Descriptions and Schedule
Sunday, January 25 | 1:30 - 4:30 p.m.
A Steady Heart in Difficult Times
We begin the series by looking directly at stress, anxiety, anger, and the sense of overwhelm that can come from news, conflict, work, and study. Through guided meditation and reflection we explore how to steady the heart, soften reactivity, and find ease and clarity–even when outer conditions remain demanding.
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Sunday, February 1 | 1:30 - 4:30 p.m.
Emotional Balance, Anger & Wise Response
This workshop focuses on meeting strong emotions with wisdom and kindness, including frustration and discouragement that can arise in family life, workplaces, and studies. We’ll practice recognizing buildup and depletion in the heart, relaxing unhelpful patterns, and letting go to develop a steady presence that can care without collapsing, blowing up, withdrawing, or burning out.
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Sunday, February 8 | 1:30 - 4:30 p.m.
Loving Kindness, Rest & Renewal
When we feel worn down by responsibilities, caregiving, work, or study, the mind can slide toward numbness, harsh self-judgment, or unhelpful habits. We’ll explore mettā (loving-kindness) as a refuge and a renewable inner resource, practicing ways to relate skilfully to fatigue and overwork while discovering genuine sources of rest, fulfillment, and joy.
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Sunday, February 22 | 1:30 - 4:30 p.m.
Foundations, Daily Practice & What Really Matters
A practical afternoon on the foundations of Buddhist meditation—posture, a few basic techniques, and skillful attitude—and how to sustain practice when we feel busy, tired, or pulled in many directions. We’ll reflect on questions of meaning in work, study, and relationships, and how developing a grounded daily practice can help align our time and energy with what truly matters most.
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Sunday, March 1 | 8:00 a.m. - 8:45 p.m.
Sangha and the Entryway to Liberation: Magha Pūjā Daylong Retreat (special event)
Our usual 3-hour workshop is replaced by a full-day online retreat honoring the Theravada Buddhist holiday Magha Pūjā. The daylong will include worship, precepts, guided meditations. Furthermore, we will have teachings on the sermon "The Entryway to Liberation (Ovāda Pāṭimokkha)” and great disciples of the Buddha. We will reflect on how the example of the Sangha and the Buddha's teachings can inspire us to live with wisdom in modern conditions and orient ourselves toward freedom.
(More details on the Magha Pūjā daylong retreat page.)
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Sunday, March 15 | 1:30 - 4:30 p.m.
Calm, Insight & Contemplation I: Collecting the Mind Wisely
In the first of two connected workshops, we focus on how calm (samatha) and insight (vipassanā) work together. We’ll explore gathering and settling the mind, then gently using wise reflection to see how stress, restlessness, fatigue, and craving operate. As attention becomes steadier, the heart can begin to release some of its old burdens and taste more confidence in the path.
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Sunday, March 29 | 1:30 - 4:30 p.m.
Calm, Insight & Contemplation II: Letting Go & Moving to Meaning
In our final workshop, we bring together calm, insight, loving-kindness, and questions of meaning. We’ll look at how a clearer, quieter mind can recognize clinging—including to compulsive habits, overwork, and constant stimulation—and gradually let go. Through practice and discussion, we’ll explore concrete ways to carry these teachings into work, study, relationships, and the wider world with peace and happiness.
