Loch Kelly, M.Div., LCSW is an educator, contemplative psychotherapist, and author specializing in mindfulness and awakening. He is best known for his book "The Way of Effortless Mindfulness," which explores nondual awareness and practical methods for cultivating presence. A recognized leader in consciousness studies, Kelly integrates insights from psychology, neuroscience, and contemplative traditions to develop accessible approaches to meditation and wellbeing.
With a background in theology and mental health, Kelly holds degrees from Columbia University and Union Theological Seminary, where he received a fellowship to study Insight Meditation, Advaita, and Tibetan Buddhism in Sri Lanka, India, and Nepal. He trained under Tulku Urgyen Rinpoche and has served on the Teacher’s Council at New York Insight. His three decades of experience include community mental health work, establishing homeless shelters, and providing counseling after 9/11 in New York City. Kelly collaborates with neuroscientists at Yale, UPenn, and NYU to research how awareness training enhances compassion.
Kelly founded the Open-Hearted Awareness Institute (formerly Effortless Mindfulness Institute), a nonprofit dedicated to sharing mindfulness practices informed by psychology and social justice. Known for his warm teaching style, he emphasizes awakening as a natural developmental stage. Kelly resides in New York City with his family and continues to teach effortless mindfulness through workshops, a podcast, and a meditation app featuring his unique nondual methods.