Following in the Footsteps of the Monks’ Walk for Peace: Using Mindful Self-Compassion During Challenging Times
Our nervous systems, bodies, hearts, and minds are being assaulted almost daily by the pace of change in the world and daily encounters with pain, uncertainty, and suffering. The ancient practices of mindfulness can be a balm to modern overwhelm to help us find more balance and ease in our daily walk. The Monks’ Walk for Peace offered us a gentle but powerful witness: a steady, embodied practice of presence, compassion, and kindness to all people. Step by step, the monks modeled what it means to walk through the world with mindful awareness and deep care—for others and for oneself. These workshops are an invitation to carry on the monks’ simple yet powerful teachings with the guidance of a highly experienced mindfulness teacher, Amy Bloom Connolly. The Well is delighted to welcome Amy, the Founder and Director of the Center for Mindful Awareness in the Baltimore/DC region, whose mission is to bring mindfulness into the lives of under-resourced people and the professionals who support them. This program, based on decades of Amy’s studying and teaching mindfulness to others, invites us to respond skillfully, rather than react automatically to what arises with greater self-compassion, equanimity and joy. Designed to be reflective, interactive, and experiential, these gatherings will weave together mindfulness practices that are accessible, heartfelt, and nurturing. Participants will learn how to weave the simplicity of ancient practices and wisdom into the modern and complex challenges of contemporary life—building continuity, practice, and community. This program can benefit both new and experienced meditators. Come as you are to explore, learn, and practice in the safe and sacred community at the Well. You are welcome to attend one, two, or all three of these sessions as your schedule allows.
DATE: Wednesdays - 6/3, 6/17, 7/1/2026
TIME: 1:00 - 3:00 PM
COST: $40 per Session or $105 for All Three Sessions
LOCATION: Well for the Journey - 120 W. Seminary Ave, Lutherville-Timonium, MD 21093
REGISTRATION is required.
IMPORTANT: You will receive an email from programming@wellforthejourney.org at least 24 hours in advance of the start of your program. If you are unable to find the email, please check your SPAM or JUNK email folders. This email will include details to help you prepare for your program including any pertinent handouts, location information, and the ZOOM link for online programs. Please be sure you have received and read this email a minimum of 24 hours in advance of the start of the program. Thank you!
FACILITATOR: Amy Bloom Connolly
FACILITATOR BIO: Amy Bloom Connolly is Founder of the Center for Mindful Awareness. The focus of her work has been to deepen self-awareness and self-compassion, build resilience, and strengthen self-regulation through the CMA’s signature mindfulness-based SHINESM Program (Support, Honor, Inspire, Nurture, and Evolve). Her work invites people to connect more deeply with themselves and share their gifts with the world. Throughout her professional career, she has worked with low-income families; young-at-heart elders; women living in shelter; women healing from addictions and abuse; families with young children with disabilities; homeless veterans who are in recovery; and the professionals who support these folks. Amy has practiced and studied mindfulness for more than forty years. She is a certified mindfulness teacher through the Meditation Teacher Training Institute led by Tara Brach; and has participated in trainings and retreats with Jack Kornfield, Thich Nhat Hanh, Sharon Saltzberg and the Dalai Lama. Her vision is to bring mindfulness to life, and make research-based transformational practices clear, relevant and accessible. She also is a student of tai chi and qigong.