Tag: local event

On Thursday Jan 8, one of our local Plum Village practitioners, Chris Punongbayan, will offer a special workshop for us (and whoever else would like to join!) on the topic of Reducing Implicit Bias. This is a practical application of our Buddhist training of non-discrimination and inclusivity.

Date: Thursday Jan 8, 6-7:30pm

Location: Interfaith Chapel @ UUSF (1187 Franklin St. in San Francisco)

Workshop Description Implicit bias is part and parcel of the human experience, but it is nonetheless a taboo subject. Implicit biases are learned from a lifetime of social conditioning, but they can also be unlearned and overcome. This training will provide an overview of: what implicit bias is, the harmful effects of implicit bias in society, and techniques to retrain the mind to minimize the occurrence of implicit bias. The session will include traditional mindfulness practices including a closing session on confronting the effects that implicit bias has had on participants in their own lives.

The workshop is freely offered, with the option to help donate for rental of the space.

Bio
Chris Punongbayan (he/him) is yoga and mindfulness teacher and recovering lawyer. He draws inspiration from all of the diverse peacemakers striving to make the world fairer and more just. Chris profoundly believes in giving voice to the unheard, breaking down barriers, and creating strategic alliances to advance equity. He has a loving family with his husband including two kids adopted from the foster system and three cats, two of whom were adopted from the SPCA. He is a 500-YTT certified yoga teacher and is a lead teacher for the 2026 Mindfulness for Lawyers Teacher Training program.  He currently serves as the Executive Director of California ChangeLawyers, a community foundation whose mission is to build a better justice system and is  the proud son of immigrants from the Philippines.