Date: Saturday, May 9, 2026
Open enrollment will begin in spring 2026.

Spring invites us to open, soften, and begin again. As the world awakens around us, this Day of Mindfulness offers a gentle space to awaken within—an opportunity to refresh the heart, rekindle clarity, and cultivate presence in the midst of everyday life.

The Day of Mindfulness is a one-day at-home practice retreat designed to help participants bring the heart of mindfulness into daily living. It is easy to feel centered at a temple or retreat center—but sustaining that clarity at home, in the midst of everyday responsibilities, is the true art of practice.

This retreat offers structure, guidance, and the shared presence of community, allowing participants to spend a full day in mindful awareness while remaining in their own homes. With teachers who together bring over six decades of contemplative experience, participants can feel confident that they are in caring, capable hands.

A detailed/structured schedule will be emailed in advance, and the group will gather only twice on Zoom:
9:00 a.m. for orientation & group meditation
6:00 p.m. for group meditation & closing reflections

Meditation & Mindfulness: What’s the Difference?

People often wonder about the relationship between the two:

  • Meditation is a formal practice—sitting still, focusing the mind, training stability and awareness.
  • Mindfulness is the quality you bring to everything you do—walking, eating, cooking, showering, resting.

This retreat blends both in a natural, grounded, and deeply suppo

This Program Is Open to All

While informed by time-tested Buddhist mindfulness traditions, no devotional or religious practice is included. Meditation and mindfulness are universal human practices, available to anyone regardless of background or belief.

Who This Retreat Is For
  • Those with some basic familiarity with sitting meditation, posture, breath awareness, and mindful walking
  • Newer practitioners who want structure and teacher support
  • Anyone seeking a full day of quiet, clarity, and mindful living at home
  • Not recommended for complete beginners with no meditation exposure
Benefits of Participating
  • Learn how to sustain mindfulness at home, in real-life environments
  • Strengthen emotional steadiness, inner calm, and present-moment awareness
  • Build a gentle routine of sitting and walking meditation
  • Experience community support while practicing in silence
  • Gain practical tips for integrating mindfulness into daily routines
Retreat Schedule

A detailed retreat schedule will be emailed to all registered retreatants (yogis) about 5 before the retreat, so you’ll have plenty of time to prepare your space and settle into the rhythm of the day.

9:00am — Opening Zoom Session
Welcome, orientation, brief review of sitting & walking meditation

9:30am — Morning Practice
Group Sitting, and then individual Sittiing Walking, Mindful Daily Activities

12:00pm — Mindful Lunch
Contemplative oryoki-style*: a simple meal eaten slowly in silence with awareness, gratitude, mindful cleanup & mindful break.

1:00pm — Early Afternoon Practice
Sitting, Walking, Mindful Activities

3:00pm — Tea & Mindful Break

3:30 pm — Late Afternoon Practice
Sitting, Walking, Mindful Activities

5:00pm — Mindful Dinner
Same contemplative oryoki-style as lunch

6:00pm — Closing Zoom Session
Brief Group Sitting, Sharing, Dharma reflections, Q&A

6:30-45pm — End of Day

* Contemplative Oryoki Overview

A simplified, at-home adaptation of the traditional oryoki meal practice. Participants eat mindfully, slowly, and with appreciation, following a short guide that emphasizes presence rather than ritual formality.

Retreat Essentials

Preparing a few simple items ahead of time will help you create a peaceful, retreat-like space and fully benefit from your at-home Day of Mindfulness.

  • A meditation cushion (or a firm pillow)
    Choose something steady and supportive for comfortable sitting. A chair is also an excellent option if that suits your body better.
  • A soft-chime timer or mindfulness bell or use cell phone clock/timer
    A gentle sound will mark practice periods without disrupting your calm.

These are the only essentials you need. If you don’t have them on hand, feel free to adapt with what you already own or pick up items from your preferred local or online shop.

Looking for trusted recommendations? Visit the BFF Online Store for a curated selection of cushions, timers, and other supportive items for your home practice: CLICK HERE.

Contribution

Contribution: $45. Your contribution helps support the Buddhist Faith Fellowship’s programs, outreach, and overall mission of sharing mindfulness, compassion, and community with all who seek it.

Morning Teacher: Rev. G.R. Lewis, M.A.

Rev. G.R. Lewis, BFF of CT’s guiding teacher, has been a Zen and Shin Buddhist practitioner for many decades. He is a long-time student of Venerable Thich Tri Hong and the esteemed and late Dr. (Rev.) Taitetsu Unno. With deep experience in meditation, mindfulness, and accessible instruction, he brings warmth, clarity, and grounded wisdom to his teaching.

Evening Teacher: Melissa Lewis, B.A.

Melissa Lewis is a Dharma Teacher at the Buddhist Faith Fellowship of CT and a long-time practitioner of mindfulness meditation, engaged Buddhism, and the contemplative arts. Known for her calm presence and practical approach, she supports students in bringing mindfulness into the realities of everyday life. Melissa specializes in gentle, trauma-sensitive guidance rooted in compassion and clarity.

Full intructor bios available HERE.

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.

Open enrollment will begin in spring 2026.