The New Year is often a time of goal setting, clarifying plans for self-improvement and resolving to “do better” with habits that don’t serve us well. At the same time, our mindfulness and self-compassion practices invite us to accept ourselves as we are. This half-day retreat will return to that perennial paradox: how do we love ourselves as we are and also endeavor to change for the better?

New year’s resolutions are often based in negative self-judgement and articulated by the inner critic. In this workshop we’ll instead use the tools of wise self-assessment, compassion and mindfulness to articulate intentions and set a course for the year.  We can move toward goals and behavior changes from a place of acceptance, kindness and compassion for who we are, enjoying a more nurturing relationship with ourselves along the way. 

The retreat will include guided meditations, short talks, journaling, inquiry, and Q&A. It’s appropriate for beginners and experienced meditators. Together we will explore ways to bring our best selves forward and emerge clarified and renewed for the New Year ahead.