Rooted and Responsive: Contemplative Practice and Social Action

A Retreat with Joshin Byrnes and Jissan Nicolle

In a world that keeps speeding up, dividing us, and pulling our attention in every direction, this retreat offers a chance to slow down, listen deeply, and reconnect with the source of healing action. Over two days, we’ll explore how stillness and action meet—how quiet attention can steady us, and how genuine care can arise from being present with one another and with the world’s suffering.

This retreat is especially suited for people who are engaged in their communities—as volunteers, activists, caregivers, and people working in social change or social support. It also welcomes anyone, regardless of religious background, who wants to explore a grounded, wholehearted path of practice rooted in presence, relationship, and service.

Retreat Leaders

Brian Joshin Byrnes
Joshin is a Zen priest and teacher in the Zen Peacemaker tradition. He is the founder and guiding teacher of Bread Loaf Mountain Zen Community in Vermont. His work brings contemplative practice into direct contact with the challenges faced by people experiencing poverty, homelessness, and social isolation.

Michelle Jissan Nicolle
Jissan is a novice priest with Bread Loaf Mountain Zen Community and leads the Boundless Heart Sangha at the Unitarian Universalist Fellowship in Winston-Salem. She works as a healthcare chaplain at a Level 1 trauma center, accompanying patients and families through some of life’s hardest moments.

Details
Suggested donation: $60
Includes retreat programming, breakfast, lunch, coffee, tea, and snacks.
Housing is not included. No one will be turned away for financial reasons.

If you need housing, contact Caron Armstrong at caron@uufws.org.

Questions? Contact Jissan at michellejissannicolle@gmail.com.

Schedule
Optional Dharma Talk: Thursday, March 26, 6–7 pm
Retreat: Friday & Saturday, March 27–28, 7 am–5 pm

Example Daily Schedule:

7:00–7:40 – Meditation
7:40–8:45 – Breakfast
8:45–11:30 – Retreat programming
11:30–12:00 – Meditation
12:00–1:30 – Lunch & break
1:30–2:30 – Body Practice/Mindful Movement (Tai Chi with Misako Kay or Walk)
2:30–4:00 – Retreat programming
4:00–5:00 – Integration council and departure