Dean Sluyter (pronounced “slighter”) has taught natural methods of meditation and awakening since 1970. His five highly acclaimed books include Natural Meditation (Amazon #1 stress management bestseller, and Nautilus Gold Medal winner for best mind-body-spirit book) and Fear Less: Living Beyond Fear, Anxiety, Anger, and Addiction. Dean gives talks, workshops, and retreats throughout the United States and beyond, from Ivy League colleges to maximum-security prisons. His media appearances have included National Public Radio, The New York Times, New York Magazine, Coast to Coast AM, The Dr. Oz Show, and O, The Oprah Magazine.
A grateful student of Eastern and Western sagesin several traditions, Dean has completed numerous pilgrimages and retreats in India, Tibet, Nepal, and the West. He is known for conveying authentic teachings in forms that are relaxed, accessible, and down-to-earth. When not writing or teaching, he narrates audiobooks, administers the Awakening Prison Art project, makes music, and happily tools around town on his Vespa.
Born into a family of musicians and political activists, Dean grew up in New York and Los Angeles. He dropped out of college to hitchhike around the country and embark on a path of spiritual investigation, eventually returning to earn a B.A. in English and an M.A. in interdisciplinary education.
Dean lived in New Jersey for 33 years, where he was married to the late artist and teacher Maggy Sluyter, with whom he raised two children. There he taught English and developed classroom meditation programs at The Pingry School and worked with inmates at Northern State Prison. He now lives in Santa Monica, California, where he leads meditation sessions regularly and is on the faculty of the West Coast Writers Conferences. He is married to documentary filmmaker Yaffa Lerea.
Teaching
Dean is dedicated to sharing what he has learned from his teachers and his own years of meditative practice. He is happy to travel anywhere to offer talks, workshops, and retreats that are relaxed and lively, adapted to the specific needs of the sponsoring group. Over the years, he has taught at universities, wellness centers, corporations, professional organizations, yoga studios, houses of worship, and prisons, as well as such venues as Chautauqua Institution and New York Open Center. His teaching style is noted for its clarity, warmth, and humor. To inquire or to book Dean for your next event, contact Jamie Rye at info@deansluyter.com.
Testimonials
“We loved having you at Timber Creek, and we’re most grateful for what you offered. The guests soaked it up and loved your natural, genuine style. We’re elated you could come and look forward to a future visit.”
Tom Jacobs, Director, Timber Creek Retreat House
The laid-back, down-to-earth approach made meditation appealing and easy, even for complete novices. Dean’s presentation was of tremendous value in supporting our view of meditation’s benefits for our associates, both personal and professional.
Haley Akin, Senior Health & Wellness Specialist, Garmin International