Ross Buttner has a Ph.D. from the Institute of Transpersonal Psychology. His dissertation research which was based on 70 in-depth interviews, revealed psychological, social, practical, and culturally related difficulties that occur on the meditative path, and offers potential solutions. Ross has practiced meditation for over 20 years. He studied Buddhism in Nepal and India, sat in dozens of retreats, and lived for two years at Spirit Rock Meditation Center. He has facilitated mindfulness groups, taught mindfulness in colleges, and incorporated mindfulness into his clinical work with chronic pain clients, domestic violence offenders, and those suffering from addiction.