Pause and Gather: A Half-Day Fall Retreat to Cultivate Mindfulness and Compassion
THE REGISTRATION DEADLINE HAS PASSED.
Date: September 21, 2025 | 1:30-5:30 pm ET
Location: Chevy Chase, Washington, D.C. (Exact address shared upon registration)
There are limited spots available for this retreat due to the size of the space where the retreat is being held, so please register as soon as possible if you would like to participate.
Price: $108.00 (Pay-what-you-can options also available—scroll down to learn more in the FAQs)
“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
THICH NHAT HANH
Pause and Gather retreat description:
How might taking time to be transform the quality of everything we do? You are warmly welcome to participate in this half-day fall retreat, whether you've never meditated before or have been meditating for years! "Pause and Gather" offers a rare opportunity to step away from the often-frenetic pace of daily life and experience the profound rest and clarity that come from cultivating mindful presence.
In times of turmoil and upheaval, carving out space for stillness becomes essential. When we slow down and attune to the wisdom of mind, heart, and body with care, we’re more likely to show up to life from a place of rooted integrity. The transition into fall offers a perfect moment to pause and gather—both in community and within ourselves.
Engaging in this process together is what retreat is all about. You'll leave with practical tools for daily mindfulness and compassion cultivation, greater access to inner groundedness, and a sense of being part of a community of practitioners.
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, community invitations, framing our time together)
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: Heartfulness 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 the week before with detailed logistical information, and a detailed summary email after the retreat including recordings of several practices.
See below for responses to frequently-asked questions.
Frequently Asked Questions
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Our financial circumstances vary widely, and finances need not be a barrier to participation. If $108 would cause financial strain and paying a different amount would allow you to attend, you can register here at a pay-what-you-can rate. Please get in touch if you have any questions!
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The building is wheelchair accessible. There will be all-gender bathrooms available. In addition, alternatives to walking meditation will be offered. If you cannot hear Alison, just let her know and she will speak more loudly.
Please let us know if you have other accessibility needs.
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Though this is not a Jewish mindfulness retreat, all that we're cultivating—presence, clarity, and kindness—will naturally support your intentions as the new year (5786) approaches.
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Truly no need! Come as you are.
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If you’d like to, sure!