepts, but as practical maps that help us recognize the habits of mind that lead toward suffering and those that lead toward freedom.
























2026-06-30-Eli-Mindfulness of Phenomena

Young Urban Zen