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The Myth of “I Can’t Meditate”
There could be lots of reasons behind the...
A Conversation with Author Ethan Nichtern
On July 9, we had the pleasure of hosting a Garrison Institute webinar with author and teacher Ethan Nichtern. If you’re familiar with Ethan’s teaching from The Road Home podcast or perhaps his essays on Substack, you can appreciate him for his clear, contemporary voice on spirituality.
Joanna Macy (1929–2025): A Life of Sacred Activism, Deep Belonging, and Wild Love for the World
With deep gratitude and sorrow, we honor the life and legacy of Joanna Macy, PhD—environmental activist, scholar, teacher, and beloved friend—who passed away peacefully on July 19, 2025.
The Gift of Centering Prayer
Feeling the weight of global and personal unrest, writer Mary DeTurris Poust came to the Garrison Institute for our 2025 retreat honoring the work of Father Thomas Keating, a Trappist monk, leader of contemplative inter-spiritual dialogue, and founder of the Centering Prayer movement.
This is What Liberation Feels Like
I sat in the meditation hall, bringing awareness to my in and out breath as the sunlight streamed in from the stained glass windows.
As the bell sounded and we began to walk around the meditation hall together in silence, I looked at the beautiful sangha that surrounded me and was overwhelmed by the amount of warmth, support — and most importantly, safety.
WE MUST HAVE COURAGE
How do we connect to our inner – and collective – strength during these challenging times?
Deep Connection and Collective Renewal with Restore NYC
In May, I co-led a retreat that was part of a larger initiative through the Garrison Institute’s Contemplative-Based Resilience (CBR) program to support the staff of Restore NYC. This extraordinary organization stewards powerful, trauma-informed work serving survivors of trafficking and exploitation. I am still deeply moved by my time with the Restore team – filled with lasting inspiration, profound gratitude for their vital work. . .
Crossing the Commons: From Inner Change to Systemic Change
By David Bollier “Be the change you want to...
Earth Day Reflections on the Planet and Her People
As we honor this year’s Earth Day celebration, we find ourselves reflecting on human relationships with nature and the complex ecologies that have supported life on Earth for millions of years. As a species, it’s clear we face a quandary rooted in mindsets that separate people and nature. However, cultivating gratitude, community resilience, and deep relationship with the land offers a hopeful path for a more harmonious future.
The Ecological Turn
Bridging Wisdom from Contemplative Traditions...
Exploring Wellbeing Economies
In a world grappling with rapid and...
Grounding and Depolarizing
Creatively exploring the scientific meaning of grounding with diverse ways of knowing this concept can lead to insights for mindful action and collaboration.