BY INVITATION ONLY
The Present | a Mindfulness Retreat
Give yourself the chance to let presence be the gift.
November 7, 2026 | 9am-3pm
The Mather Homestead Barn, Darien, CT
A one day autumn retreat and fundraiser for Community Mindfulness Project.
20 spots. You leave with a calm you'll want everyone to have. Your seat makes sure they can.
What to Expect
The Invitation
Your calendar feels full. Your notifications don’t stop. The people who count on you never take a morning off, so neither do you.
No matter what you walked in carrying, you'll walk out lighter.
The Present is one day for you where all of it waits outside. An intimate, beautifully appointed retreat: guided meditation, yoga, joyful connection and more with our leadership. The day will include nourishing food, quiet conversation, and permission to be completely still during a really busy season. No ballroom. No podium. No one asking you to do anything but just be present.
Here's what we know after 13 years and tens of thousands of hours of practice in community: the calm you'll feel by the end of our retreat isn't a luxury reserved for people who can afford a retreat. It's a human capacity. It can be equitably accessible to everyone. That's exactly why this event exists.
The Day Includes:
9:00 AM · Arrival Coffee, tea, and a slow start in our historic barn's beautiful backdrop.
9:45 AM · Opening Yoga & Sit A guided nervous system yoga reset led by CMP's Vice Chair, Chrissy Mahanna. No experience needed. Come as you are.
10:30 AM · Resting in the Heart A practice imbued with self-compassion and loving kindness led by CMP’s Program Director, Julia Hepfer.
11:30 AM · Walking Nature Meditation Enjoy the wonder of nature by mindfully connecting through the senses
12:30 PM · Nourish A seasonal lunch by our private catering team, shared together with Mindful Eating facilitated guidance.
1:30 PM · The Ripple By now you'll feel it. We’ll settle into deeper relaxation with Soundbowls led by Lucy Ball, CMP’s Board Chair.
2:15 PM · Closing Practice + Farewell A short final sit, a small gift to take home, and the rest of your Saturday, returned to you more peaceful than it started.
Exact schedule subject to change, more to be announced closer to the date!
Benefits can include:
Less: Panic, Reactivity, Burnout, Stress, Loneliness, Depression & Anxiety, Exhaustion, Neglect, Implicit Bias, Autopilot
More: Resilience, Patience, Steadiness, Ease, Connection, Awareness, Choice, Care, Acceptance, Mindful Eating
The Details
Date: Saturday, November 7, 2026
Time: 9:00 AM to 3:00 PM
Location: The Mather Homestead Barn, 19 Stephen Mather Rd, Darien, CT 06820 CT
Contribution: $5,000 per seat, most of which directly supports CMP's programming. A portion is tax-deductible; detailed receipt provided following the event.
Capacity: Limited to 20 guests
Attire: Comfortable and as you are. You'll be sitting, practicing yoga, walking outside, eating. Dress in what you are most comfortable wearing for all.
Small mindfulness experiences create big transformations.
By end of retreat, you'll better understand our mission: everyone deserves access to the benefits of mindful presence for mental wellbeing and intentional community connection for social wellbeing.
When you support Community Mindfulness Project, you:
Fund our staff's trauma-sensitive training through facilitator learning program.
Sustain, expand, and support establishment of new proprietary mindfulness programs.
Catalyze growth in our community partnerships with public schools and health-and-education-service nonprofits.
Sponsor teachers, public sector workers and frontline workers in our burnout prevention and stress management curriculums.
Mindfulness isn't a luxury, it can transform lives.
Your one $5,000 seat funds 100 free community sessions across 14 weeks of programming in Bridgeport, Norwalk, and Stamford.
In Fairfield County, access to tools that support mental well-being isn’t readily available for all. Your support helps bridge the gap—ensuring everyone has the tools to heal, connect, and thrive. It’s a simple yet powerful investment in community well-being.
The feeling of presence and calm you take home from our time together, someone else in need gets access to every week, all year. That’s the present.