During these times of uncertainty and stress, it is especially important to balance coming back to a resourced self without isolating ourselves or inflicting reactivity into the world. We can practice taking compassionate action, which can be fierce and tender. We can also benefit from investing in other people, rather than withdrawing from them, even as others may also be stressed and challenging.
Our meditation retreat will focus on mindfulness, embodiment, community, and navigating challenging times. As a group, we will share, learn, and practice meditation. There will be opportunities to do writing reflections. This event is intended to be useful for a range of people, including those wanting to deepen their meditative practice, those struggling with the state of the world, and those seeking to support their psychedelic integration.
Date: Sunday, January 25th 2026
Time: 12:00 - 5:00 pm CST
Location: 3324 W North Ave. Chicago, IL 60625
Please bring your own: Water bottle, comfortable socks or slippers, layers, journal and pen, any preferred meditation props/mats, a snack if desired
We will provide: chairs and mats for meditation (a limited number with back support), water, hot water, and tea
Meet your facilitators
Geoff Bathje, PhD, was first exposed to meditation in graduate school more than 20 years ago. He gradually increased his practice, learning many styles of meditation in response to his psychedelic experiences. He began teaching mindfulness and somatic therapies 10 years ago, after several years of practice and application in therapy.
Lakshmi Athota, MD began meditating at the age of 18, and her meditative practice has evolved over the years to include varying forms of mindfulness, nondual direct path practices, yoga, and somatic sensing practices. She is a registered yoga teacher, qualified Mindfulness-based stress reduction facilitator, certified healing ground facilitator, integrative psychiatrist, and educator. She is passionate about creating and cultivating spaces that support integration of expanded consciousness states through presence, meditation, movement, and shadow work.