On May 16, 2026, AABANY held its third Annual Wellness Retreat at Blue Cliff Monastery in the Catskills region of New York. Nearly twenty members, family, and friends gathered on a gorgeous spring day to step away from the hustle-and-bustle of life and immerse themselves in mindfulness and connection.
This year’s retreat was organized by AABANY’s newest Committee, the Wellness Committee, co-chaired by Karen Kim, past AABANY President, and Regina Jin as inaugural Co-Chairs. The Committee seeks to promote attorney well-being and help members cultivate balance and joy in both professional and personal life.
The retreat began with a Dharma Talk led by Sister Empathy in the Monastery’s small meditation room. The space offered an intimate and cozy setting for our group, providing a perfect start to the day. Attendees learned to be more mindful through breathing, setting the tone for a day of reflection and awareness.
After orientation, participants set out for a walking meditation, attuning themselves to each step, the rhythm of their heartbeat, the gentle breeze, the rustle of leaves, and the songs of birds. It was a moving reminder of how mindfulness can awaken the senses and ground us in the present moment.
Lunch in the Sisters’ Dining Hall was another highlight. Everyone practiced mindful eating in silence for the first half-hour, savoring a fresh, local vegetarian spread that included veggie stir-fry, brown and white rice, fried tofu wrapped in seaweed, and hearty vegetable soup. Washing plates afterward became part of the mindful experience, reminding attendees that every act, even the simplest, can be performed with presence and care.
The afternoon was a playful and meditative blend. Attendees explored the Monastery bookstore, hiked the monastery trails, and joined an “Amazing Race”-style working meditation, stuffing foam cushions into covers. Laughter and focus mingled in equal measure. Mindfulness can be both grounding and fun.
The retreat concluded with Dharma Sharing, where participants shared personal experiences and reflections. Stories of gratitude, insight, and connection flowed freely, inspiring everyone and reinforcing the power of mindful community.
This year’s Wellness Retreat was a rejuvenating and joyful experience. Attendees left with practical ways to bring mindfulness into daily life, memories of laughter and quiet reflection. We were reminded that taking time for self-care is not just a luxury; it’s essential.
AABANY extends heartfelt thanks to Sister Empathy and the Monastery team for making this day so nurturing and memorable.
If you have ideas for programs or speakers on the topic of wellness and well-being, please share them with AABANY at main@aabany.org. AABANY’s Wellness Resources Guide provides a variety of information, including links to free assistance programs, trainings, and hotlines, which can be accessed here.
To learn more about the Wellness Committee, please visit here. More information about Blue Cliff Monastery can be found here.
For more photos from the retreat, the album can be viewed here.
