About this class

Every encounter is an opportunity to practice compassion.

Every day offers countless opportunities to practice compassion—in our relationships, at work, within our families, in our communities, and in response to the larger challenges unfolding in the world. How do we meet these moments with an open heart? How do we cultivate compassion for ourselves, for those we love, for those who challenge us, and for those whose lives, experiences, or perspectives may be very different from our own?

In this daylong retreat, we will explore universal compassion as a practical, trainable response even and especially in our divided world. Drawing on Buddhist teachings, contemporary science, and everyday experience, we’ll look at what compassion is (and is not), the forces that block it (shame, fear, "unreal othering," and burnout), and how we can cultivate a steadier, kinder, more open heart. As we learn to meet our own pain with understanding, we begin to soften harsh self‑judgment and make space for genuine care for others, even across real differences.

Through periods of sitting and walking meditation, guided compassion practices, talks, and small and large-group discussions, we’ll deepen our capacity to stay present with suffering without being overwhelmed. Some sessions will include relational practice and guided reflection on compassion for loved ones, for strangers, and for those we find most challenging. Practicing together in community supports insight, resilience, and a felt sense of our interconnectedness with all of life.

Meet the teacher

Bob was awakened to the wonders of mindfulness later in life when he attended his first silent meditation retreat with Hugh Byrne in 2018. This led him to the Mindfulness Meditation Teacher Certification Program (MMTCP), from which he graduated in 2023. He has been deeply influenced by the teachings of Jack Kornfield and his teacher Ajahn Chah, along with Howie Cohn and of course Hugh, from whom he learned how poetry can be a powerful tool in cultivating mindfulness.

His teaching and daily work in building bridges across partisan divides are also animated by a personal commitment to cultivating universal compassion for all, as described in Thich Nhat Hanh's poem "Please Call Me By My True Names."

Who this retreat is for

This retreat is suitable for both newer and experienced meditators, and for people of any or no faith background. All are welcome who wish to explore compassion for themselves and others in these challenging times.

Lunch and snacks

Please bring your own lunch and water bottle. Simple snacks, tea, and coffee will be provided.

Accessibility & venue

Location: Iona is located at 4125 Albemarle St. NW, Washington, DC 20016. It’s one block from the Tenleytown-AU metro. Multiple bus lines run on Wisconsin Ave. On-street parking is available.

Accessibility: Iona is fully wheelchair-accessible. Parking for disabled participants is available. Email us at info@living-mindfully.org if you require any accommodations.