Upcoming Special Events

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June 13, 2026

June 13, 2026

Saturday 9:30 am - 3:30 pm

Day of Quiet Practice with Diana Clark

A Day of Quiet Practice with Diana Clark
In-person only at IMC
Saturday June 13, 9:30am – 3:30pm
Stepping into shared silence for the greater part of a day can be a powerful support for practice, helping the mind settle, the heart soften, and concentration deepen.
This silent daylong retreat includes alternating periods of sitting and walking meditation, along with a short Dharma talk. It is designed for those with prior experience in mindfulness meditation as no formal meditation instructions will be offered. There will, however, be opportunities for practice discussions with the teacher.
Please bring lunch.

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June 20, 2026

June 20, 2026

Saturday 10:00 am - 1:00 pm

Summer Solstice Walk in Edgewood Park with Kristen Benson

Let's meet in the Edgewood Park parking lot on Edgewood Road, San Carlos at 10:00 am for a 3+ mile hike of approximately 3 hours.
What: We will celebrate this celestial event walking through local ecosystems with some periods of silence bringing our awareness to the present, paying attention to our senses. There will be a time with a ritual and a gathering together.
Join: Kristen Benson, an Eco-Buddhist Chaplain through the Sati Center. A chaplain of the spiritual connection of people and the land/earth, who loves the earth and all that she blesses us with.
What to bring: Walking shoes, water, snacks, hat, sunscreen, sunglasses.
Questions: There is no need to RSVP, but if you have questions, please contact Kristen Benson kristenbensonart@gmail.com. 650-483-6838
Please consider carpooling if coming from IMC after the Dharma talk.

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June 20, 2026

Saturday 9:30 am - 4:30 pm

Un día de meditación y atención consciente (en español) con Corina Urdaneta, Mónica Sánchez y Sandra Sanabria

En IMC, en persona solamente
Este retiro de un día incluirá meditaciones guiadas, charlas de dharma y periodos alternados de meditación sentada y caminando. Se ofrecerán instrucciones y guía sobre la consciencia plena. Este retiro es una oportunidad para fortalecer la consciencia plena, desarrollar la concentración, practicar con la comunidad del IMC y hacer preguntas a las maestras. La jornada es apta tanto para principiantes como para personas con más experiencia. No es necesario inscribirse. Favor de traer su almuerzo.
Offered by: Corina Urdaneta, Mónica Sánchez y Sandra Sanabria
Este programa se ofrece sin costo alguno y no es necesario inscribirse. Puede visitar la página de donaciones del IMC aquí si desea hacer una donación a las maestras o al centro
Quiénes son las maestras

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June 21, 2026

June 21, 2026

Sunday 11:00 am - 2:00 pm

Summer Potluck Picnic at Red Morton Park
Location: Red Morton Park, Picnic Area #3
Join the IMC community to share friendship and favorite summer foods at IMC's vegetarian potluck picnic. If possible, bring a vegetarian dish to share with 4–6 people. If you are unable to bring food, bring yourself! We'll drive to Red Morton Park after the Dharma talk,

DIRECTIONS FROM IMC:
- Head west on Hopkins Ave
- Turn left onto King St
- Turn right onto Jefferson Ave
- Turn Left onto Valota Rd
- Parking lot is on the left just past the grassy area
Everyone is welcome. The park includes the Magical Bridge Playground for kids of all abilities. If you are able, come a little earlier to help with setup, and/or stay a little later to help with cleanup.

For questions or suggestions, contact Hilary at imc.volunteerdirector@gmail.com
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June 21, 2026

Sunday 1:30 pm - 3:30 pm

Awake Together: The Middle Way for the Middle of Life: 5-Month Series for People in their 30s and 40s with Mei Elliott and Kodo Conlin

Five Sundays - April 5, May 24, June 21, July 19, and August 23, 2026: 1:30 – 3:30 pm
In-person only at IMC
Offered by Mei Elliott and Kodo Conlin
This five-month in-person program offers an opportunity for people in their 30s and 40s to practice together in community. Each session will include meditation, dharma talks, discussion and activities that support connection. Participants will be given practices, readings and/or brief written reflections to complete in between meetings, and will be encouraged to meet in a small group outside of class time. The program is designed for practitioners who wish to strengthen their practice, deepen their understanding, and form meaningful connections with others on the path. Participants are encouraged to attend all five sessions. Attending the first class is required for participation, and the series will be closed to new participants once it begins.

Registration: Awake Together 2025

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June 28, 2026

June 28, 2026

Sunday 1:30 pm - 3:00 pm

In Chinese: A Journey into the Hearts Natural Qualities Series with Lydia Ridgway and Yanli Wang

Four Sundays: April 26, May 31, June 28, July 26, 2026: 1:30to 3:00pm
Offered by: Lydia Ridgway and Yanli Wang
In-person at IMC
In Chinese (Mandarin)
The Brahmavihāras—often translated as the “Divine Abodes”—are four beautiful qualities of the heart taught by the Buddha: loving-kindness, compassion, appreciative joy, and equanimity. These qualities are not something we have to create from scratch; they are capacities we can gently uncover and strengthen through mindful awareness and practice. In these four months, we will explore one Brahmavihāra each month, allowing time to understand, experience, and integrate each quality into daily life.

This program is offered freely, with no registration needed. If you’d like to donate to the teacher or the center, you can visit IMC’s donation page here.

心灵之旅
四梵住（Divine Abodes）——通常被译为"神圣的居所"——是佛陀教导的四种美好的心灵品质：慈心、悲心、随喜心，和平衡心（舍心）。这些品质并不是凭空创造出来的；而是本来就在我们的心底，我们可以通过正念静观来找回和培养的内在品质。在这四堂课程中，我们将每个月探索一种梵住品质，来理解、体验和将每种品质融入日常生活。

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July 18, 2026

July 18, 2026

Saturday 9:30 am - 4:30 pm

Silent Mindfulness Daylong with Dawn Neal

In-person only at IMC
Offered by:Dawn Neal

Practicing mindfulness on retreat is one of the foundations for maturing insight meditation. The simplicity, silence and support of retreats contribute to letting go of many of the distractions that get in the way of clear seeing. Retreats also are a wonderful environment for developing a continuity of awareness for an extended period.

This particular daylong retreat is meant for people who already understand the basic practice of mindfulness; no instruction will be given.

The schedule consists of alternating periods of sitting and walking meditation. At the end of the day Dawn will give a short Dharma talk. Brief practice discussions will be available with her during the day. Previous experience is recommended. Bring Lunch.

The program is offered freely, with no registration needed. If you'd like to donate to the teacher or the center, you can visit IMC's donation page here.

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July 19, 2026

July 19, 2026

Sunday 1:30 pm - 3:30 pm

Awake Together: The Middle Way for the Middle of Life: 5-Month Series for People in their 30s and 40s with Mei Elliott and Kodo Conlin

Five Sundays - April 5, May 24, June 21, July 19, and August 23, 2026: 1:30 – 3:30 pm
In-person only at IMC
Offered by Mei Elliott and Kodo Conlin
This five-month in-person program offers an opportunity for people in their 30s and 40s to practice together in community. Each session will include meditation, dharma talks, discussion and activities that support connection. Participants will be given practices, readings and/or brief written reflections to complete in between meetings, and will be encouraged to meet in a small group outside of class time. The program is designed for practitioners who wish to strengthen their practice, deepen their understanding, and form meaningful connections with others on the path. Participants are encouraged to attend all five sessions. Attending the first class is required for participation, and the series will be closed to new participants once it begins.

Registration: Awake Together 2025

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July 25, 2026

July 25, 2026

Saturday 9:30 am - 4:30 pm

Introduction to Mindfulness Meditation Daylong Retreat with Liên Shutt

In-person only at IMC
Offered by: Liên Shutt

This daylong retreat will include guided meditations, dharma talks, and alternating periods of sitting and walking. Instructions and guidance on mindfulness of breathing, body, emotions, thoughts, and open attention will be provided. This daylong retreat is an opportunity to strengthen mindfulness, develop concentration, practice with the IMC community, and ask a teacher questions. Appropriate for beginners and those with more experience. Bring lunch.

The program is offered freely, with no registration needed. If you'd like to donate to the teacher or the center, you can visit IMC's donation page here

No registration is necessary.

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July 26, 2026

July 26, 2026

Sunday 1:30 pm - 3:00 pm

In Chinese: A Journey into the Hearts Natural Qualities Series with Lydia Ridgway and Yanli Wang

Four Sundays: April 26, May 31, June 28, July 26, 2026: 1:30to 3:00pm
Offered by: Lydia Ridgway and Yanli Wang
In-person at IMC
In Chinese (Mandarin)
The Brahmavihāras—often translated as the “Divine Abodes”—are four beautiful qualities of the heart taught by the Buddha: loving-kindness, compassion, appreciative joy, and equanimity. These qualities are not something we have to create from scratch; they are capacities we can gently uncover and strengthen through mindful awareness and practice. In these four months, we will explore one Brahmavihāra each month, allowing time to understand, experience, and integrate each quality into daily life.

This program is offered freely, with no registration needed. If you’d like to donate to the teacher or the center, you can visit IMC’s donation page here.

心灵之旅
四梵住（Divine Abodes）——通常被译为"神圣的居所"——是佛陀教导的四种美好的心灵品质：慈心、悲心、随喜心，和平衡心（舍心）。这些品质并不是凭空创造出来的；而是本来就在我们的心底，我们可以通过正念静观来找回和培养的内在品质。在这四堂课程中，我们将每个月探索一种梵住品质，来理解、体验和将每种品质融入日常生活。

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July 31, 2026

July 31, 2026

Friday 5:30 pm - 8:00 pm

3-day Retreat at IMC with Tanya Wiser and Shelley Gault
Three-day Non-residential Retreat at IMC
The Body & Heart at the Center: Knowing, Sensing, Calming

Friday, July 31 to August 2, 2026
In-person at IMC
Offered by Tanya Wiser and Shelley Gault
Registration required. Visit this link.

Schedule:
- Friday, July 31 5:30pm - 8:00pm
- Saturday, August 1 8:30am - 8:00pm
- Sunday, August 2 8:30am - 4:00pm—We will join in the regular Sunday morning program.
In this retreat, Shelley and Tanya will offer teachings on cultivating sati—mindful awareness—through the lens of the physical body and with the support of a caring heart. Participants will be guided in developing their capacity to know and sense physical experience directly, and to calm the body and mind. These natural human capacities support the unfolding of clarity, open-heartedness, and ease in meditative awareness.
The retreat will include guided meditation instructions, silent sitting and walking periods, dharma talks, and small group practice discussions with the teachers. The retreat is suitable for new and experienced practitioners.
The program is offered freely. If you would like to support the teachers or the center, please visit IMC’s donation page.
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July 31, 2026

Friday 5:30 pm - 8:00 pm

3-day Retreat at IMC with Tanya Wiser and Shelley Gault
Three-day Non-residential Retreat at IMC
The Body & Heart at the Center: Knowing, Sensing, Calming

Friday, July 31 to August 2, 2026
In-person at IMC
Offered by Tanya Wiser and Shelley Gault
Registration required. Visit this link.

Schedule:
- Friday, July 31 5:30pm - 8:00pm
- Saturday, August 1 8:30am - 8:00pm
- Sunday, August 2 8:30am - 4:00pm—We will join in the regular Sunday morning program.
In this retreat, Shelley and Tanya will offer teachings on cultivating sati—mindful awareness—through the lens of the physical body and with the support of a caring heart. Participants will be guided in developing their capacity to know and sense physical experience directly, and to calm the body and mind. These natural human capacities support the unfolding of clarity, open-heartedness, and ease in meditative awareness.
The retreat will include guided meditation instructions, silent sitting and walking periods, dharma talks, and small group practice discussions with the teachers. The retreat is suitable for new and experienced practitioners.
The program is offered freely. If you would like to support the teachers or the center, please visit IMC’s donation page.
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August 1, 2026

August 1, 2026

Saturday 8:30 am - 8:00 pm

3-day Retreat at IMC with Tanya Wiser and Shelley Gault
Three-day Non-residential Retreat at IMC
The Body & Heart at the Center: Knowing, Sensing, Calming

Friday, July 31 to August 2, 2026
In-person at IMC
Offered by Tanya Wiser and Shelley Gault
Registration required. Visit this link.

Schedule:
- Friday, July 31 5:30pm - 8:00pm
- Saturday, August 1 8:30am - 8:00pm
- Sunday, August 2 8:30am - 4:00pm—We will join in the regular Sunday morning program.
In this retreat, Shelley and Tanya will offer teachings on cultivating sati—mindful awareness—through the lens of the physical body and with the support of a caring heart. Participants will be guided in developing their capacity to know and sense physical experience directly, and to calm the body and mind. These natural human capacities support the unfolding of clarity, open-heartedness, and ease in meditative awareness.
The retreat will include guided meditation instructions, silent sitting and walking periods, dharma talks, and small group practice discussions with the teachers. The retreat is suitable for new and experienced practitioners.
The program is offered freely. If you would like to support the teachers or the center, please visit IMC’s donation page.
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August 2, 2026

August 2, 2026

Sunday 8:30 am - 4:00 pm

3-day Retreat at IMC with Tanya Wiser and Shelley Gault
Three-day Non-residential Retreat at IMC
The Body & Heart at the Center: Knowing, Sensing, Calming

Friday, July 31 to August 2, 2026
In-person at IMC
Offered by Tanya Wiser and Shelley Gault
Registration required. Visit this link.

Schedule:
- Friday, July 31 5:30pm - 8:00pm
- Saturday, August 1 8:30am - 8:00pm
- Sunday, August 2 8:30am - 4:00pm—We will join in the regular Sunday morning program.
In this retreat, Shelley and Tanya will offer teachings on cultivating sati—mindful awareness—through the lens of the physical body and with the support of a caring heart. Participants will be guided in developing their capacity to know and sense physical experience directly, and to calm the body and mind. These natural human capacities support the unfolding of clarity, open-heartedness, and ease in meditative awareness.
The retreat will include guided meditation instructions, silent sitting and walking periods, dharma talks, and small group practice discussions with the teachers. The retreat is suitable for new and experienced practitioners.
The program is offered freely. If you would like to support the teachers or the center, please visit IMC’s donation page.
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August 2, 2026

Sunday 5:30 pm - 5:00 am

3-day Retreat at IMC with Tanya Wiser and Shelley Gault
Three-day Non-residential Retreat at IMC
The Body & Heart at the Center: Knowing, Sensing, Calming

Friday, July 31 to August 2, 2026
In-person at IMC
Offered by Tanya Wiser and Shelley Gault
Registration required. Visit this link.

Schedule:
- Friday, July 31 5:30pm - 8:00pm
- Saturday, August 1 8:30am - 8:00pm
- Sunday, August 2 8:30am - 4:00pm—We will join in the regular Sunday morning program.
In this retreat, Shelley and Tanya will offer teachings on cultivating sati—mindful awareness—through the lens of the physical body and with the support of a caring heart. Participants will be guided in developing their capacity to know and sense physical experience directly, and to calm the body and mind. These natural human capacities support the unfolding of clarity, open-heartedness, and ease in meditative awareness.
The retreat will include guided meditation instructions, silent sitting and walking periods, dharma talks, and small group practice discussions with the teachers. The retreat is suitable for new and experienced practitioners.
The program is offered freely. If you would like to support the teachers or the center, please visit IMC’s donation page.
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August 22, 2026

August 22, 2026

Saturday 9:45 am - 4:00 pm

Berkeley Daylong: A Day of Lovingkindness Practice with Matthew Brensilver
Location: Fellowship Hall: Berkeley Fellowship of Unitarian Universalists,
1924 Cedar St, Berkeley, CA

Offered by: Matthew Brensilver
Registration required: For registration and accessibility information see the Insight Retreat Center's Offsite Retreat page

The Buddha counsels: “Hatred does not cease by hatred but by non-hatred. This law is eternal.” The alternatives to love — namely, hate or apathy — are not viable for ourselves, for our communities or our world. There are many details to work out, but in one way or another, love will be the path forward. Fear, self-absorption and measurement create a million boundaries — lovingkindness dissolves them. During this daylong, we’ll explore the boundless friendliness of mettā and the ways that it is both the path and the fruit of meditation practice.
The day will include guided and silent sitting meditation, walking meditation, a dharma talk, and an opportunity to ask questions of the teacher. All are welcome..
Questions: Contact the Registrar: Barbara, barbara@insightretreatcenter.org.
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August 22, 2026

Saturday 8:30 am - 5:00 pm

Silent Mindfulness Daylong with Gil Fronsdal

In-person only at IMC
Offered by: Gil Fronsdal

Practicing mindfulness on retreat is one of the foundations for maturing insight meditation. The simplicity, silence and support of retreats contribute to letting go of many of the distractions that get in the way of clear seeing. Retreats also are a wonderful environment for developing a continuity of awareness for an extended period.

This particular daylong retreat is meant for people who already understand the basic practice of mindfulness; no instruction will be given.

The schedule consists of alternating periods of sitting and walking meditation. At the end of the day Gil gives a Dharma talk. Brief interviews to talk about the practice will be available with Gil. Previous experience is recommended. Bring Lunch.

The program is offered freely, with no registration needed. If you'd like to donate to the teacher or the center, you can visit IMC's donation page here.

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August 23, 2026

August 23, 2026

Sunday 1:30 pm - 3:30 pm

Awake Together: The Middle Way for the Middle of Life: 5-Month Series for People in their 30s and 40s with Mei Elliott and Kodo Conlin

Five Sundays - April 5, May 24, June 21, July 19, and August 23, 2026: 1:30 – 3:30 pm
In-person only at IMC
Offered by Mei Elliott and Kodo Conlin
This five-month in-person program offers an opportunity for people in their 30s and 40s to practice together in community. Each session will include meditation, dharma talks, discussion and activities that support connection. Participants will be given practices, readings and/or brief written reflections to complete in between meetings, and will be encouraged to meet in a small group outside of class time. The program is designed for practitioners who wish to strengthen their practice, deepen their understanding, and form meaningful connections with others on the path. Participants are encouraged to attend all five sessions. Attending the first class is required for participation, and the series will be closed to new participants once it begins.

Registration: Awake Together 2025

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September 26, 2026

September 26, 2026

Saturday 9:00 am - 4:30 pm

Refuge in Times Like These - A Daylong Mindfulness Meditation Retreat with Thina Ollier and Lauren Silver

This silent daylong retreat is offered as a supportive refuge in the midst of our complicated personal and societal lives. Intended for people who already understand the basic practice of mindfulness, the day will include teachings on “going for refuge,” one of the foundations for all Buddhist practice. The day will include periods of guided meditations, silent meditation, walking meditation, dharma talks, and time for Q&A. Practice discussions with the teachers will be available. Registration is not required. Please bring lunch.

The program is offered freely, with no registration needed. If you'd like to donate to the teacher or the center, you can visit IMC's donation page here

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October 10, 2026

October 10, 2026

Saturday 9:00 am - 4:30 pm

Mindfulness Daylong with Thanissaro Bhikkhu

Description forthcoming. Timing may shift.

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October 31, 2026

October 31, 2026

Saturday 9:30 am - 4:30 pm

Mindfulness of Body & Citta While Speaking with Tanya Wiser

Location:
In-person only at IMC
When:
Saturday, October 31 · 9:30 am – 4:30 pm
Description:
Mindfulness while speaking can be supported by grounding in the body and stabilized by an open, receptive heart. This daylong retreat will include guided meditations, dharma talks, silent sitting, walking meditation. We will also engage in structured small-group practice sessions designed to deepen the direct experience of speaking from embodied awareness and connection to the clarity and tone of citta (heart-mind).
Instructions and guidance will be offered on knowing, sensing, allowing, and attuning to the citta with compassionate attention. Participants will explore how awareness of the body, together with a heart soft enough to care and respond, can support clarity, steadiness, and care in communication.
This daylong retreat is an opportunity to strengthen mindfulness, develop concentration, practice with the IMC community, and ask questions of the teacher. Both beginners and experienced practitioners are welcome.
Please bring your own lunch.
The program is offered freely, with no registration required. If you would like to support the teacher or the center, donations may be made through IMC’s donation page.
Retreat offered by Tanya Wiser, LCSW, SEP, a formally trained Vipassanā meditation and retreat teacher under the guidance of Gil Fronsdal and Andrea Fella at the Insight Meditation Center. She is a licensed clinical social worker and Somatic Experiencing Practitioner. Her approach emphasizes deep listening, compassionate presence, and attunement to the body and citta (heart-mind).

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November 21, 2026

November 21, 2026

Saturday 9:30 am - 4:30 pm

Mindfulness Practice with Knowing, Allowing, Sensing, and Calming Daylong with Tanya Wiser and Shelley Gault

In-person at IMC
Offered by Tanya Wiser and Shelley Gault
In this retreat, Shelley and Tanya will offer instructions and guidance on the cultivation of mindfulness through knowing, sensing, allowing, and calming with our direct experience. Participants will explore how mindful awareness can be cultivated through attending to the physical body with the support of a caring heart. We will develop our capacity to know and sense physical experience directly and to calm the body and mind. These natural human capacities support the unfolding of clarity, open-heartedness, and ease in meditative awareness.
The retreat will include guided meditation instructions for awareness of the breath, body, emotions and thoughts, as well as silent sitting and walking periods, dharma talks, and small group practice discussions with the teachers. The retreat is suitable for new and experienced practitioners.
The program is offered freely with no registration required. If you would like to support the teachers or the center, donations may be made through IMC’s donation page.
Please bring your own lunch.

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