As we bid farewell to this year and welcome the new one, we at Flowering Lotus Meditation reflect with gratitude and joy on the journey we’ve shared. Together, we have continued to nurture our mission of providing a healing refuge for all—a space where the Dharma and the transformative power of meditation can be experienced by people from all walks of life.
Celebrating Our Accomplishments
This year has been remarkable in so many ways. We’re thrilled to share some of the milestones we’ve achieved as a community:
First Fully Funded Recovery Retreat:Â Thanks to the support of our generous donors and dedicated team, we hosted our first fully funded recovery retreat. This initiative embodied our commitment to accessibility and inclusivity, offering profound support to those on the path of recovery.
Expanding Our Reach:Â We held retreats in three different states, broadening our ability to bring mindfulness and compassion to more communities. By partnering with local sanghas in Jackson, MS; New Orleans; Atlanta; and Nashville, we strengthened connections and expanded our shared practice.
Welcoming Students from Near and Far:Â This year, over 125 students joined us for residential retreats, traveling from a wide array of states, including Mississippi, Alabama, Tennessee, Louisiana, Texas, Oklahoma, Georgia, Florida, North Carolina, Colorado, California, and Indiana. Their presence and commitment to practice enriched our retreats and reminded us of the widespread hunger for mindfulness and healing.
Sunday Dharma Share and Online Programming: Our Sunday Dharma Share and Sitting group began this year and continues to offer a way for people to practice together even if they don’t have a nearby community. Additionally, we hosted some online programming, including a hybrid book study group, expanding opportunities for connection and learning.
Each of these accomplishments reflects not only the hard work of our organization but also the profound trust and dedication of our sangha. For this, we are deeply grateful.
Looking Ahead
As we enter the new year, our hearts are full of hope and enthusiasm for the opportunities ahead. Here’s a glimpse of what we’re planning:
Residential Retreats:Â Our 2025 residential retreats are listed on our website, with registration currently open for all but one. We kindly remind our community that we offer payment plans to make retreat fees more accessible.
Recovery Retreat:Â Thanks to another grant from the Hemera Foundation, our Recovery Retreat will take place again in October, continuing to provide critical support for those on the path of healing.
Online Offerings: We plan to expand our online programming. Our Sunday sitting group will cover the basics of Buddhist teachings and provide a weekly opportunity to practice meditation in a group. Additionally, we are introducing a new weekly online offering—a Recovery Dharma meeting every Tuesday at 6:30 PM.
Community Engagement:Â Stay tuned for more ways to connect, whether in-person or online. From new retreats to expanded online resources, we aim to support your journey in mindfulness and compassion.
As we journey forward, we invite you to walk with us. Whether through attending a retreat, volunteering, or supporting our work, your presence strengthens the healing refuge we strive to create.
A Heartfelt Thank You
To everyone who has been part of Flowering Lotus Meditation this year, thank you. Your support, practice, and belief in our mission make everything we do possible. Together, we are cultivating mindfulness, compassion, and healing—planting seeds of peace that will continue to bloom in the years to come.
May the new year bring you joy, peace, and profound moments of mindfulness. Let’s step into the future together, with open hearts and a shared commitment to the Dharma.
With gratitude and metta,
Beth Herzig, Executive Director
and
The Flowering Lotus Meditation Board
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