Shelly Chigier’s Journey in Ecodharma Philanthropy
Shelly Chigier, a philanthropist and dedicated meditator with a PhD in experimental psychology, embodies Kurt Lewin’s principle:
“No research without action; no action without research.”
Passionate about merging insights from her meditation practice with cutting-edge research, Shelly, along with her husband Ben, established the BESS Family Foundation.
Through this foundation, Shelly supports evidence-based mindfulness and meditation programs, particularly focusing on ecodharma and climate change.
Shelly’s journey into meditation began in the early 2000s, inspired by her desire to understand and improve her mind.
She attended meditation retreats led by renowned teachers like Larry Rosenberg and Sharon Salzberg, which profoundly impacted her perspective.
These experiences motivated her to integrate mindfulness and meditation into philanthropy, leading to the foundation’s inception.
With a keen interest in addressing climate change, Shelly delved into ecodharma, seeking ways to contribute beyond financial support.
She initiated collaborative projects, bringing together mindfulness practitioners and educators to explore how mindfulness practices can address ecological crises.
This endeavor culminated in the creation of resources like the Earth-Based Mindfulness and Meditation flipbook, aiming to empower individuals to navigate climate-related anxieties skillfully.
Looking ahead, Shelly is committed to supporting ecodharma retreats and providing resources for mindfulness and meditation teachers to address climate concerns.
As an Insight Meditation Society (IMS) donor, Shelly values the organization’s role in fostering inner growth and connection, essential for addressing the world’s challenges collectively.
