Heightened turbulence seems to be the new norm. Our political structure is being challenged and our relentless media culture all too often undermines basic civility, truthfulness, and mental well-being. With the pandemic still lurking and the climate changing, we find ourselves in uncharted waters. It can feel like the very future of humanity is uncertain. Even if our personal situation is momentarily stable, we may find ourselves wondering what the next months or years will hold. Who knows what tomorrow will bring? So where can we turn? What can we rely on? 

The wakeful presence that is our basic nature is always available to help us find our bearings, navigate turbulence, and rediscover our natural insight and sense of wonder.  We connect with it through meditation and contemplative practices that enable us to authentically and compassionately relate with ourselves and others. That, in turn, opens up the possibility of skillful and beneficial action in the world.

In this retreat, we’ll explore how cultivating awareness and engaging person-to-person helps provide a sense of steadiness and well-being in our lives. The retreat will include a variety of activities:

• teaching
• guided meditation
• small group discussion
• opportunity for a one-on-one meeting with a teacher
• collaboration on a simple community service activity
• group practice of a short contemplation on interconnectedness that has been written specifically for this retreat. Participants will be given a copy to keep and use as part of their personal meditation practice if they wish.

All are welcome, including those who have no previous experience with meditation. The retreat is in person only. 

Limited scholarships are available for Black, Indigenous, and People of Color. Email finance@atlantashambhalacenter.org for details.

This retreat is offered in conjunction with Applied Mindfulness Training.

Carol S. Hyman has practiced and taught mindfulness and other contemplative disciplines in business, healthcare, and retreat settings for more than four decades. Focusing on taking mindfulness practice into everyday life, she is the Executive Director of the educational non-profit Applied Mindfulness Training, Inc. and author of the book Meeting Your Mind: Harnessing the World’s Greatest Resource

Chris Wenger will join Carol Hyman in leading this retreat. A meditation practitioner since 2002, he serves as a meditation instructor and teacher at the Atlanta Shambhala Center.