Hey y’all,

Since the mid-90s, I have practiced insight meditation (vipassanā). I’m the Guiding Teacher of the Big Heart City Sangha in San Francisco and have led a weekly sitting group for almost two decades.

As a fully empowered Dharma Teacher thru Spirit Rock/IMS, I have taught residential retreats at Spirit Rock, Insight Meditation Society, and the Esalen Institute. Currently, I lead Spirit Rock's Year to Live course and teach retreats and daylongs through Big Heart City and meditation centers across the country.

I am a respected leader in developing and implementing interventions for at-risk populations. leading groups in schools, juvenile halls and prisons since 1987. I have led emotional intelligence workshops for over 100,000 youth on four continents.

Although meditation was not my initial path, it played a vital role in my personal journey, leading me away from drug addiction, incarceration, and violence decades ago. I now utilize my extensive meditation practice and diverse experience to support individuals in finding their inner strength and overcoming social and personal limitations.

Press

In the Heat of the Moment
Mindful Magazine

  • "Vinny Ferraro is a remarkable and heartfelt visionary, whose powerful work I know firsthand. Whether in business, education, for youth or other settings, Vinny offers tremendous experience and skill to uplevel, open, inspire and bring out the best in all who join him."

    — Jack Kornfield PhD, Bestselling author and Founder Spirit Rock Center

  • "Vinny Ferraro is a gifted mindfulness and meditation teacher. His deep knowledge and experience is delivered through humor and real-speak, and teachings that provide practical application in today’s world."

    — Annette Griffin, Vice President, George P. Johnson

  • "By far the most important attribute in someone who dares to teach meditation is authenticity...Vinny Ferraro meets and exceeds that standard. What Vinny has to offer will always come fresh and straight from the heart. No BS."

    — Barry Boyce, Founding Editor, Mindful magazine and mindful.org

  • "I have worked with Vinny in several capacities over a period of 15 years in both nonprofit and corporate environments. During that time he has consistently displayed competence, emotional intelligence, integrity and is skilled at accomplishing goals and working with a diverse set of people and points of view."

    — Bill Duane, Google

Speaking Inquiries

As someone who is deeply passionate about mindfulness and its transformative power, I enjoy sharing my insights and experiences with others. As a result, I accept speaking engagements for those seeking to deepen their understanding of mindfulness and its applications in different areas of life. 

Whether you are a corporation looking to increase employee well-being and productivity, an educational institution seeking to enhance social and emotional learning, or a group interested in learning about Buddhism and meditation, I am well-equipped to deliver engaging and informative talks. I take pride in tailoring my presentations to meet the specific needs of each audience, and I work diligently to ensure that each engagement is an insightful and empowering experience. 

If you are interested in having me speak at your event, please reach out, and let's see if it’s a fit. To ensure a seamless experience, I appreciate receiving as many details upfront as possible regarding your event, including the topic, audience size, and audience demographics.

All my life, I have made it complicated, but it is so simple. I love when I love. And when I love, I am myself.

— Hugh Prather