Shalem Institute Presents
Wednesday Respite
October 22, 2025; November 19, 2025; and January 14, 2026
5:30-6:30pm
Luther Place, 1226 Vermont Ave. NW, WDC 20005
Free
A special series of free contemplative in person events designed to provide spiritual support and community for those navigating significant challenges and/or change during these extraordinary times.
During such periods of uncertainty, spiritual practice and supportive community can offer:
• A grounding presence when everything feels in flux
• Tools for discernment as you consider next steps
• Space to process emotions and find clarity
• Connection with others walking similar paths
October 22, 2025, 5:30-6:30pm: Resilience for Activists with Margaret Benefiel
November 19, 2025, 5:30-6:30pm: Drumming the Beloved Community with Katy Gaughan
January 14, 2026, 5:30-6:30pm: Yin Yoga to Navigate Change with Natalie Cone
Resilience for Activists with Margaret Benefiel (capacity 30 people)
October 22, 2025, 5:30-6:30pm
In twenty-first century Western culture, leaders are rewarded for drive, decisiveness, productivity, and long work hours. Especially in the social justice arena, burnout is rampant. And in these times, when we add in current levels of anxiety and grief, there is often an additional layer of exhaustion and despair that activists must contend with.
What might it look like for activists to step back and take time to cultivate depth in their inner lives, to step off the treadmill and take time away for personal reflection, in order to develop more resilience? What might leadership that arises from a core of contemplative grounding and compassion look like?
This will be an experiential workshop, in which participants’ own experiences will serve as the basis for reflection and discernment. Stories of resilient activists and principles of resilient activism will complement personal reflection.
Margaret Benefiel is a long time Quaker and Contemplative. She is the Executive Director of the Shalem Institute for Spiritual Formation and Program Director of the Soul of Leadership Program.
Drumming the Beloved Community with Katy Gaughan (capacity 30 people)
November 19, 2025, 5:30-6:30pm
The drum is an instrument that invites us to connect to the rhythm that sustains us – our heartbeat. When we drum together, we get into sync and feel the joyous vibrations of our collective expression. Drumming is a great way to release stress and feel grounded in our body. Drums provided or bring your own. No experience necessary.
Katy Gaughan is a drummer and drum circle facilitator who has been leading drum circles for over 25 years with her organization Drumming for Wellness. She is also a graduate of Shalem’s Transforming Community program and has served on Shalem’s staff for 20 years.
Yin Yoga to Navigate Change with Natalie Cone
January 14, 2026, 5:30-6:30pm
Connect with your mind, body, and spirit with a slow and deep yin yoga practice. Yin yoga works on stretching the connective tissue – ligaments, tendons and fascia, with long holds and passive stretches. This class will be an opportunity to find a pause in your day, practice stillness, and meditate on navigating change. This practice is beginner friendly. Please bring a yoga mat, if you have one, there will be a few available on site.
Natalie Cone is a certified yoga and meditation teacher whose approach is rooted in self-compassion, embodiment, and care. She holds a 200-hour yoga teacher certification, with additional certifications in meditation, yin yoga, prenatal yoga, restorative yoga, and yoga nidra.