Shannon McKee held the second annual New Year’s Morning Retreat as an invitation to move into 2026 with intentions vs. goals and with loving-kindness and compassion for ourselves and all beings.
We had a full house of 35 people coming together to create a mandala in which intentions were placed via flowers and special objects by individuals. There was silence, a partially guided Metta/ Karuna meditation period, and time for socializing afterwards. Members brought treats and snacks for a lovely New Years spread served with tea.
This could not have happened without many people who helped in a myriad of ways. Shannon has great gratitude for those people, for sangha and for AIMC in being able to offer this event, hopefully annually.
A special thanks and gratitude for all those who helped make this happen: Mary Lou Wilson, Kathy Topal, Marsha Lichtenstein, John Ames, Ken Babcock, as well as photos by Pamela Heater and Vikki Nagelis. A big shout out to folks from Recovery Dharma who helped out and did some heavy lifting. Also thanks to all those who offered to help, and those who quietly do dishes, cleanups, etc. without being asked. It takes a community and this is a wonderful one.
