Upcoming Events
Dear friends,
Please save the date and plan to join the next sangha potluck on Friday, July 25 from 6-8pm. Join us for a shared meal, conversation, and community building.
In this timely and evocative talk, Dharmacharya Shantum Seth invites us to rediscover the Buddha as a spiritual ancestor rooted in Indian soil, whose teachings are as relevant today as ever. This event will be held both in person and online on Tuesday, September 2, from 6:30 pm-8:00 pm.
All sessions are offered online only.
Please join us for this relaxed Zoom series in which we will dive deeply into one training during each session, reading and reflecting with fellow practitioners in both small and large groups. We will build community as we discover ways to practice the trainings in our daily life.
Sessions will be facilitated by Annie Mahon, Jill McKay, and Camille Martone.
We will meet online six Saturdays, 4-5:30PM Eastern Time
These mindful caregiving sessions are open to all who identify as caregivers. The topics and discussions of this group will be rooted in mindfulness practice and will aim to support those in a parental role, caretaking for an elder, or experiencing another type of caregiving situation by creating a compassionate, reflective space to come together.
These mindful caregiving sessions are open to all who identify as caregivers. The topics and discussions of this group will be rooted in mindfulness practice and will aim to support those in a parental role, caretaking for an elder, or experiencing another type of caregiving situation by creating a compassionate, reflective space to come together.
Beloved Sangha,
Please join us and the Buddhist Peace Fellowship at the Interfaith Action for Palestine (IAP) in Washington, D.C., from June 29 to July 1.
The Buddhist Peace Fellowship is the official convener for dharma practitioners at this gathering, and is calling together practitioners across lineages and traditions to bring our collective presence, prayer, practice, and witness to this vital interfaith moment. We would love to stand alongside fellow Plum Village practitioners as part of this interfaith call for peace and justice for all.
As people of conscience committed to human dignity and human rights for all—we are grieved by the relentless bombing, prolonged starvation, and the obstruction of humanitarian aid to Palestine. We feel it is our moral and spiritual responsibility to denounce this disregard for the sacredness of life. Regardless of religion or ethnicity—we cannot remain silent given the urgent need for humanitarian intervention and for governments, especially the US, to demand humanitarian aid, uphold international law, and fiercely support efforts towards a peaceful resolution. Whatever our views of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, we cannot complicitly watch thousands of people, including children, die from starvation and bombs while the US government unconditionally supplies arms. Together, we will gather in compassionate resistance—bringing our mindfulness, peace, and courage to stand for human rights and liberation for all people in the region.
We also acknowledge the suffering of Israelis, including the October 7th attacks, which were extremely traumatic for many Jewish people globally. As practitioners, our aim is not to take political sides, but rather, to stand resolutely against mass killing, injustice, and oppression, doing whatever we can to help prevent further needless, horrific destruction of life. Our
teacher, Thay has taught us so clearly and compassionately that the suffering of Palestinians is the suffering of the Israeli people, and vice versa; that this conflict increases the suffering for all involved, both now and for future generations. And that protecting the sacredness of life in Palestine is also protecting the sacredness of life in Israel too, both now and for their and our descendants.
If you’re interested, please register here, and please also fill out this form to be included in the Buddhist contingent.
If you’re unable to attend in person, you can still participate by registering for the online program and/or supporting the effort with a donation.
These mindful caregiving sessions are open to all who identify as caregivers. The topics and discussions of this group will be rooted in mindfulness practice and will aim to support those in a parental role, caretaking for an elder, or experiencing another type of caregiving situation by creating a compassionate, reflective space to come together.
We invite you to join us on June 1 from 12:00-4:00 pm for an in-person half day of mindfulness facilitated by Annie and Camille, DeeDee, and Gerry.
Dear friends,
The Opening Heart Mindfulness Community invites you to join us in person or online for our event hosted by Annie Mahon, with chanting led by Melina Bondy.
Join us for fun and supportive care for ourselves and each other through the practices of chanting, meditation and community gathering. Chanting is a heart centered practice that can soothe, strengthen, and ground, and is a precious and joyful way to come together, especially during challenging times (but really anytime). No experience in anything is needed, and we will provide an introduction to chanting in the Plum Village tradition.
All funds raised at this event will be donated to one of two organizations working to provide collective care in the world:
A local organization rooted in solidarity not charity, that supports BIPOC and poor communities through mutual respect and autonomy.
An international organization supporting bold solutions for climate, food, and economic justice.
When: Saturday, May 10, 2025
Time: 3:00pm - 4:30pm EDT
Where: Online (Zoom link will be emailed upon registration) and in person at our meditation studio at 3812 Northampton St. NW, Washington DC 20015
Register by donating to one or both organizations below.
Suggested donation range is $20 - $100+
If you have any difficulty with this payment or any questions, please email us at info@openingheartmindfulness.org
About Melina
Melina (they/them) began meditation and Dharma practice in 2003 in both Plum Village and Vipassana traditions, eventually taking monastic vows under Thich Nhat Hanh in 2012 with the name HaiAn (Sister Ocean.) After six years in the monastery, and a few more outside of the monastery, Melina returned to lay life in 2021. They now blend Insight and Plum Village practices with an orientation to somatics, justice and creativity into meditation and Dharma teacher, in addition to their work as a psychotherapist. As a queer, white settler, Melina is honored and challenged to live on the colonized land of Tkaronto, colonially named Toronto, where they continue to sharing the gifts of the monastery with a wider community. Melina completed the the True North Insight Community Meditation Leader Mentorship program in 2022.
These mindful caregiving sessions are open to all who identify as caregivers. The topics and discussions of this group will be rooted in mindfulness practice and will aim to support those in a parental role, caretaking for an elder, or experiencing another type of caregiving situation by creating a compassionate, reflective space to come together.
We invite you to join us for IN PERSON Wednesday morning sangha. You don’t need to register, just come to 3812 Northampton St. NW, Washington DC 20015 (the door next to Circle Yoga).
New to sangha? Click here for our Newcomers page.
No previous mindfulness or meditation experience is necessary.
No fees, donations are always welcome.
Dear friends, we invite you to join us for Monday night sangha.
New to sangha? Click here for our Newcomers page.
No previous mindfulness or meditation experience is necessary.
No fees, donations are always welcome.
We invite you to join us for ONLINE / IN PERSON hybrid Friday noon sangha.
You don’t need to register for in person, just come to 3812 Northampton St. NW, Washington DC 20015 (the door next to Circle Yoga).
New to sangha? Click here for our Newcomers page.
No previous mindfulness or meditation experience is necessary.
No fees, donations are always welcome.
Dear friends, we invite you to join us for Wednesday morning sangha.
New to sangha? Click here for our Newcomers page.
No previous mindfulness or meditation experience is necessary.
No fees, donations are always welcome.
We invite you to join us for IN PERSON Monday evening sangha. You don’t need to register, just come to 3812 Northampton St. NW, Washington DC 20015 (the door next to Circle Yoga).
New to sangha? Click here for our Newcomers page.
No previous mindfulness or meditation experience is necessary.
No fees, donations are always welcome.
We invite you to join us for ONLINE / IN PERSON hybrid Friday noon sangha.
You don’t need to register for in person, just come to 3812 Northampton St. NW, Washington DC 20015 (the door next to Circle Yoga).
New to sangha? Click here for our Newcomers page.
No previous mindfulness or meditation experience is necessary.
No fees, donations are always welcome.
We invite you to join us for IN PERSON Wednesday morning sangha. You don’t need to register, just come to 3812 Northampton St. NW, Washington DC 20015 (the door next to Circle Yoga).
New to sangha? Click here for our Newcomers page.
No previous mindfulness or meditation experience is necessary.
No fees, donations are always welcome.
Dear friends,
Join us Wednesday, April 16 outside at the American University Labyrinth at 7am-8am EDT to practice walking meditation on the Labyrinth path.
Dear friends, we invite you to join us for Monday night sangha.
New to sangha? Click here for our Newcomers page.
No previous mindfulness or meditation experience is necessary.
No fees, donations are always welcome.
Dear friends,
Please save the date and plan to join the Mindful Nature Walk on Sunday, April 13 from 1-4pm. Joyce and Jill from Chesapeake earth-holders share an invitation with our sangha for a Mindful Nature Walk at Brookside Gardens in Wheaton, MD.
We invite you to join us for ONLINE / IN PERSON hybrid Friday noon sangha.
You don’t need to register for in person, just come to 3812 Northampton St. NW, Washington DC 20015 (the door next to Circle Yoga).
New to sangha? Click here for our Newcomers page.
No previous mindfulness or meditation experience is necessary.
No fees, donations are always welcome.
Dear friends, we invite you to join us for Wednesday morning sangha.
New to sangha? Click here for our Newcomers page.
No previous mindfulness or meditation experience is necessary.
No fees, donations are always welcome.
Dear friends, we invite you to join us for Monday night sangha.
The first Monday of every month - regardless if it falls on an online night or an in-person night, you are welcome to join a facilitator before sangha at 6:15pm Eastern for an optional orientation.
No previous mindfulness or meditation experience is necessary.
Learn more about our newcomers program.
No fees, donations are always welcome.
Dear friends,
Please save the date and plan to join the next sangha potluck on Friday, April 4 from 6-8pm. Join us for a shared meal, conversation and community building.
We invite you to join us for ONLINE / IN PERSON hybrid Friday noon sangha.
You don’t need to register for in person, just come to 3812 Northampton St. NW, Washington DC 20015 (the door next to Circle Yoga).
New to sangha? Click here for our Newcomers page.
No previous mindfulness or meditation experience is necessary.
No fees, donations are always welcome.
These mindful caregiving sessions are open to all who identify as caregivers. The topics and discussions of this group will be rooted in mindfulness practice and will aim to support those in a parental role, caretaking for an elder, or experiencing another type of caregiving situation by creating a compassionate, reflective space to come together.
We invite you to join us for IN PERSON Wednesday morning sangha. You don’t need to register, just come to 3812 Northampton St. NW, Washington DC 20015 (the door next to Circle Yoga).
New to sangha? Click here for our Newcomers page.
No previous mindfulness or meditation experience is necessary.
No fees, donations are always welcome.
Dear friends, we invite you to join us for Monday night sangha.
New to sangha? Click here for our Newcomers page.
No previous mindfulness or meditation experience is necessary.
No fees, donations are always welcome.
We invite you to join us for ONLINE / IN PERSON hybrid Friday noon sangha.
You don’t need to register for in person, just come to 3812 Northampton St. NW, Washington DC 20015 (the door next to Circle Yoga).
New to sangha? Click here for our Newcomers page.
No previous mindfulness or meditation experience is necessary.
No fees, donations are always welcome.
Dear friends, we invite you to join us for Wednesday morning sangha.
New to sangha? Click here for our Newcomers page.
No previous mindfulness or meditation experience is necessary.
No fees, donations are always welcome.
We invite you to join us for IN PERSON Monday evening sangha. You don’t need to register, just come to 3812 Northampton St. NW, Washington DC 20015 (the door next to Circle Yoga).
New to sangha? Click here for our Newcomers page.
No previous mindfulness or meditation experience is necessary.
No fees, donations are always welcome.
