Beginning Anew Mindfulness Retreat 2026
We have been offering our most popular retreat, the 2.5-hour morning Beginning Anew Mindfulness Retreat since 2004. It's a profound invitation to release the past year's burdens, ignite fresh intentions, and step into the new year with renewed clarity, compassion, and inner peace.
Beginning Anew includes: basic sitting meditation instruction, conscious breathing, quiet quiet sitting & walking, voice meditation, and noble silence. This special event will take place at the beautiful Mansfield Freeman Center for East Asian Studies, 343 Washington Terrace in Middletown, CT. This will be a perfect opportunity to rejuvenate your mind, body, and spirit overlooking a harmoniously balanced and inspiring Shôyôan Teien Zen garden.
Our Beginning Anew Retreat offers a universal approach to mindfulness, free from religious labels or specific 'Buddhist' traditions. Open to everyone—whether you're religious, non-religious, a beginner, or experienced—this renewing retreat invites you to explore the simple, human practice of mindful living.
In Summary & Registration
Retreat Time: from 9 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.
Arrival: 8:40 a.m. to 8:55 a.m.
Location: Mansfield Freeman Center for East Asian Studies, 343 Washington Terrace, Middletown, Connecticut
No prerequisites: for first-timers, beginners to the most experienced.
Pre-registration is required. No walk-ins.
Contribution: $60
Early Bird Discount of 15% until December 15, 2025
Discount Code: beginning2026
Open to the general public including friends, non-buddhists, buddhists & non-religious.
What to wear? Loose, causal, & non-distracting clothing and socks. Participants may bring a bottle of water. Zafus (cushions) and chairs are available.
Limited enrollment. The retreat space is limited. Sign up early to have the best chance of getting a spot at the event.
Instructor: Rev. G.R. Lewis, M.A., BFF of CT's guiding teacher, and Zen and Shin practitioner for many decades, and student of Venerable Thich Tri Hong the esteemed and late Dr. (Rev.) Taitetsu Unno, will be the instructor for this retreat.
Register: Registration is open until January 9, 2026 at 12:59 p.m.
Be sure to read on the ticket the Refund Policy Disclaimer of Responsibility, Code of Conduct, & Image Release Agreement. By registering to this event, you have confirmed and agreed to these policies, agreements, code of conduct.
Registration Agreement:
By registering, I confirm that I have read and agreed to the Refund Policy, Disclaimer of Responsibility, Code of Conduct & Image Release Agreement below.
Refund Policy:
No refunds will be granted for no-shows, cancellations, or non-completion of any course, workshop, retreat, program, or online offering, except in cases where the Buddhist Faith Fellowship, Inc. (BFF of CT) cancels or withdraws the offering entirely. By registering for any in-person or online course, workshop, retreat, or program facilitated by BFF of CT, I acknowledge and agree to abide by this Refund Policy. All purchases of online courses or supplementary services (e.g., private or group Q&A sessions) are final, unless otherwise specified by BFF of CT at the time of purchase.
Disclaimer of Responsibility:
By registering for any in-person or online course, workshop, retreat, or program offered by the Buddhist Faith Fellowship, Inc. (BFF of CT), I acknowledge that participation is at my own risk. I hereby waive, release, and discharge BFF of CT, its staff, volunteers, affiliates, and representatives from any and all claims, liabilities, or causes of action arising from damages, loss, injury, accident, or death due to negligence or any other act or omission related to the provision of services, activities, or content (including online materials) associated with this offering. This waiver applies to both in-person and virtual participation, as well as the use of any online course materials provided by BFF of CT.
Code of Conduct:
To foster a respectful, inclusive, and positive learning environment within the Buddhist Faith Fellowship, Inc. (BFF of CT) community—whether in-person or online—I agree to adhere to the following standards of behavior. I will engage in kind, courteous, and respectful actions and speech, and I will refrain from: (1) physical, verbal, or emotional abuse or harassment; (2) possessing, using, or being under the influence of alcohol, marijuana, or illegal substances during any BFF of CT event or interaction; (3) engaging in sexual harassment or misconduct; (4) using harmful, harsh, politically partisan, racist, or demeaning language; (5) acting or speaking divisively to disrupt the BFF of CT community; and (6) engaging in any unlawful activities (which will be reported to the appropriate authorities). I understand that this Code of Conduct applies to all in-person and virtual interactions, including online courses and live Q&A sessions. If I fail to comply, I may be immediately removed from the premises or online platform, temporarily or permanently, at the discretion of BFF of CT, and I will forfeit any refunds or payments made for the course, workshop, retreat, program, or online offering.
Image and Media Release Agreement:
By registering for this course, workshop, retreat, or program, I authorize the Buddhist Faith Fellowship, Inc. (BFF of CT) and its representatives to photograph, record audio, and/or video of me during in-person or virtual sessions, without compensation. I grant BFF of CT the irrevocable and unrestricted right to use, reproduce, edit, distribute, and display such photographs, audio, and video recordings—including my image, likeness, and voice—for promotional, educational, and commercial purposes. This includes, but is not limited to, use in digital formats (e.g., online courses, websites, social media) and printed materials. I understand that these recordings may be repurposed into online courses or other offerings sold or distributed by BFF of CT. I agree that all such media, whether digital or physical, are the sole property of BFF of CT, and I waive any right to inspect or approve the finished product or to claim royalties or additional compensation. I also release BFF of CT, its staff, volunteers, and affiliates from any liability related to the use of my image, likeness, or voice as outlined herein.
Beginning Anew includes: basic sitting meditation instruction, conscious breathing, quiet quiet sitting & walking, voice meditation, and noble silence. This special event will take place at the beautiful Mansfield Freeman Center for East Asian Studies, 343 Washington Terrace in Middletown, CT. This will be a perfect opportunity to rejuvenate your mind, body, and spirit overlooking a harmoniously balanced and inspiring Shôyôan Teien Zen garden.
Our Beginning Anew Retreat offers a universal approach to mindfulness, free from religious labels or specific 'Buddhist' traditions. Open to everyone—whether you're religious, non-religious, a beginner, or experienced—this renewing retreat invites you to explore the simple, human practice of mindful living.
In Summary & Registration
Retreat Time: from 9 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.
Arrival: 8:40 a.m. to 8:55 a.m.
Location: Mansfield Freeman Center for East Asian Studies, 343 Washington Terrace, Middletown, Connecticut
No prerequisites: for first-timers, beginners to the most experienced.
Pre-registration is required. No walk-ins.
Contribution: $60
Early Bird Discount of 15% until December 15, 2025
Discount Code: beginning2026
Open to the general public including friends, non-buddhists, buddhists & non-religious.
What to wear? Loose, causal, & non-distracting clothing and socks. Participants may bring a bottle of water. Zafus (cushions) and chairs are available.
Limited enrollment. The retreat space is limited. Sign up early to have the best chance of getting a spot at the event.
Instructor: Rev. G.R. Lewis, M.A., BFF of CT's guiding teacher, and Zen and Shin practitioner for many decades, and student of Venerable Thich Tri Hong the esteemed and late Dr. (Rev.) Taitetsu Unno, will be the instructor for this retreat.
Register: Registration is open until January 9, 2026 at 12:59 p.m.
Be sure to read on the ticket the Refund Policy Disclaimer of Responsibility, Code of Conduct, & Image Release Agreement. By registering to this event, you have confirmed and agreed to these policies, agreements, code of conduct.
Registration Agreement:
By registering, I confirm that I have read and agreed to the Refund Policy, Disclaimer of Responsibility, Code of Conduct & Image Release Agreement below.
Refund Policy:
No refunds will be granted for no-shows, cancellations, or non-completion of any course, workshop, retreat, program, or online offering, except in cases where the Buddhist Faith Fellowship, Inc. (BFF of CT) cancels or withdraws the offering entirely. By registering for any in-person or online course, workshop, retreat, or program facilitated by BFF of CT, I acknowledge and agree to abide by this Refund Policy. All purchases of online courses or supplementary services (e.g., private or group Q&A sessions) are final, unless otherwise specified by BFF of CT at the time of purchase.
Disclaimer of Responsibility:
By registering for any in-person or online course, workshop, retreat, or program offered by the Buddhist Faith Fellowship, Inc. (BFF of CT), I acknowledge that participation is at my own risk. I hereby waive, release, and discharge BFF of CT, its staff, volunteers, affiliates, and representatives from any and all claims, liabilities, or causes of action arising from damages, loss, injury, accident, or death due to negligence or any other act or omission related to the provision of services, activities, or content (including online materials) associated with this offering. This waiver applies to both in-person and virtual participation, as well as the use of any online course materials provided by BFF of CT.
Code of Conduct:
To foster a respectful, inclusive, and positive learning environment within the Buddhist Faith Fellowship, Inc. (BFF of CT) community—whether in-person or online—I agree to adhere to the following standards of behavior. I will engage in kind, courteous, and respectful actions and speech, and I will refrain from: (1) physical, verbal, or emotional abuse or harassment; (2) possessing, using, or being under the influence of alcohol, marijuana, or illegal substances during any BFF of CT event or interaction; (3) engaging in sexual harassment or misconduct; (4) using harmful, harsh, politically partisan, racist, or demeaning language; (5) acting or speaking divisively to disrupt the BFF of CT community; and (6) engaging in any unlawful activities (which will be reported to the appropriate authorities). I understand that this Code of Conduct applies to all in-person and virtual interactions, including online courses and live Q&A sessions. If I fail to comply, I may be immediately removed from the premises or online platform, temporarily or permanently, at the discretion of BFF of CT, and I will forfeit any refunds or payments made for the course, workshop, retreat, program, or online offering.
Image and Media Release Agreement:
By registering for this course, workshop, retreat, or program, I authorize the Buddhist Faith Fellowship, Inc. (BFF of CT) and its representatives to photograph, record audio, and/or video of me during in-person or virtual sessions, without compensation. I grant BFF of CT the irrevocable and unrestricted right to use, reproduce, edit, distribute, and display such photographs, audio, and video recordings—including my image, likeness, and voice—for promotional, educational, and commercial purposes. This includes, but is not limited to, use in digital formats (e.g., online courses, websites, social media) and printed materials. I understand that these recordings may be repurposed into online courses or other offerings sold or distributed by BFF of CT. I agree that all such media, whether digital or physical, are the sole property of BFF of CT, and I waive any right to inspect or approve the finished product or to claim royalties or additional compensation. I also release BFF of CT, its staff, volunteers, and affiliates from any liability related to the use of my image, likeness, or voice as outlined herein.
