George Draffan is a Seattle-based teacher and coach passionately interested in bringing together diverse Buddhist and Taoist practices to benefit people. George’s practice and teaching emphasizes direct awareness of the body as the ground of all experience; relying on compassion, awareness, and skillful means; and maintaining intention and flexibility in the midst of daily life activities. Nowadays you’ll find him practicing and teaching with the Dekeling Community.
George began studying Buddhism at the University of Wisconsin in the 1970s. Since then he’s received instruction and participated in many retreats with teachers in the Tibetan, Theravada, and Zen Buddhist traditions. George has also practiced Taoist philosophy and qigong for many years. His practice of embodied movement has been deeply influenced by physical labor, mountain hiking, and the gentle therapy of Feldenkrais.
Other influences for which George is grateful include the mountains, rivers, and wildlife of the Pacific Northwest. Poetry: the ecstatic all-embracing empathy of Walt Whitman. The heart-breaking and heart-affirming humanity of the poet Tu Fu. Songs of realization from the Buddhist and Taoist traditions. The Stoic philosophers who challenge us to use our potential to free ourselves from self-imposed confusion and reactivity.
George has worked as a waiter, a landscaper, a librarian, a construction laborer, and as a freelance researcher and writer for grassroots environmental groups. He’s been a volunteer with the Northwest Dharma Association for more than 25 years, serving on the board and as executive director.
He practices and teaches with the Dekeling Community based in Portland Oregon.
Contact George to schedule a meeting: george.draffan@gmail.com
Disclaimer: I provide instruction in meditation and movement methods that I’ve found helpful in my own practice. I’m not a doctor, therapist, or counselor. I do not provide medical treatment or mental health services. The aim of my teaching is to support awareness, balance, flexibility, and general health. The results of practices vary based on many variables; you’re encouraged to bring any concerns to my attention, and to make your own decisions. I hold interviews and other communications confidential except as required by law, or where in my judgement intervention may prevent a serious threat to health or safety.