Dr. Tamara Warner is a licensed neuropsychologist who was introduced to Mindfulness Meditation in the tradition of Zen Master Thich Nhat Hanh (“Thay”) in 2002 while doing her clinical internship in Birmingham, Alabama. After returning to Gainesville, she practiced with the Live Oak Sangha and also discovered the Vipassana (“insight into the true nature of reality”) tradition. She describes her first weekend silent meditation retreat in September 2012 as a “transformative” moment: “Opening to the teaching of the Dharma was like seeing things clearly — as they really are — for the first time. That I could cease striving, that I had been caught in samsara (endless, aimless wandering) — and, more importantly, that there was a path that could lead the way out and into greater freedom.”
The path, however, was not straight. Years passed without a regular practice or study. “I became what I call a ‘retreat junkie.’ I would go to a retreat and get energized, then life dragged on for months and months until I could get to my next retreat. I lived from retreat to retreat.”
In February 2016, the Dharma called again in the form of a 6-week class for Shands Hospital employees called “Tools for Mindful Living” taught by Nancy Lasseter, UF Health Shands Arts in Medicine Wellness Educator. “It was like coming home. Tears streamed down my cheeks during a lovingkindness meditation. My heart was opened and breathed a deep, restorative sigh of relief.” The tools that Nancy taught were actionable and took mindfulness, as a concept, off of the meditation cushion and into the everyday, even mundane aspects of life — just as Thay, my first teacher, had taught.” A few more steps down the path.
Somehow, a few years ago, Tamara and Nancy crossed paths again. Studying the teachings offered by the Thai Forest monks in the Theravada tradition during the past 2 years has brought a great depth to her practice. Karuna Cottage is now Tamara’s retreat home. “It is like a refuge. The simplicity. The beautiful, unspoiled nature that surrounds the place. But most of all, the compassion that lives there — Karuna means ‘compassion’ — is so welcoming, so inviting. It’s a place where I am supported to explore my inner landscape, whatever I may find there, and to cultivate the ‘good’ and cultivate peace– for my well-being and for the well-being of all we share this beautiful planet with.”
Tamara was honored when, back in November of 2023, Nancy invited her to start a new sangha at Karuna — “Kaaruna Sangha” to build community, to learn about the Dharma, and to support one another along the path.