Vivien Roman-Hampton (she/her/ella) is a mental health clinician and the founder of a group mental health practice. Her work is dedicated to addressing the unique and often overlooked needs of historically marginalized communities. Vivien's personal journey led her to discover mindfulness in 2013. Since then, she has actively pursued opportunities to deepen her understanding of Buddhist practices, participating in numerous retreats and diverse educational courses. In addition to her … [Read more...]
Archives for October 2023
Welcome Suzanne McGilvray to the Board of Directors
Suzanne McGilvray is a (mostly) retired Certified Public Accountant with a broad range of board experience in the not-for-profit sector. She has worked with organizations on strategic planning, capital fundraising, improved governance, campus planning, leadership succession, and finance. She is also a board member and the Treasurer of Valley Insight Meditation Society. Suzanne has been interested in Buddhism since her teenage years. Her formal practice began in the Zen tradition, but she has … [Read more...]
Made With Metta: Red Beans and Rice
Cooking is an act of love and care for our chefs, who stay on the lookout for delicious new recipes. Kitchen Manager and Chef Brian delighted yogis last weekend with this new hearty and comforting Red Beans and Rice dish. We hope you enjoy it as much as we do! Red Beans And Rice Servings: 15 Download Recipe PDF 6 15-oz cans kidney beans (blend one can before adding for creaminess) 4 tablespoons olive oil 2 onions, diced 1/2 bunch celery, diced 3/8 cup garlic, diced 7/8 pound green … [Read more...]
Staff Spotlight: Ora McKenna
The BCBS staff love their jobs, and Ora pours her heart into everything she does! Learn more about her, what drew her to BCBS, what she loves best about her job, how she spends her free time... and about her upcoming appearance on Antiques Roadshow with a very special Quan Yin statue! … [Read more...]
Working Guest Spotlight: Wilder Geier
The BCBS Working Guest program enables volunteers to practice and study the dharma while living and working on campus. Working Guest tasks are varied and include working in the garden, maintaining the grounds, housekeeping, and helping out on opening and closing days. Working Guests work alongside BCBS staff members in exchange for room and partial board and have access to the library and meditation hall as well as occasional programs and dharma talks by teachers. Wilder Geier is spending … [Read more...]
Made With Metta: Lentil Loaf with Red Pepper Sauce
Cooking is an act of love and care for our chefs, and this lentil loaf with red pepper sauce is the ultimate comfort food. Chefs Zack and Tarrah warmed our spirits with this dish last weekend, and it was perfect for the crisp fall day. We hope you enjoy it as much as we do! Lentil Loaf with Red Pepper Sauce Download Recipe PDF Serves 10 Lentil Loaf 2 1/2 cups red lentils 5 cups water 2 1/2 cups cooked brown rice 2 1/2 cups oat flakes 2 1/2 tablespoons flax meal and 1/2 cup water … [Read more...]
Awakening Together: An Insight Dialogue BIPOC Retreat
BCBS hosted the Awakening Together: An Insight Dialogue BIPOC Retreat, led by Tuere Sala and Peace Twesigye, in August 2023. Two yogis, Subha Srinivasan and Raymond Chin, from the Valley Insight Meditation Society wrote reflections on their experiences for their Sangha and generously offered to share their thoughts with us. Awakening Together Reflections by Subha Srinivasan I attended a five-day Insight Dialogue BIPOC retreat at Barre Center for Buddhist Studies (BCBS) this past August. This … [Read more...]
Working Guest Spotlight – Nikhil Mandalaparthy
The BCBS Working Guest program enables volunteers to practice and study the dharma while living and working on campus. Working Guest tasks are varied and include working in the garden, maintaining the grounds, housekeeping, and helping out on opening and closing days. Working Guests work alongside BCBS staff members in exchange for room and partial board and have access to the library and meditation hall as well as occasional programs and dharma talks by teachers. Nikhil Mandalaparthy spent … [Read more...]
Made With Metta: Curried Chickpeas
Cooking is an act of love and care for our chefs, and this curried chickpea recipe is no exception. Chef Zack brought this recipe back to life while exploring an archived cookbook. During an unusually cold and rainy retreat last weekend, Chef Tarrah warmed our hearts and spirits with this generous offering. We hope you enjoy it as much as we do! Curried Chickpeas Download Recipe PDF Servings: 10 1/3 cup Olive oil 1 1/4 pounds Onions diced 1 1/4 pounds Sweet Potatoes 1/8 cup Garlic … [Read more...]