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.
In celebration of AAPI Heritage Month this year, AABANY is presenting or co-sponsoring several events this month. We hope to see you all there! Follow the links for more details, and please note the registration deadlines. This blog post will be updated throughout the month, as new events get added on, so check back for any updates.
May 2, 2026
AABANY Co-Sponsors: Korean Hat Day at Yankee Stadium
1:35pm – Yankees Stadium, 1 E. 161 E. 161st Street
This event has already occurred.
May 3, 2026
AABANY Sunday Run Day
11:00 am – Start at Bedford Ave (L); End at Canal St. & Chrystie St. This event is preparation for the May 23 AAPI 5k run.
This event has already occurred.
May 5-7, 2026
Asian Comedy Fest 2026: AABANY Discount Available
7pm and 9pm – Sugar Mouse NYC, 47 3rd Avenue, Lower Level, New York, NY 10003
This event has already occurred.
May 6, 2026
AABANY Co-Sponsors: Power in Unity: Strengthening Communities Together
1:00 pm – Kings County Supreme Court, Criminal Term, Courtroom 2.95, 320 Jay Street, Brooklyn, New York 11201
This event has already occurred.
May 6, 2026
AABANY Co-Sponsors: Beginner’s Mahjong
6:00pm – Sparrow’s Nest Studio, 35 W. 35th Street, 12th Floor, New York, NY 10018
This event has already occurred.
May 6, 2026
AABANY Presents: Dumplings & Discussion Series Featuring Judge Pamela K. Chen
6:00pm -Midtown location – to be emailed to registrants.
This event has already occurred.
May 9, 2026
AABANY Bi-Monthly Brooklyn Pro Bono Legal Clinic
12:30 pm – 2:30 pm – CPC Brooklyn Community Services, 4101 8th Ave, Brooklyn, New York 11232
This event has already occurred.
May 10, 2026
AABANY Sunday Run Day
11:00 am – Start at Bedford Ave (L); End at Canal St. & Chrystie St. This event is preparation for the May 23 AAPI 5k run.
This event has already occurred.
May 12, 2026
AABANY Co-Sponsors: Reflections of Unity and Strength in our AANHPI Communities
12:30pm – Queens Supreme Court – Civil Term, 88-11 Sutphin Boulevard, Ceremonial Courtroom 25, Jamaica, New York 11435
This event has already occurred.
May 16, 2026
AABANY Presents: 3rd Annual Wellness Retreat
10:00 am – 5:00 pm – Blue Cliff Monastery, 3 Mindfulness Rd, Pine Bush, New York 12566
This event has already occurred.
May 16, 2026
AABANY Co-Sponsors: Asian Americans and the Law, Featuring Hon. Denny Chin
2pm – White Plains Public Library, 100 Martine Avenue, White Plains, New York 10601
On March 22, 2025, AABANY hosted its 2nd Annual mindfulness wellness retreat at Blue Cliff Monastery in upstate New York, designed exclusively for AABANY. The retreat provided a safe space to relax, reflect, and connect with one another while focusing on one’s mental and emotional well-being.
In continuation of AABANY’s 2023-24 theme, “Embracing Wellness and Well-Being: Strengthening the Legal Profession by Investing in Ourselves,” the retreat was organized with the support of AABANY’s Professional Development Committee.
Over thirty AABANY members, family, and friends attended, starting the day with an orientation and introduction to meditation and mindfulness practices. After some time to relax and connect with each other, members joined in group singing outside before going on a walking meditation led by the monastics. Attendees were taught how to be mindful of their surroundings, their breathing, and walking, as they enjoyed the nature around them in peaceful silence.
Afterwards, attendees practiced a mindful lunch in silence for the first 20 minutes, focusing on the vegetarian meal prepared by the monastery, being mindful of the food, how it nourishes the body, and the preparation of the food by the monastics. As meals were finished, attendees washed their own plates and utensils, again focusing on being mindful and present.
In support of the monastery and to experience a working meditation, various activities were presented to the attendees, including raking leaves, planting seeds, and cleaning and cutting vegetables for future meals. This was also an opportunity to connect with guests from CUNY Law School, who had their annual retreat at the same time.
After some time to further connect and relax with others over tea, with some stopping by the bookstore at the monastery, attendees experienced a relaxation meditation. Everyone rested on mats, providing an opportunity to focus on oneself, away from the challenges of the legal profession as well as the current state of the world.
To conclude the day, AABANY attendees participated in Dharma Sharing, where everyone shared a little bit about themselves and what they were grateful for that day. Special thanks were made to AABANY, Sister Empathy, and Blue Cliff Monastery for organizing the retreat. Thanks also to AABANY member Khanh Nguyen for helping make arrangements with the monastery, AABANY Professional Development Committee Co-Chair May Wong for helping make van transportation arrangements, and AABANY member Francis Chin for assisting in making sure everyone was accounted for on the van. Finally, thanks to Yang Chen for helping with the overall logistics to make AABANY’s 2nd Annual Wellness Retreat a success.
Attendees offered positive feedback and gratitude for the opportunity to spend the day on mindfulness, with many asking whether the retreat would be organized again next year. The retreat provided a much-needed day of rest for attendees to re-charge and focus on their self-care, as well as spend time with family, friends, and new friends. AABANY thanks Sister Empathy, Brother Emptiness, and the other monastics for their warmth, generosity, and guidance throughout the retreat.
If you have ideas for programs or speakers on the topic of wellness and well-being, please reach out to AABANY at wellness@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 Professional Development 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.
