Video Preview of the Course

NOURISH YOURSELF

CONNECT WITH TRUE
WELL-BEING IN THESE CHALLENGING TIMES

James Baraz MEET JAMES

James Baraz has taught mindfulness meditation since 1978 and is co-founder of the world-renowned Spirit Rock Meditation Center in Woodacre, California. He is co-author of two books Awakening Joy: 10 Steps to a Happier Life and Awakening Joy for Kids. James has taught the Awakening Joy course to over 24,000 people from 30 countries since 2003, as well as retreats and workshops in the US and internationally.

READ MORE >

Jsmes Baraz HOW IS THIS COURSE DELIVERED?

All participants receive the video and audio recordings of the live classes presented in Berkeley California, including guided meditations on each theme. You can review the materials at your own pace.

The Awakening Joy course features James as the sole presenter with a strong emphasis on experiential practice. He'll take you deeper into the ten themes than ever before as you make the firm commitment to bring about real and lasting change in your level of happiness and well-being.

READ MORE >

WHY DO THIS?

Learn the science behind real happiness
Not a feel-good program, but a feel-everything program
Build healthier habits and beliefs through powerful awareness practices
Be part of a community through support groups and practice partners
Develop a solid mindfulness practice

TOOLS TO SUPPORT YOUR LEARNING

In addition to the online and audio material, you’ll get these additional tools to help you on the journey:

PRAISE FOR JAMES BARAZ AND AWAKENING JOY

"That book helped me start to understand to sit in quiet and all of the pieces I needed would come together… where my role was, where do I use my energy? where do I trust partners? where do I trust what people are telling me? I think the most important thing I learned from that book was to be patient and to know that the process would unfold.”

—Melinda French Gates, Philanthopist

“James Baraz has turned Awakening Joy into a class and found that participants maintained a positive attitude even after it ended. He has been thrilled to receive messages from strangers in Europe, Africa and New Zealand. ‘It works!’ they write.”

—O Magazine

“Awakening Joy can lead each of us to live with dignity, compassion and gracious freedom. Savor and practice the exercises...use them to open your heart and transform your life. Your days on Earth will be full of blessings.”

—Jack Kornfield, Author of A Path with Heart

The 2027 Early Bird Fee is $399
For 5 months with 10 Themes

($50 off the full fee of $449)

2027 Group rate for 3 or more joining the course together: $349 Each

($100 off the full fee of $449)

The 2026 Course is still open for Independent Study

Materials will be available through Dec. 31, 2026