Faculty . Dharma College
Dr. Kathleen Lyon
Everything we experience arises in awareness, but we usually see only what is arising, not the awareness itself. We miss the vast dynamic potential of awareness, and its intrinsic beauty and power.
On the classes I teach
A short introduction in Kathleen’s own words the questions his courses explore and what students can expect. Watch more at Dharma-College.org.
A few reflections from Kathleen
What first drew you to explore your inner life?
Curiosity about myself and others, the everyday anxiety and pain of life, and wanting to be free of them.
What are you currently curious about or investigating?
How opening to awareness impacts creativity and wellbeing.
What is one insight that has stayed with you over time?
People don’t need you to give them answers, they need to know they have been heard, and in being heard, have made an impact on you. People mostly simply want to be seen, known and acknowledged.
A simple practice you return to:
Being aware of the emergence and dissolution of thoughts.
What helps you find balance in daily life?
Walking in nature, exercise, music, art and relationships, human, canine and feline.
A place physical or internal that brings you a sense of peace:
Any moment I am in touch with the spacious awareness of my mind.
A book, teaching, or idea that has influenced you deeply:
“Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world. Indeed, it is the only thing that ever has.” Margaret Mead
A few words for someone just beginning to explore their mind:
Be friendly to your mind. It’s a wonderful gift, let yourself enjoy it and be curious about it.
Something people might not expect about you:
My current deadlift one rep max is about 120lbs. I also like making things with clay.
Bio
Dr. Kathleen Lyon graduated with a BA in Chemistry (Summa Cum Laude), from Rutgers University (Douglass College), received her MD from the University of Maryland School of Medicine, and her psychoanalytic training from The Psychoanalytic Association of New York (PANY). She is a Training and Supervising Analyst on faculty at PANY, and the NYU School of Medicine, teaching at both institutions for over 20 years and receiving the Teacher of the Year award in Psychiatry in 2007. She is also a member of and on the clinical register of the Neuropsychoanalytic Association. A Buddhist practitioner since the 1990s. She is in the full-time private practice of psychoanalysis, psychotherapy, and psychiatry in New York City.
Explore the live online courses Kathleen teaches.