Summer Meditation and Dialogue with Dan Appel & Jaclyn Zeal

Note: This is not a therapy group, but is an educational community meditation and discussion group.

August 17th, 6:30 PM – 9:00 PM

6:30: Doors 

6:45-7:00: Short Intro & Opening Meditation 

7:00-7:30: Presentation & Discussion 

*Short Break to Stretch and Move* 

7:40-8:30: Gently Guided Meditation 

8:30-9:00: Open Dialogue/Q&A

The Royal Glenside, 1 S Easton Rd, Glenside, PA 19038, USA

Join teacher/scholar Dan Appel & expert guest, Couples & Family Therapist Jaclyn Zeal (www.jaclynzeal.com, @therapywithjaclyn), for a unique evening of meditation & group dialogue. We will have an open discussion around the idea of intuition and the inner voice, and ways we can find our inner voice through meditation and beyond. We'll dive deep into the topic of discernment, desire, and giving space to hear & understand our inner-most needs in an increasingly complex and stimulating world. 

Whether you are new to meditation or are a long time meditator, this interactive presentation will demystify some of the subtleties and unlock the door to deep, fulfilling meditation and a feeling of mindfulness that can be carried with ease in day to day life. 

The greatest misconception about meditation is that the mind must be totally clear to be doing it right. So often I hear people say "I can't meditate because I can't clear my mind". 

Well, what if I told you that the arising of thoughts, feelings, and experiences are all part of the process? Instead of pushing away or grasping to pleasant and unpleasant feelings within, we can simply practice letting these streams of information flow, being aware of how we feel and giving ourselves space and freedom to experience things as they are. The things that arise in the mind during meditation are like the fertile soil that we can cultivate to grow the fruits of the practice. 

We have all heard of the mental health benefits of meditation, and have maybe even dipped our feet in the waters of practice. It can be challenging to explore the vast world and subtle concepts alone. Coming together with a teacher and a community, even just once, can profoundly unlock the doors to the path of meditation in day to day life.

Dan Appel is an Abington native & graduate of Temple University and the Won Institute of Graduate Studies right here in Glenside. He facilitates the meditation program with individuals and groups and supports the clinical team at Sacred & Free Psychotherapy and Wellness Services in Collegeville, PA (www.sacredandfree.com). Dan also works on the management team at The Royal and is passionate about the crossroads between meditation tradition, community mental health, and creative arts.

Jaclyn Zeal is a Master’s level clinician experienced in working with adults in the context of individual, couples, and family therapy.  She has  specialized training in family system dynamics and sex therapy. Jaclyn’s passion is helping individuals, couples, and families overcome obstacles and realize their innate strength. 

A cornerstone of Jaclyn’s work is based on Attachment Theory and developing a secure attachment to self.

Jaclyn’s areas of expertise include working with anxiety, depression, meaning making after loss,  women’s health and emotional concerns, finding emotional balance, building a strong sense of self, and discovering spirituality outside of religion. Jaclyn also specializes in helping couples get unstuck from negative communication patterns, establishing a stronger emotional connection, creating more sexual intimacy, overcoming sexual dysfunction, facilitating honest conversations, and navigating difficult transitions as a team. 

 Jaclyn earned her bachelor’s degree in Professional Writing from Kutztown University, and built a career in writing, marketing, and design spanning various industries. After nearly a decade in the field, Jaclyn went back to school to pursue her dream job of becoming a therapist. Jaclyn earned her master’s degree in Couples and Family Therapy from Thomas Jefferson University in Philadelphia.