Pause and Gather: A Half-Day Fall Retreat to Cultivate Mindfulness and Compassion
$108.00
September 21, 2025 | 1:30-5:30 pm
Circle Yoga
3838 Northhampton St NW
Washington, DC 20015
How might taking time to be transform the quality of everything we do?
All of you are warmly welcome, whether you've never meditated before or have been meditating for years! This half-day retreat offers a rare opportunity to step away from the often-frenetic pace of 21st-century daily life and discover the profound rest and clarity that come from mindful presence.
"When people say, don't just sit there, do something, they're urging you to act. But if the quality of your being is poor, if you don't have enough peace, understanding, and equanimity – then your actions will also be poor. Your actions should be based on a high quality of being. Being is non-action, so the quality of action depends on the quality of non-action. Non-action is already something. To be in the here and now—solid and fully alive—is a very positive contribution to our collective situation." ~ Thich Nhat Hanh (from his book How to Sit)
In the midst of a 21st-century world full of turmoil and upheaval, there may be nothing more important than carving out time to slow down, settle into stillness, and pay attention to the wisdom of the mind, heart, and body with care. Doing so will allow us to make decisions from a place of rooted, clear-hearted integrity. Engaging in this process in a supportive communal context is what retreat is all about, and the transition into the fall season is a wonderful time to pause and gather: gather in community, and gather the mind and heart.
You'll leave with practical tools for daily mindfulness and compassion cultivation, and a renewed sense of inner groundedness.
The approximate schedule for the retreat is as follows (it is subject to change):
Before retreat begins—1:15-1:30 pm ET: Arrive, meet a new friend, take your seat for our 1:30 pm start time
1:30-2 pm ET: Getting started (grounding practice, introductions, community invitations, brief teaching)
2-2:30 pm ET: Mindfulness meditation instructions & first meditation period
2:30-3 pm ET: Walking meditation instructions & walking meditation period
3-3:15 pm ET: Question & Response period
3:15-3:30 pm ET: Mindful snack period (Water and simple gluten-free, dairy-free snacks will be provided. Feel free to bring your own snacks as well!)
3:30-4:00 pm ET: Teaching
4-4:15 pm ET: Walking meditation period
4:15-4:45 pm ET: Compassion meditation instructions & meditation period
4:45-5:00 pm ET: Discussion period
5-5:30 pm ET: Closing circle
You will receive a pre-retreat email with detailed logistical information.
Additional important information:
Roots of Retreat: Two Wings Mindfulness honors the Buddhist roots of this retreat format and some of the practices that will be offered. Alison's teaching has also been heavily influenced by other wisdom traditions.
Space: There are limited spots available for this retreat due to the size of the Circle Yoga space, so please register as soon as possible if you would like to participate. We're committed to making this retreat accessible - please reach out if you need a reduced rate in order to participate.
Accessibility: Please let us know if you have any accessibility needs. The building is wheelchair accessible and there will be all-gender bathrooms available.