A Welcoming First Retreat at BCBS

Do you know someone who has been practicing meditation and might be ready for their first residential retreat?

BCBS has long been a place where practitioners come to deepen their understanding of the Dharma. But taking that next step can feel intimidating, especially for someone who has never attended a residential retreat.

From January 29 to February 3, 2027, Chris Crotty will lead The Wisdom of an Open Heart: Integrating Mindfulness and Compassion, a five-night retreat that offers a particularly welcoming opportunity for those newer to retreat practice.

Chris is known for his warm, accessible teaching style and his ability to meet practitioners wherever they are. His retreat explores how mindfulness, compassion, and loving-kindness can help us relate to life’s challenges with greater openness, wisdom, and resilience.

The program combines guided and silent meditation, personal reflection, Dharma talks, and group discussion. Experienced practitioners will find opportunities to deepen their practice, while those attending their first retreat will find a supportive environment in which to learn and grow.

If someone comes to mind, we hope you will share this opportunity with them. A first retreat can be an important step on the path, and a personal invitation from someone who knows BCBS can make all the difference.