2026 at-a-glance:                                      Classes, Workshops, and Retreats        (scroll down for details)

Classes

Class Winter 2026: 
“That which is already awake is the path”
Online through Deep Spring Center
January 13 – May 12, 2026 : every other Tuesday evening

Class Winter 2026: “That which is already awake is the path: Awakening to the joy and unconditional love within” 

Online class through the Deep Spring Center

January 13 – May 12, 2026: Every other Tuesday, 6:45-9:00 pm EST

Led by Barbara Brodsky, Aaron and John Orr

The class will be a mixture of meditation instruction and practice, Dharma talks and exploring together. For experienced students with background in Insight Meditation or similarly related meditation practice.

More Info & Registration: https://deepspring.org/calendar/class-winter-2026-barbjohn/2026-05-23/

* Register now; this class begins soon! 

The Social Sangha – Black Mountain, NC

Monthly event offered by John Orr at Quietude

Mondays January 26, February 23, March 23, April 27, May 25, June 22, 6:30-8:00 pm Eastern Time

John will be leading a meditation followed by Dharma talk and discussion. No registration is necessary. All are welcome!

Event info: https://thesocialsangha.com/calendar

Location: Quietude
1130 Montreat Rd, Black Mountain, NC 28711
quietudenow.com

Four Foundations of Mindfulness

Offered online through the
Program on Integrative Medicine, UNC Chapel Hill

Thursdays, February 12 – March 5, 6:00pm – 8:00 pm EST

Mindfulness Meditation is based upon Four Foundations: Mindfulness of body, feelings, mind, and mind objects. In our four sessions together, with the help of guided meditations and discussion, we will be learning about and practicing each of these foundations of mindfulness.

More Info & Registration: https://apps2.research.unc.edu/events/index.cfm?event=events.go&key=CB04

 

2026 Workshops – Details

Dependent Origination: Nothing Is Separate

Appalachian Dharma & Meditation Center, Johnson City, TN

Sunday, January 18, 10:00 am – 4:00 pm

One of the most central and helpful teachings of the Buddha is called Dependent Origination or Interdependent Co-Arising. It is at the core of the Buddha’s teaching because it helps us to see when we are being triggered by certain catalysts in our lives and moving into reactivity and the illusion of a separate self. While the “chain of dependent origination” has twelve links, we will focus on the portion of the chain that relates specifically to our practice. Our day together will include dharma talk and discussion, meditation and chanting. All are welcome to attend.

• Registration: No pre-registration necessary, but please arrive before program begins at 10:00 AM.
• Note: Please bring your lunch. There will be a one hour meal break.
• More Information: www.dharma4et.org. Contact mail@dharma4et.org with questions.
• Cost: There is no fee for attendance. Dana (generous giving) is encouraged.
• Location: Appalachian Dharma & Meditation Center / 108 W 10th Ave (lower level), Johnson City, TN

 

Healing and the Ever-Healed Workshop

A Week-long Online Healing Workshop, through Deep Spring Center

Sunday February 1 – Friday February 6, 2026, 10:00 am – 6:30 pm daily

With Barbara Brodsky, Aaron, The Mother, John Orr, Colette Simon, Tavis Taylor and likely Yeshua, Love, Father John and other channeled spirit entities.

This is a wonderful workshop where many people have found significant healing in various aspects of their lives. This 2026 workshop won’t be a repetition of previous years but a deepening of what we have learned. Check it out!

The core program will run from 10am – 6:30pm Eastern Time (2 sessions daily 10:00 am to 2:00 pm, 3:30 pm to 6:30 pm). On most days there will be optional additional meditation time with John Orr, including instruction, talks, guided meditations and chanting.

Information and Registration: https://deepspring.org/calendar/healing-and-the-ever-healed-workshop-2026/
* Registration deadline January 28.

 

Karma and Liberation

A one-day, in-person event at Meaningful Life Center in Knoxville, TN

Sunday, March 1, 2026, 9am – 4pm (with meal break)

An understanding of karma is central to our dharma practice and liberation from suffering. Some of what we say and do creates wholesome karma and other actions unwholesome karma. The important point is that karma isn’t punishment, but an opportunity to learn. Through awareness of karma we grow in our wisdom, reverence for life, and ability to forgive.

Our day together will include dharma talk and discussion, meditation and chanting.

• Beginners as well as seasoned practitioners are welcome to attend.
• Space is limited. Registration is required.
• Offered at no cost. Donations for the teacher and center appreciated.

More Info and Registration:
https://meaningfullifecenter.org/karma-and-liberation/

 

2026 Retreats – Details

Thai Forest Lineage Retreat

A 5 day Vipassana retreat, in-person in Hot Springs, NC at Southern Dharma Retreat Center

Wednesday, June 10 – Sunday, June 14, 2026
Led by John Orr and Venerable Somasihi Bhikkhuni

There have been many Eastern teachers responsible for helping to bring the Dharma to the West. One of those is the Thai Buddhist master, Ajahn Chah. Ajahn Chah practiced and taught in the Thai forest tradition and his teaching is known for its simplicity, clarity and directness, which encourages us to look at our minds and see what it is that is causing suffering. During this retreat we will contemplate some of his most significant teachings, emphasizing skillful living and the cultivation of tranquility and insight. All are welcome to attend!

Registration and Information: https://southerndharma.org/retreat-schedule/1566/thai-forest-lineage-retreat/

 

Fall Retreat 2026

A week-long silent meditation retreat, in Michigan

Saturday, October 17 – Friday, October 23, 2026
Location: Maryville Retreat Center, Holly, MI
Led by Barbara Brodsky, Aaron, and John Orr.

This silent retreat will be a mix of vipassana and pure awareness practices and meditations that support the open heart. There will be sitting and walking meditation, chanting together, instruction for all levels of experience and daily dharma talks. Weather permitting, some meditation and instruction will be held on the lake shore.

All levels of experience are welcome.

Registration and Information are to come.