What students have experienced in Nancy’s classes, workshops and retreats:
“This is a guided tour through the experience of meditation. Nancy provides confident access to a world I formerly found frightening and intimidating. I now find it friendly and useful.” –Scott
“This experience helped me put together the various pieces of my work and spiritual life. The philosophy and practice is so simple yet so powerful. Amazing experience! More growth in six weeks than one year of therapy.” –Lauren
“Sharing meditation with others has really helped me to quickly move to a level of peace and concentration that I was unable to achieve at home over a much greater period of time. The learning here has been very useful in my everyday life.” –Diane
“The consistency of meeting weekly helped not just during those evenings, but spread into my daily life. It deepened my overall awareness of myself and renewed my excitement about meditation and this way of life in general.” –Debbie
“The total experience was enhanced by the physical environment. Most of all Nancy’s quiet, calm, reassuring approach made this a beautiful beginning meditation experience.” –Bertie
“I learned, how to sit quietly, where to breathe from, how to let the air in and stay in the moment.” –Christine
“I feel like I’m at the beginning of a wonderful spiritual journey. For once there’s no pressure to know where I’m going or how I’ll get there or even if I’ll take off at all. There’s power in knowing that it is something I can do.” –Margaret
“I learned (again) the power of non-judgment (my thoughts, fears, obsessions etc.); how to breathe from my belly and lose my shoulders; the beauty of stillness; how to be quiet with other people present.” –Nanette
“A whole new breath, a whole new life!” –Lynne
“Nancy’s class reminded me to slow down and feel my life.” –Kathryn
Every time I come to one of your weekends it is even better than the one before. You always help me release whatever needs to be released at the moment. I am so grateful to you.” –Janet
“Thank you for your grace and generosity of spirit.” –Suzy
“Your expansive, creative, embracing way is very infectious. I am interested to learn more as the “way” seems endless!” –Carole
“This was a truly wonderful and incredible weekend. With a lot of patience and compassion you not only guided us but also answered our questions. I hope I’ll be able to do this again soon.” –Katrin
“Thank you for all that you introduced me to and helped me to integrate into a budding ‘discipline’.” –Evelyn
“Thank you for introducing me to a new path in my journey. The summer of ’98 was joyous and healthy and wonderful for many reasons, but it was monumental because, that July, I discovered Zen Buddhist meditation, a practice I continue to this day. For this, I am indebted to you.” With all good wishes, –Caroline McKenzie
“You will find patience, calm, and peace in your life with Nancy, I promise.” –Vanessa
“Nancy’s wisdom has encouraged my meditation practice. She has given me the skills to still my thoughts.” –NYC Student
“Nancy’s intro to meditation class has helped me be much more present in each moment of my life and it has helped begin a good foundation to be mindful and meditate. Thank you, Nancy.” –Ann
“This class helped me bring peacefulness and meditation into my life. Thank you for helping me begin to bring this practice into my life.” –NYC Student
“The intro to meditation class really gives you a taste for how to bring this enriching experience into your life.” –NYC Student
“I really enjoyed the class and I would have liked for the course to be longer. I will definitely continue with my meditation practice. I absolutely enjoyed reading the book.” –NYC Student
“Nancy’s introduction to meditation was the perfect start to practicing on my own. It allowed me to enter meditation with my own perceptions and vocabulary and ultimately make the time my own, which I’ve carried into the rest of my life. It’s helped me relax into being myself.” –NYC Student
“A wonderful experience. I believe I’m finally building a meditation practice. I feel more centered and present. I would definitely take this, or another, class with Nancy. –Liz
Nancy’s teachings have opened the door to a serene, present and judgment free way of living. Thank you.” –Brenna
“Nancy has been an inspirational guide on my journey with developing a meditation practice.” –NYC Student
“I didn’t think sitting and breathing for 20 minutes would be so challenging, but the impact on my daily life is worth it. I’m more present and self-aware and less judgmental.” –NYC Student
“Nancy knows just how to help a beginner get started! She teaches with clarity, openness and encouragement, wherever you are in your journey.” –Peggy
What Some Readers Have To Say:
“I have enjoyed your book Find A Quiet Corner. I keep it by my reading chair and pick it up to remind myself of the fertility of silence and the blessed center of stillness. Thanks.” –Lillie Robertson; New York
“I loved your book. I made a family quiet corner that is beautiful….My daughter Nora loves that it’s ‘ours’ and not just mine and she sat for four minutes last night.” –Lesley Logan; London
“Thank you for writing Find A Quiet Corner….Your sharing of your journey means very much to me. That little book holds much more wisdom than all the larger ones which surrounded it. Very well written and a simple but profound message!” –Virginia Barnette; Tennessee
“The book had a very calming and reassuring effect on both of us. We will definitely share the title with others – there are so many people who need a guide to peace.” –Kathy and Peter McNeely; Virginia
“Thanks for writing and sharing Find A Quiet Corner with others. I can’t adequately describe the immediate impact it had on me when I first read it (I think I have re-read each passage maybe 30 times.) your words and gentle instructions have helped me in innumerable ways….Your book has become my bible. I study it and it has helped me through such pain and confusion as I’ve never known.” –Barbara Hurd; Connecticut
“As I lead my next group [of women recovering from divorce], I will be sharing readings from your book with them. Thank you so much for sharing your wisdom in this book.” –Rosalie Goll; Arizona
“I absolutely love your book and am slowly applying the principles to my life.” –Imelda Kenny; Massachusetts
“Thank you for your book Find A Quiet Corner. I’ve had a painful life – and now recently another upset. I’ve noticed wanting to just hone in on breathing, and yesterday afternoon gently read through – and breathed through your book. It helped me then and again this morning…thank you for something so readable, doable, and life- and self-affirming.” –Victoria Miller; Massachusetts
“I’ve enjoyed your book “Serenity in Motion” very much and have learned a lot from it. There’re many wonderful wisdoms in it that could guide me every moment in my life.” –Xin Y.
“I have just completed “Serenity in Motion” and I wish to “Thank You” I hope to carry and reread it many times in the coming years. I will look for your new edition of “Find a Quiet Corner”. Again “Thank You” for the lessons in your book. I am 65 and learned a lot.” –Tom Stevens
“I am currently reading the German translation of one of your books “Das Wunder der Gelassenheit” – it has been most helpful to me, and continues to be so. Thank you for the book!” –Arnis Vilks
“For a few days I bought your book translated in German called: “Das Wunder der Gelassenheit”. I’ve read a few titles and I know, that this way could be mine to find the centre in myself.” –Hatun Tolun
“Dear Nancy O’Hara, yesterday I found your book “serenity in motion” I enjoy it very much, because some weeks before I just started meditating every morning; what a nice coincidence. Thanks a lot.” –greetings from Germany –Eva von der dunk
“I just read your book Serenity in Motion. It was wonderful. I am trying all the exercises as well… Your book is a big help to me so I don’t end up ruining this new wonderful relationship. I plan to purchase some of your other books as well.” –Suzanne T. Vigliotti
“Im a German and my english is not very good… I have bought your book “Das Wunder der Gelassenheit” and I have started reading the first chapters. Very interesting and very helpfull. Congratulations.” –Best regards Uwe (in Germany)
“I just read my first Nancy O’Hara book, Serenity in Motion. It was wonderful and I know it will be a resource for me when I encounter difficulties.” –Paula Yardeni
“Dear Nancy I have just finished your book „Das Wunder der Gelassenheit” the German translation of “Serenity in motion”. It is a great book and I really can recommend to all people who are looking for a better quality of live. It shows the richness of the Buddhist’s world in a very understandable way.” –Heinz Meyerhans from Liechtenstein
“I want you to know that your beautiful book ‘find a quiet corner’ continues to breathe here in Cleveland. Upon my recommendation, a friend purchased a copy today. She is a teacher for ‘last resort’ teenagers. In other words, she teaches kids who are not accepted at other high schools due to disciplinary problems. (often severe problems: volatile outbursts, pulling knives upon others, etc.) She is trying to teach them calmness, quietness, stillness. In order to get support from coworkers, she needs to support her belief that quietness will produce positive results. So, I strongly recommended your book.” –Myobu
“Nancy O’Hara, I’ve been trying to locate you ever since I read your wonderful book, “Find A Quiet Corner”, It has taught me much. I’ve have recommended to all my friends in our meditation group.” –Metta, Paul
“Recently I’ve needed to read something soothing. As I searched my home library I found the answer in Find a Quiet Corner. Its strength is in its simplicity. Thank you very much for writing it.” –Donna Jones
“Das Wunder der Gelassenheit (Serenity in Motion) is really a great book. I read a lot of books from Thich Nhat Hanh, but I love your simple, but sincere way! After long years on the wrong way …I am living now clean for the last two years, ..I discovered your book two weeks ago, thanks from Munich!” –Niko
“…I enjoyed Find A Quiet Corner. It ought to be standard reading in executive training and in high schools. Great job!…Keep up the good work!” –Vince Mattaliano; New Jersey
“I just finished one of Nancy’s books and would LOVE to make a weekend (retreat) to soak up more of her invaluable advice. Her book, Work from the Inside Out, has changed me. Thank you.” –Paddy H.
“I rarely ever contact an author of any books I read, but I just started “Work From The Inside Out.” I’m really attracted to your style of writing. This book actually addresses my issues related to work so simply. I’m eager to finish the work and see where I am when I finish. I’ve never studied Buddhism although I am open to it. I feel very comfortable with the flavor of it through your work. Thank you for sharing your insights.” –Paula Haynes
“I am writing to tell you how much I enjoyed reading Zen By The Brush. The poems are all special, but I especially felt warm toward your “Live in this moment.” As a “senior” I certainly connected to that – my life expressed beautifully by you.” –Nancy G
“Thank you for “Just Listen”. It is a wonderful gift. I read it once & I am going to read it maybe five six times more. It is helping me a lot.” –Glenn
“Thank you for your wonderful book, Just Listen – it has inspired me so much, and I can turn to it for gentle wisdom, and reminders of simple truth.” –Cathy
“Nancy’s Zen coaching sessions have changed my life. I have made some lifestyle changes and have incorporated meditation into my daily routine and the coaching was a key driver of this. I have experienced less anxiety, better concentration and an overall sense of well-being.
Nancy is a great coach and has the right balance of coaching, listening and honesty.” –Anne C.
“I have learned so much from Nancy. She has impacted my life in so many ways. I practice the teachings daily and always am aware of her words. I am less reactive and more confident to trust whatever the outcome. Her wisdom has been invaluable to me!” –Marla Alper
“I went to Nancy to get my meditation practice back on track after a long and troubling hiatus. She helped me with my breathing, posture and it was comforting to sit with her. But what was really helpful was being able to talk through what was coming up in my head and my body. She helped me clear out some monsters in a very subtle way. It has been three years now and I’m still meditating regularly. Thank you, Nancy.” –Erica D.
“Nancy helped me find my way through the emotional and spiritual aftermath of the sudden loss of my husband. Though I had for many years sought her counsel in several different settings – her workshops, group sessions and one-on-one – our work together began in earnest at that time of devastation and deep confusion. With great compassion and gentle prodding, she encouraged me to keep returning to the cushion and to the breath, to sit with my feelings, to be in each moment – whether pleasant or not – to accept each moment as it is – though that’s an on-going lesson I’m learning – and to stop trying to “figure things out.” Through this daily practice, I have been able to cultivate a sense of calm that I can return to in moments of sadness and stress. Coming from this place of calm, I have been able to make some very big and sometimes scary decisions about how to move forward in my life. Though I continue my practice of staying in each moment, I feel so much more optimistic about my future than I could have imagined in the early days of my grieving.” –Liz Culp