Local Luminary: Elizabeth Lesser

by Jan Larraine Cox, September 28, 2011

Elizabeth Lesser and Stephan Rechtschaffen optimistically opened Omega Institute in Rhinebeck with absolutely no experience in running a retreat/workshop center 34 years ago. The first catalog used words like "holism" and "consciousness," with “fringe” classes on alternative health, ecumenical spirituality, meditation, and yoga, all now mainstream.

In 2008, Lesser moderated and co-produced with Oprah Winfrey a dynamic 10-week webinar, based on Eckart Tolle’s book A New Earth: each Monday four to five million people worldwide tuned in to Oprah’s TV show to experienc e “the power of now,” emanating from mindfulness and meditation practices. Lesser’s effectiveness with these topics has led to current hosting on Sirius/XM for Oprah’s “Soul Series,” and speaking engagements nationwide.

She identifies Sufi master Pir Vilayat as pivotal in her work and life. He inspired the co-founders to establish Omega, suggesting the name as well. “Omega Point” is a term used by philosopher Teillard de Chardin to describe the peak of unity and integration toward which all life is evolving. The concept has guided Lesser at Omega, now reaching 23,000 students each year in Rhinebeck, Manhattan, Costa Rica, and California.

Describing the shift from “Me to We” in program orientation, Lesser asks how each of us can contribute to turning the destructive course of the planet around. Leading by example, Omega demonstrates 100 percent water recycling at its Sustainable Living Center, awarded the distinction of the first Living Building to also be  LEED Platinum certified.

New York Times best-selling author of The Seeker’s Guide and Broken Open, Lesser lives in Woodstock with her husband, and has two grown sons and a grandson, Will.

I recently spoke with Elizabeth Lesser at Omega Institute in Rhinebeck.