Making Contact: The Art, Science, and Spirituality of Meditation as Taught by Paramahansa Yogananda and the Christian Mystics

March 21, 2026, 10 am to 3 pm

We live in an age of anxiety: Change is occurring at the speed of light, divisiveness rules the day, and violence of all kinds confronts us daily.

We all desire to be centered in what is solid and lasting, and we all aspire to live lives that are meaningful, peaceful and joyful. We also long to live from a place of conscious contact with God, our Creator. For this reason, a meditation practice, rooted in the ancient wisdom of our ancestors and verified by modern science, is crucial to our sanity, our health, and our spiritual evolution. Truly, meditation is life changing.

In this spirit, I warmly invite you to join me at The Assisi Institute for our Spring Solstice Retreat on March 21, from 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.

During this time, we will come together in our sacred temple, guided by the teachings of Paramahansa Yogananda and the Christian mystical tradition. Participants will maintain silence throughout the retreat in order to deepen their meditative experience. The day will include teaching and group meditations as well as time for private meditation and journaling.

Together, we will learn:

…that if you can breathe, you can meditate

…the scientifically proven, positive effects of a mediation practice

…how meditation integrates the physical, mental and spiritual aspects of our humanity

…simple, effective meditation techniques appropriate for everyone, including mantras from the Yogic, Christian, and Jewish traditions including OM and Hung Sau.

…an introduction to Centering Prayer 

…how meditation will bring us into conscious contact with God and open us to divine guidance and protection 

We are also very pleased to offer optional, additional support. Johnny Gallus, a teacher at The Assisi Institute, will offer a follow-up Zoom session to answer questions and offer helpful suggestions to deepen your meditation practice. The date for this Zoom session will be announced at the retreat.

Whether you are a beginner or a seasoned meditator, we are confident this course will be a blessing to you. If you are interested in being initiated into Kriya Yoga at a later date, this process will help to prepare you for that auspicious event.

Details:

Date: Saturday, March 21, 2026

Time: 10 am to 3 pm (Lunch, 12 - 1 pm)

Lunch: Please bring your own vegetarian lunch. We have a refrigerator and a microwave for your use. We will provide a snack table with coffee and tea throughout the day.

Cost: This retreat will be donation-based, with a suggested donation of $100.

*There will be no remote participation for this day; however, the recording will be available for a donation as part of another online class later this year.

Please join us for what promises to be a hopeful, stimulating, and deeply enjoyable experience. We look forward to welcoming you!