The Center for Mindfulness & Insight Meditation in Wenham represents a marriage of two insight meditation lineages: one, represented by Chris Crotty, is a Burmese insight practice that primarily uses mindfulness of the breath as an anchor. The other, represented by Michael Bresnan, is a Thai/Lao insight practice that primarily uses a meditative hand movement as an anchor.
Both Chris and Michael function as Spiritual Directors of the Center. Despite the difference in technique, the core teaching is the same in both lineages, and attendees may practice either method in any of the classes offered at the Center. Practitioners are encouraged to move freely between these two core teachers’ classes.
Michael Bresnan
Spiritual Director and Resident Teacher
Michael is one of the Center’s Spiritual Directors and a Resident Teacher. He has been practicing Mahasati Insight Meditation since 1991 and is a licensed psychologist. He is the founder of the Centers for Mindfulness & Insight Meditation in Redding, CT, and Wenham, MA, as well as the Mahasati Insight Meditation Association and the North Shore Center for Mindfulness.
Chris Crotty
Spiritual Director and Guiding Teacher
Chris serves as one of the Center’s two Spiritual Directors and as Guiding Teacher for the Center. As Guiding Teacher, Chris oversees the functioning of the Center in addition to his role as a teacher.