Chris Phillips

Chris came to mindfulness through his life long search to become close with God beyond the limits of images and ideas.   Chris is an ordained member of Thich Nhat Hanh's Order of Interbeing, a certified coach of the Unified Mindfulness system, and a commissioned presenter of Centering Prayer intro programs.

​

Chris left his career running Broad Meadow Brook Wildlife Sanctuary with Massachusetts Audubon in 1996 to work full time supporting others in  contemplative practice. He became the Manager of the Barre Center for Buddhist Studies retreat center from 1996 – 2001. He ran Turtle Path Mindfulness Practice Center in Worcester, MA from 1998 - 2003. Chris was ordained at Plum Village in 2000. He joined the Blooming Lilac Sangha when he moved to western NY in 2004. Chris takes his vision from the Mahayana worldview of Thich Nhat Hanh, and grounds his techniques in the psychology of early Buddhism according to Pali scriptures such as the Four Foundations of Mindfulness. He has practiced meditation with teachers from the Insight Meditation Society, the Thai Forest tradition, Soto Zen, Foundation for Active Compassion, the Burmese lineage of Mahasi Sayadaw, and with Shinzen Young.

​

Chris enjoys an active prayer life in his Catholic tradition, especially Centering Prayer, the daily monastic  Hours with Lectio Divina, and the Mass.  This has been enlivened by his Buddhist meditation.  He loves to learn about the commonalities between contemplative practices across traditions.  He has developed a small group method for interfaith practice and dialogue called "Stillness & Presence." These groups meet monthly in Rochester NY on Tuesdays and Wednesdays.  

​

 He learned to love gardening and wildlife from his father, Vince, and learned to value a warm conversation from his mother, Barb.  From his grandparents he learned hospitality and belonging.  His family shared many rituals and stories of Jewish and Christian history, magical fairies, and heroic adventures.