Upcoming Events
Dear friends,
Please save the date and plan to join the next sangha potluck on March 27th from 6-8pm. Join us for a shared meal, conversation, and community building.
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.
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.
Spiritual power and presence are among the greatest forces for healing and transformation personally and societally. This annual retreat occurs at a time when you might be pondering, how to be renewed in order to keep an open heart for all that is going on in the world.
During this retreat we will engage in practices such as sitting, walking, eating, and resting in the Plum Village tradition to restore balance and support healing, as well as listen to inspiring Dharma talks, and connect with a vibrant community. You’ll leave the retreat with a renewed sense of understanding and engagement to support you and your work in the world.
Spiritual power and presence are among the greatest forces for healing and transformation personally and societally. This annual retreat occurs at a time when you might be pondering, how to be renewed in order to keep an open heart for all that is going on in the world.
During this retreat we will engage in practices such as sitting, walking, eating, and resting in the Plum Village tradition to restore balance and support healing, as well as listen to inspiring Dharma talks, and connect with a vibrant community. You’ll leave the retreat with a renewed sense of understanding and engagement to support you and your work in the world.
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.
Dear friends,
Please save the date and plan to join the next sangha potluck on December 12 from 6-8pm. Join us for a shared meal, conversation, and community building.
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.
Dear friends,
During this time that has been especially trying for our community, three DC-area sanghas have joined together to hold a Community Peace Meditation.
Please join us for this in-person event, a collaboration of the Opening Heart Mindfulness Community, the Still Water Mindfulness Practice Center, and the Washington Mindfulness Community. This will be an opportunity to build community and to bring peace to each other, the region, and the world.
When: Sunday, November 23, 2025
Time: 2:00pm - 5:00pm ET
Where: Seekers Church, 276 Carroll St NW, Washington, DC 20012
Seekers Church is walking distance from the Takoma Metro station, and there is parking in the surrounding neighborhood.
While this is a free community event, we invite you to contribute what you can. Donations will be used to defray the costs of the event and to support the work of the organizing sanghas.
Thank you for your support!
REGISTRATION IS NOW CLOSED
If you wish to see if we can accommodate, please email us at info@openingheartmindfulness.org
Space is limited. Please register by selecting either button below:
If you have any difficulty with this payment or any questions, please email us at info@openingheartmindfulness.org
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.
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.
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.
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.
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, 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.
