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In a safe and warm-hearted community, mindfully investigate the experience of anxiety and learn how to work with its energy to reduce unnecessary suffering, for ourselves and for others. 

Join InsightLA Facilitators Elizabeth Stomp and Mariela Bravo for this interactive daylong retreat at Benedict Canyon Retreat House. 

Mindfulness and Self-Compassion for Anxiety

The current state of affairs that we are facing as a community on a global scale, in the U.S., and at a personal level, has the potential to trigger mental states such as anxiety, worry, fear, anger, and so on.

The war in Ukraine, economic uncertainty and inequality, racial injustice, a significant amount of people now in a mental health crisis, homelessness, segregation of people with disabilities, the refugees and displaced people around the world, climate change, things happening in one’s life, all of this can naturally cause us to fall into mental states that feel unpleasant in the body, bringing up pain and suffering. 

What do you currently do to work with these mental states—specifically anxiety—when they arise? Many of us have found or developed unskillful habits that alleviate pain and discomfort momentarily; when examined closely, however, we realize those habits are actually causing us more pain and suffering now and in the long run. So how can we work with anxiety more skillfully in a way that is more beneficial for the body, mind, and heart? 

Through conversation, meditation, inquiry practices, and optional paired exercises, you will develop your capacity to:

  • Become more aware of the different body sensations, emotions, and thought patterns that lead to anxiety
  • Skillfully work with the different manifestations of anxiety in the body 
  • Decrease feelings of anxiety, stress, and emotional avoidance
  • Utilize mindfulness, loving-kindness, and self-compassion practices in a useful and practical way
  • Understand different principles, tools, and techniques that will assist you in your everyday life

Who is this single-day retreat for? 

This day-long retreat is for anyone who wants to learn how to work with anxiety more skillfully in a way that is more beneficial for the body, mind, and heart. 

Everyone is welcome, including those who are brand new to meditation and/or mindfulness and self-compassion practices. 

Where is this retreat located? 

This event will take place in person at the Benedict Canyon Retreat House. Yoga mats, blankets, chairs and meditation cushions are available. We will mostly be outside.

  • Please wear comfortable clothes and layers and be prepared for temperature changes.
  • Bring lunch for the day and your water bottle.

Find directions, accessibility, and important parking information here.

COVID-19 Protocol: In keeping with the principles of the dharma that underlie our activities, primarily non-harming, we are requiring that all attendees be fully vaccinated in order to attend in person. Masks are optional as all attendees are fully vaccinated. Attendance is limited to allow for social distancing.


Exciting news!

InsightLA is running a Food Bank Program to offer our community the opportunity to support the Westside Food Bank and help folks dealing with low-income living and/or experiencing houselessness. To participate please click here.

Elizabeth Stomp Teacher

Elizabeth Hernandez-Stomp (ella, ellas, she, hers) has been a dedicated mindfulness meditation practitioner since 2013. Her interest and love for the Dharma led her to pursue further studies in the Tibetan Buddhism lineage with Geshe Tashi Tsering of Jamyang Buddhist Centre, completing his international program ‘The Foundation of Buddhist Thought.’ She has also completed the... Read more

Mariela Bravo Teacher

Mariela Bravo is a bilingual-bicultural certified Mindfulness and Compassion Meditation Teacher. She is the founder of The Mindful Hour, a project with the aim of bringing mindfulness and compassion practices to different communities especially to those with limited exposure. Since 2018, Mariela has been teaching and facilitating mindfulness workshops and groups online and in-person in both Spanish and... Read more

Pricing Options
Class Fee $85