Registration is now open. See Early Bird Discount below.
We have been offering our most popular retreat, the 2.5-hour morning Beginning Anew Mindfulness Retreat since 2004. It’s a profound invitation to release the past year’s burdens, ignite fresh intentions, and step into the new year with renewed clarity, compassion, and inner peace.
Sunday, January 11, 2026
Registration is open until January 9, 2026 (11:59 p.m.)
Beginning Anew includes: basic sitting meditation instruction, conscious breathing, quiet quiet sitting & walking, voice meditation, and noble silence. This special event will take place at the beautiful Mansfield Freeman Center for East Asian Studies, 343 Washington Terrace in Middletown, CT. This will be a perfect opportunity to rejuvenate your mind, body, and spirit overlooking a harmoniously balanced and inspiring Shôyôan Teien Zen garden.
Our Beginning Anew Retreat offers a universal approach to mindfulness, free from religious labels or specific ‘Buddhist’ traditions. Open to everyone—whether you’re religious, non-religious, a beginner, or experienced—this renewing retreat invites you to explore the simple, human practice of mindful living.
Potential Outcomes:
1) Enhanced Mental Clarity and Focus
2) Reduced Stress and Anxiety
3) Emotional Healing and Well-being
4) Deeper Spiritual Connection
Whether you are seeking to deepen your mindfulness practice, starting 2026 with serenity or simply craving a tranquil morning getaway, our annual Beginning Anew retreat will offer a transformative experience that will leave you feeling refreshed, recentered, and reconnected to the present moment.
In Summary & Registration
Retreat Time: from 9 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.
Arrival: 8:30 a.m. to 8:50 a.m.
Location: Mansfield Freeman Center for East Asian Studies, 343 Washington Terrace, Middletown, Connecticut
No prerequisites: for first-timers, beginners to the most experienced.
Pre-registration is required. No walk-ins.
Contribution: $60
Early Bird Discount of 15% until December 15, 2025
Discount Code: beginning2026
Open to the general public including friends, non-buddhists, buddhists & non-religious.
What to wear? Loose, causal, & non-distracting clothing and socks. Participants may bring a bottle of water. Zafus (cushions) and chairs are available.
Limited enrollment. The retreat space is limited. Sign up early to have the best chance of getting a spot at the event.
Instructor: Rev. G.R. Lewis, M.A., BFF of CT’s guiding teacher, and Zen and Shin practitioner for many decades, and student of Venerable Thich Tri Hong the esteemed and late Dr. (Rev.) Taitetsu Unno, will be the instructor for this retreat.
Register: Registration is open until January 9, 2026 at 12:59 p.m.
Be sure to read on the ticket the Refund Policy Disclaimer of Responsibility, Code of Conduct, & Image Release Agreement. By registering to this event, you have confirmed and agreed to these policies, agreements, code of conduct.
What Is Mindfulness?
“Mindfulness (sati) is the practice of becoming more fully aware of the present moment–non-judgmentally and completely–rather than dwelling in the past or projecting into the future. It generally involves a heightened awareness of sensory stimuli (really noticing your breathing, feeling the sensations of your body, etc.) and being “in the now.” While mindfulness has origins in Eastern philosophy and Buddhism, there is no necessary religious component to mindfulness — anyone, with any belief system, can enjoy the benefits of mindfulness.
How is mindfulness attained? Mindfulness can be achieved through meditation, but one can also practice mindfulness through daily living. Simply focusing on the present moment and quieting your inner dialogue can help you attain mindfulness.” – By Elizabeth Scott, M.S