BEGIN:VCALENDAR VERSION:2.0 PRODID:-//Clear Sky Meditation Centre - ECPv6.15.19//NONSGML v1.0//EN CALSCALE:GREGORIAN METHOD:PUBLISH X-WR-CALNAME:Clear Sky Meditation Centre X-ORIGINAL-URL:https://www.clearskycenter.org X-WR-CALDESC:Events for Clear Sky Meditation Centre REFRESH-INTERVAL;VALUE=DURATION:PT1H X-Robots-Tag:noindex X-PUBLISHED-TTL:PT1H BEGIN:VTIMEZONE TZID:America/Chicago BEGIN:DAYLIGHT TZOFFSETFROM:-0600 TZOFFSETTO:-0500 TZNAME:CDT DTSTART:20220313T080000 END:DAYLIGHT BEGIN:STANDARD TZOFFSETFROM:-0500 TZOFFSETTO:-0600 TZNAME:CST DTSTART:20221106T070000 END:STANDARD BEGIN:DAYLIGHT TZOFFSETFROM:-0600 TZOFFSETTO:-0500 TZNAME:CDT DTSTART:20230312T080000 END:DAYLIGHT BEGIN:STANDARD TZOFFSETFROM:-0500 TZOFFSETTO:-0600 TZNAME:CST DTSTART:20231105T070000 END:STANDARD BEGIN:DAYLIGHT TZOFFSETFROM:-0600 TZOFFSETTO:-0500 TZNAME:CDT DTSTART:20240310T080000 END:DAYLIGHT BEGIN:STANDARD TZOFFSETFROM:-0500 TZOFFSETTO:-0600 TZNAME:CST DTSTART:20241103T070000 END:STANDARD BEGIN:DAYLIGHT TZOFFSETFROM:-0600 TZOFFSETTO:-0500 TZNAME:CDT DTSTART:20250309T080000 END:DAYLIGHT BEGIN:STANDARD TZOFFSETFROM:-0500 TZOFFSETTO:-0600 TZNAME:CST DTSTART:20251102T070000 END:STANDARD BEGIN:DAYLIGHT TZOFFSETFROM:-0600 TZOFFSETTO:-0500 TZNAME:CDT DTSTART:20260308T080000 END:DAYLIGHT BEGIN:STANDARD TZOFFSETFROM:-0500 TZOFFSETTO:-0600 TZNAME:CST DTSTART:20261101T070000 END:STANDARD BEGIN:DAYLIGHT TZOFFSETFROM:-0600 TZOFFSETTO:-0500 TZNAME:CDT DTSTART:20270314T080000 END:DAYLIGHT BEGIN:STANDARD TZOFFSETFROM:-0500 TZOFFSETTO:-0600 TZNAME:CST DTSTART:20271107T070000 END:STANDARD END:VTIMEZONE BEGIN:VTIMEZONE TZID:America/Edmonton BEGIN:DAYLIGHT TZOFFSETFROM:-0700 TZOFFSETTO:-0600 TZNAME:MDT DTSTART:20230312T090000 END:DAYLIGHT BEGIN:STANDARD TZOFFSETFROM:-0600 TZOFFSETTO:-0700 TZNAME:MST DTSTART:20231105T080000 END:STANDARD BEGIN:DAYLIGHT TZOFFSETFROM:-0700 TZOFFSETTO:-0600 TZNAME:MDT DTSTART:20240310T090000 END:DAYLIGHT BEGIN:STANDARD TZOFFSETFROM:-0600 TZOFFSETTO:-0700 TZNAME:MST DTSTART:20241103T080000 END:STANDARD BEGIN:DAYLIGHT TZOFFSETFROM:-0700 TZOFFSETTO:-0600 TZNAME:MDT DTSTART:20250309T090000 END:DAYLIGHT BEGIN:STANDARD TZOFFSETFROM:-0600 TZOFFSETTO:-0700 TZNAME:MST DTSTART:20251102T080000 END:STANDARD BEGIN:DAYLIGHT TZOFFSETFROM:-0700 TZOFFSETTO:-0600 TZNAME:MDT DTSTART:20260308T090000 END:DAYLIGHT BEGIN:STANDARD TZOFFSETFROM:-0600 TZOFFSETTO:-0700 TZNAME:MST DTSTART:20261101T080000 END:STANDARD BEGIN:DAYLIGHT TZOFFSETFROM:-0700 TZOFFSETTO:-0600 TZNAME:MDT DTSTART:20270314T090000 END:DAYLIGHT BEGIN:STANDARD TZOFFSETFROM:-0600 TZOFFSETTO:-0700 TZNAME:MST DTSTART:20271107T080000 END:STANDARD END:VTIMEZONE BEGIN:VTIMEZONE TZID:America/Denver BEGIN:DAYLIGHT TZOFFSETFROM:-0700 TZOFFSETTO:-0600 TZNAME:MDT DTSTART:20240310T090000 END:DAYLIGHT BEGIN:STANDARD TZOFFSETFROM:-0600 TZOFFSETTO:-0700 TZNAME:MST DTSTART:20241103T080000 END:STANDARD BEGIN:DAYLIGHT TZOFFSETFROM:-0700 TZOFFSETTO:-0600 TZNAME:MDT DTSTART:20250309T090000 END:DAYLIGHT BEGIN:STANDARD TZOFFSETFROM:-0600 TZOFFSETTO:-0700 TZNAME:MST DTSTART:20251102T080000 END:STANDARD BEGIN:DAYLIGHT TZOFFSETFROM:-0700 TZOFFSETTO:-0600 TZNAME:MDT DTSTART:20260308T090000 END:DAYLIGHT BEGIN:STANDARD TZOFFSETFROM:-0600 TZOFFSETTO:-0700 TZNAME:MST DTSTART:20261101T080000 END:STANDARD END:VTIMEZONE BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20230928T080000 DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20261231T170000 DTSTAMP:20260430T102452 CREATED:20220205T181428Z LAST-MODIFIED:20250825T062119Z UID:14666-1695888000-1798736400@www.clearskycenter.org SUMMARY:Personal Coaching DESCRIPTION:Compassion Without Overwhelm: Feeling Without CollapsingWith Karen McAllister and Duncan Cryle Thursday June 4 2026 7-8 pm Mountain Time (6 pm PST\, 8 pm Central\, 9 pm EST) Pay-From-The-Heart Session 2 of 6 of our 2026 online drop-in series – see here for other sessions in the series: Staying Whole: Meditation Tools for Fragmented Times \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n You care deeply. And it’s exhausting. Grief about the state of the world. The people around you that you see suffering. The troubles on the news.  If you’re someone who feels things deeply\, you’ve probably learned to manage by numbing\, distancing\, or staying busy.  Compassion is an essential part of life and being human\, a quality that is central to our spiritual growth. But without the resilience and perspective to go with it\, it can tip into overwhelm\, collapse\, or burnout. This session offers practices for staying open without being swept away. In this hour together\, we’ll explore: The difference between empathy (feeling with) and compassion (feeling for)—and why it mattersWhy highly sensitive and caring people are especially vulnerable to overwhelmPractices for containment: allowing grief and care without drowning in themHow to stay connected to the world’s suffering without abandoning yourselfYou’ll leave with tools you can use when the weight of the world feels like too much—and a clearer sense of how to care sustainably. This is session 2 of our 2026 online drop-in series – see here for future sessions Staying Whole: Meditation Tools For Fragmented Times series. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Session DetailsDate: Thursday June 4\, 2026Time: 7-8 pm Mountain Time (6 pm PST\, 8 pm Central\, 9 pm EST)Format: Live online via Zoom (recording available)Cost: By donation (Dāna)—everyone welcome regardless of financial circumstances \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Photo courtesy of Ava Maclean\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n "You can read and try all sorts of things by yourself\, but doing it with a group\, and with Karen and Duncan as wonderful teachers who really know what they are doing\, will set you up to get closer to the direction and peace that you so deeply crave." \n Erika RasmussenWriter and Film Maker \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Register Here\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n What We’ll ExploreWhen we care deeply\, we often absorb more than we realize. Over time\, the weight of others’ pain — and the state of the world — can leave us feeling depleted\, numb\, or caught in cycles of guilt and withdrawal. We lose access to the very compassion we value most. In this hour together\, we’ll explore: The difference between empathy and compassion — and why understanding this distinction can protect you from burnoutWhy highly sensitive and caring people are especially vulnerable to overwhelmPractices for staying open to suffering without being swept away by itHow to grieve\, care\, and stay connected — without abandoning yourself in the processYou’ll leave with tools you can use when the weight of the world feels like too much\, and a clearer sense of how to care sustainably. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n What to ExpectEach session in the series weaves together: Teaching grounded in Buddhist wisdom and 35+ years of practice\, adapted for real-world applicationGuided practice you can use immediately and return to between sessionsReflection & dialogue with others navigating similar terrainIntegration tools designed for daily life\, not just the cushion \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Photo courtesy of Ava Maclean\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Register Here\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Part of the 2026 Staying Whole SeriesThis session is the second of Staying Whole: Meditation Tools for Fragmented Times\, a six-session online drop-in series running through 2026\, offering practical tools for inner steadiness\, relational resilience\, and community belonging. Each session stands alone\, so you’re welcome to join just this one. And if this resonates\, the series continues on June 25 with Boundaries As Stability: Protecting Energy Without Disconnecting Learn more about the full series here \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Your Guides For The SeriesDuncan Cryle has practiced meditation and Buddhist Dharma for over 35 years in the Namgyal lineage with Qapel and Catherine Sensei. He was a founding member of Clear Sky in 2004 and a resident since 2018. Duncan has been teaching for over 20 years—with Awaken in Toronto\, Despertando no Brasil (“Awakening in Brazil”)\, and through Clear Sky’s Integrating Mindfulness program. Through the intense work of living in intentional community—navigating conflict\, collaboration\, and collective decision-making—he’s learned firsthand what it takes to stay whole in fragmented times. He also spent many years in senior business roles pioneering workplace mindfulness\, and now consults with nonprofits and mission-driven organizations on building mindfulness\, resilience\, and trust. Karen McAllister has practiced meditation since the 1990s and studied Buddhist Dharma for over 25 years in the Namgyal lineage with Qapel and Catherine Pawasarat Sensei. She was a founding member of Clear Sky in 2004 and has been a resident since 2018. Karen has been teaching meditation and mindfulness for over 13 years through Awaken in Toronto\, Despertando no Brasil (“Awakening in Brazil”)\, and Clear Sky’s Integrating Mindfulness and Money & Spirituality programs. Through the ongoing practice of living in intentional community\, navigating relationship\, conflict\, and shared responsibility\, she has learned firsthand what it takes to stay grounded and whole in uncertain and changing times. Alongside her teaching\, Karen serves as Co-Executive Director of Clear Sky and leads the funding of the Temple project\, supporting a long-term vision of refuge and deep practice for generations to come. She is also the founder of Mindful Money Coaching\, where she supports people in the helping professions and mission-driven fields to transform their relationship with money\, bringing awareness to how they give\, receive\, and steward resources in alignment with their values and purpose. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n ... And special guest teachers from the Clear Sky onsite Sangha \n \n \n \n Clear Sky’s onsite team have a rich diversity of experience and many years of deep spiritual practice.  During this series we’ll benefit from bringing in other voices to add depth and range to the exploration. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n "Duncan and Karen are wonderful instructors who help everyone\, from beginners to people with more experience\, practice meditation and self-care. As I joined remotely\, I appreciated how the online participants were engaged through conversation and breakout rooms." \n Kristi \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Register Here URL:https://www.clearskycenter.org/event/personal-coaching-online/ LOCATION:Online CATEGORIES:Coaching ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://www.clearskycenter.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/06/Screen-Shot-2020-06-13-at-10.49.12-AM.png END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;VALUE=DATE:20240801 DTEND;VALUE=DATE:20240823 DTSTAMP:20260430T102452 CREATED:20240225T224710Z LAST-MODIFIED:20251209T104233Z UID:21602-1722470400-1724371199@www.clearskycenter.org SUMMARY:Meditation Circle: Summer of the Spotless Mind DESCRIPTION:Compassion Without Overwhelm: Feeling Without CollapsingWith Karen McAllister and Duncan Cryle Thursday June 4 2026 7-8 pm Mountain Time (6 pm PST\, 8 pm Central\, 9 pm EST) Pay-From-The-Heart Session 2 of 6 of our 2026 online drop-in series – see here for other sessions in the series: Staying Whole: Meditation Tools for Fragmented Times \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n You care deeply. And it’s exhausting. Grief about the state of the world. The people around you that you see suffering. The troubles on the news.  If you’re someone who feels things deeply\, you’ve probably learned to manage by numbing\, distancing\, or staying busy.  Compassion is an essential part of life and being human\, a quality that is central to our spiritual growth. But without the resilience and perspective to go with it\, it can tip into overwhelm\, collapse\, or burnout. This session offers practices for staying open without being swept away. In this hour together\, we’ll explore: The difference between empathy (feeling with) and compassion (feeling for)—and why it mattersWhy highly sensitive and caring people are especially vulnerable to overwhelmPractices for containment: allowing grief and care without drowning in themHow to stay connected to the world’s suffering without abandoning yourselfYou’ll leave with tools you can use when the weight of the world feels like too much—and a clearer sense of how to care sustainably. This is session 2 of our 2026 online drop-in series – see here for future sessions Staying Whole: Meditation Tools For Fragmented Times series. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Session DetailsDate: Thursday June 4\, 2026Time: 7-8 pm Mountain Time (6 pm PST\, 8 pm Central\, 9 pm EST)Format: Live online via Zoom (recording available)Cost: By donation (Dāna)—everyone welcome regardless of financial circumstances \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Photo courtesy of Ava Maclean\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n "You can read and try all sorts of things by yourself\, but doing it with a group\, and with Karen and Duncan as wonderful teachers who really know what they are doing\, will set you up to get closer to the direction and peace that you so deeply crave." \n Erika RasmussenWriter and Film Maker \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Register Here\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n What We’ll ExploreWhen we care deeply\, we often absorb more than we realize. Over time\, the weight of others’ pain — and the state of the world — can leave us feeling depleted\, numb\, or caught in cycles of guilt and withdrawal. We lose access to the very compassion we value most. In this hour together\, we’ll explore: The difference between empathy and compassion — and why understanding this distinction can protect you from burnoutWhy highly sensitive and caring people are especially vulnerable to overwhelmPractices for staying open to suffering without being swept away by itHow to grieve\, care\, and stay connected — without abandoning yourself in the processYou’ll leave with tools you can use when the weight of the world feels like too much\, and a clearer sense of how to care sustainably. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n What to ExpectEach session in the series weaves together: Teaching grounded in Buddhist wisdom and 35+ years of practice\, adapted for real-world applicationGuided practice you can use immediately and return to between sessionsReflection & dialogue with others navigating similar terrainIntegration tools designed for daily life\, not just the cushion \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Photo courtesy of Ava Maclean\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Register Here\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Part of the 2026 Staying Whole SeriesThis session is the second of Staying Whole: Meditation Tools for Fragmented Times\, a six-session online drop-in series running through 2026\, offering practical tools for inner steadiness\, relational resilience\, and community belonging. Each session stands alone\, so you’re welcome to join just this one. And if this resonates\, the series continues on June 25 with Boundaries As Stability: Protecting Energy Without Disconnecting Learn more about the full series here \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Your Guides For The SeriesDuncan Cryle has practiced meditation and Buddhist Dharma for over 35 years in the Namgyal lineage with Qapel and Catherine Sensei. He was a founding member of Clear Sky in 2004 and a resident since 2018. Duncan has been teaching for over 20 years—with Awaken in Toronto\, Despertando no Brasil (“Awakening in Brazil”)\, and through Clear Sky’s Integrating Mindfulness program. Through the intense work of living in intentional community—navigating conflict\, collaboration\, and collective decision-making—he’s learned firsthand what it takes to stay whole in fragmented times. He also spent many years in senior business roles pioneering workplace mindfulness\, and now consults with nonprofits and mission-driven organizations on building mindfulness\, resilience\, and trust. Karen McAllister has practiced meditation since the 1990s and studied Buddhist Dharma for over 25 years in the Namgyal lineage with Qapel and Catherine Pawasarat Sensei. She was a founding member of Clear Sky in 2004 and has been a resident since 2018. Karen has been teaching meditation and mindfulness for over 13 years through Awaken in Toronto\, Despertando no Brasil (“Awakening in Brazil”)\, and Clear Sky’s Integrating Mindfulness and Money & Spirituality programs. Through the ongoing practice of living in intentional community\, navigating relationship\, conflict\, and shared responsibility\, she has learned firsthand what it takes to stay grounded and whole in uncertain and changing times. Alongside her teaching\, Karen serves as Co-Executive Director of Clear Sky and leads the funding of the Temple project\, supporting a long-term vision of refuge and deep practice for generations to come. She is also the founder of Mindful Money Coaching\, where she supports people in the helping professions and mission-driven fields to transform their relationship with money\, bringing awareness to how they give\, receive\, and steward resources in alignment with their values and purpose. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n ... And special guest teachers from the Clear Sky onsite Sangha \n \n \n \n Clear Sky’s onsite team have a rich diversity of experience and many years of deep spiritual practice.  During this series we’ll benefit from bringing in other voices to add depth and range to the exploration. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n "Duncan and Karen are wonderful instructors who help everyone\, from beginners to people with more experience\, practice meditation and self-care. As I joined remotely\, I appreciated how the online participants were engaged through conversation and breakout rooms." \n Kristi \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Register Here URL:https://www.clearskycenter.org/event/meditation-circle-summer-spotless-mind-aug-2024/ CATEGORIES:Coaching,Meditation Circle,Online Courses ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://www.clearskycenter.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/2.png ORGANIZER;CN="Clear Sky Center":MAILTO:contact@clearskycenter.org END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Edmonton:20240907T080000 DTEND;TZID=America/Edmonton:20240922T170000 DTSTAMP:20260430T102452 CREATED:20230416T232247Z LAST-MODIFIED:20251209T101002Z UID:19511-1725696000-1727024400@www.clearskycenter.org SUMMARY:The Movement of the Mandala DESCRIPTION:Compassion Without Overwhelm: Feeling Without CollapsingWith Karen McAllister and Duncan Cryle Thursday June 4 2026 7-8 pm Mountain Time (6 pm PST\, 8 pm Central\, 9 pm EST) Pay-From-The-Heart Session 2 of 6 of our 2026 online drop-in series – see here for other sessions in the series: Staying Whole: Meditation Tools for Fragmented Times \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n You care deeply. And it’s exhausting. Grief about the state of the world. The people around you that you see suffering. The troubles on the news.  If you’re someone who feels things deeply\, you’ve probably learned to manage by numbing\, distancing\, or staying busy.  Compassion is an essential part of life and being human\, a quality that is central to our spiritual growth. But without the resilience and perspective to go with it\, it can tip into overwhelm\, collapse\, or burnout. This session offers practices for staying open without being swept away. In this hour together\, we’ll explore: The difference between empathy (feeling with) and compassion (feeling for)—and why it mattersWhy highly sensitive and caring people are especially vulnerable to overwhelmPractices for containment: allowing grief and care without drowning in themHow to stay connected to the world’s suffering without abandoning yourselfYou’ll leave with tools you can use when the weight of the world feels like too much—and a clearer sense of how to care sustainably. This is session 2 of our 2026 online drop-in series – see here for future sessions Staying Whole: Meditation Tools For Fragmented Times series. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Session DetailsDate: Thursday June 4\, 2026Time: 7-8 pm Mountain Time (6 pm PST\, 8 pm Central\, 9 pm EST)Format: Live online via Zoom (recording available)Cost: By donation (Dāna)—everyone welcome regardless of financial circumstances \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Photo courtesy of Ava Maclean\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n "You can read and try all sorts of things by yourself\, but doing it with a group\, and with Karen and Duncan as wonderful teachers who really know what they are doing\, will set you up to get closer to the direction and peace that you so deeply crave." \n Erika RasmussenWriter and Film Maker \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Register Here\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n What We’ll ExploreWhen we care deeply\, we often absorb more than we realize. Over time\, the weight of others’ pain — and the state of the world — can leave us feeling depleted\, numb\, or caught in cycles of guilt and withdrawal. We lose access to the very compassion we value most. In this hour together\, we’ll explore: The difference between empathy and compassion — and why understanding this distinction can protect you from burnoutWhy highly sensitive and caring people are especially vulnerable to overwhelmPractices for staying open to suffering without being swept away by itHow to grieve\, care\, and stay connected — without abandoning yourself in the processYou’ll leave with tools you can use when the weight of the world feels like too much\, and a clearer sense of how to care sustainably. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n What to ExpectEach session in the series weaves together: Teaching grounded in Buddhist wisdom and 35+ years of practice\, adapted for real-world applicationGuided practice you can use immediately and return to between sessionsReflection & dialogue with others navigating similar terrainIntegration tools designed for daily life\, not just the cushion \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Photo courtesy of Ava Maclean\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Register Here\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Part of the 2026 Staying Whole SeriesThis session is the second of Staying Whole: Meditation Tools for Fragmented Times\, a six-session online drop-in series running through 2026\, offering practical tools for inner steadiness\, relational resilience\, and community belonging. Each session stands alone\, so you’re welcome to join just this one. And if this resonates\, the series continues on June 25 with Boundaries As Stability: Protecting Energy Without Disconnecting Learn more about the full series here \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Your Guides For The SeriesDuncan Cryle has practiced meditation and Buddhist Dharma for over 35 years in the Namgyal lineage with Qapel and Catherine Sensei. He was a founding member of Clear Sky in 2004 and a resident since 2018. Duncan has been teaching for over 20 years—with Awaken in Toronto\, Despertando no Brasil (“Awakening in Brazil”)\, and through Clear Sky’s Integrating Mindfulness program. Through the intense work of living in intentional community—navigating conflict\, collaboration\, and collective decision-making—he’s learned firsthand what it takes to stay whole in fragmented times. He also spent many years in senior business roles pioneering workplace mindfulness\, and now consults with nonprofits and mission-driven organizations on building mindfulness\, resilience\, and trust. Karen McAllister has practiced meditation since the 1990s and studied Buddhist Dharma for over 25 years in the Namgyal lineage with Qapel and Catherine Pawasarat Sensei. She was a founding member of Clear Sky in 2004 and has been a resident since 2018. Karen has been teaching meditation and mindfulness for over 13 years through Awaken in Toronto\, Despertando no Brasil (“Awakening in Brazil”)\, and Clear Sky’s Integrating Mindfulness and Money & Spirituality programs. Through the ongoing practice of living in intentional community\, navigating relationship\, conflict\, and shared responsibility\, she has learned firsthand what it takes to stay grounded and whole in uncertain and changing times. Alongside her teaching\, Karen serves as Co-Executive Director of Clear Sky and leads the funding of the Temple project\, supporting a long-term vision of refuge and deep practice for generations to come. She is also the founder of Mindful Money Coaching\, where she supports people in the helping professions and mission-driven fields to transform their relationship with money\, bringing awareness to how they give\, receive\, and steward resources in alignment with their values and purpose. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n ... And special guest teachers from the Clear Sky onsite Sangha \n \n \n \n Clear Sky’s onsite team have a rich diversity of experience and many years of deep spiritual practice.  During this series we’ll benefit from bringing in other voices to add depth and range to the exploration. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n "Duncan and Karen are wonderful instructors who help everyone\, from beginners to people with more experience\, practice meditation and self-care. As I joined remotely\, I appreciated how the online participants were engaged through conversation and breakout rooms." \n Kristi \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Register Here URL:https://www.clearskycenter.org/event/the-movement-of-the-mandala/ CATEGORIES:Group Retreats and Courses ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://www.clearskycenter.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/Movement-of-the-Mandala-Square.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Edmonton:20240921T093000 DTEND;TZID=America/Edmonton:20240922T203000 DTSTAMP:20260430T102452 CREATED:20240822T172234Z LAST-MODIFIED:20250823T082059Z UID:22674-1726911000-1727037000@www.clearskycenter.org SUMMARY:Clear Sky's 20th Anniversary Celebration! DESCRIPTION:Compassion Without Overwhelm: Feeling Without CollapsingWith Karen McAllister and Duncan Cryle Thursday June 4 2026 7-8 pm Mountain Time (6 pm PST\, 8 pm Central\, 9 pm EST) Pay-From-The-Heart Session 2 of 6 of our 2026 online drop-in series – see here for other sessions in the series: Staying Whole: Meditation Tools for Fragmented Times \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n You care deeply. And it’s exhausting. Grief about the state of the world. The people around you that you see suffering. The troubles on the news.  If you’re someone who feels things deeply\, you’ve probably learned to manage by numbing\, distancing\, or staying busy.  Compassion is an essential part of life and being human\, a quality that is central to our spiritual growth. But without the resilience and perspective to go with it\, it can tip into overwhelm\, collapse\, or burnout. This session offers practices for staying open without being swept away. In this hour together\, we’ll explore: The difference between empathy (feeling with) and compassion (feeling for)—and why it mattersWhy highly sensitive and caring people are especially vulnerable to overwhelmPractices for containment: allowing grief and care without drowning in themHow to stay connected to the world’s suffering without abandoning yourselfYou’ll leave with tools you can use when the weight of the world feels like too much—and a clearer sense of how to care sustainably. This is session 2 of our 2026 online drop-in series – see here for future sessions Staying Whole: Meditation Tools For Fragmented Times series. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Session DetailsDate: Thursday June 4\, 2026Time: 7-8 pm Mountain Time (6 pm PST\, 8 pm Central\, 9 pm EST)Format: Live online via Zoom (recording available)Cost: By donation (Dāna)—everyone welcome regardless of financial circumstances \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Photo courtesy of Ava Maclean\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n "You can read and try all sorts of things by yourself\, but doing it with a group\, and with Karen and Duncan as wonderful teachers who really know what they are doing\, will set you up to get closer to the direction and peace that you so deeply crave." \n Erika RasmussenWriter and Film Maker \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Register Here\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n What We’ll ExploreWhen we care deeply\, we often absorb more than we realize. Over time\, the weight of others’ pain — and the state of the world — can leave us feeling depleted\, numb\, or caught in cycles of guilt and withdrawal. We lose access to the very compassion we value most. In this hour together\, we’ll explore: The difference between empathy and compassion — and why understanding this distinction can protect you from burnoutWhy highly sensitive and caring people are especially vulnerable to overwhelmPractices for staying open to suffering without being swept away by itHow to grieve\, care\, and stay connected — without abandoning yourself in the processYou’ll leave with tools you can use when the weight of the world feels like too much\, and a clearer sense of how to care sustainably. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n What to ExpectEach session in the series weaves together: Teaching grounded in Buddhist wisdom and 35+ years of practice\, adapted for real-world applicationGuided practice you can use immediately and return to between sessionsReflection & dialogue with others navigating similar terrainIntegration tools designed for daily life\, not just the cushion \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Photo courtesy of Ava Maclean\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Register Here\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Part of the 2026 Staying Whole SeriesThis session is the second of Staying Whole: Meditation Tools for Fragmented Times\, a six-session online drop-in series running through 2026\, offering practical tools for inner steadiness\, relational resilience\, and community belonging. Each session stands alone\, so you’re welcome to join just this one. And if this resonates\, the series continues on June 25 with Boundaries As Stability: Protecting Energy Without Disconnecting Learn more about the full series here \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Your Guides For The SeriesDuncan Cryle has practiced meditation and Buddhist Dharma for over 35 years in the Namgyal lineage with Qapel and Catherine Sensei. He was a founding member of Clear Sky in 2004 and a resident since 2018. Duncan has been teaching for over 20 years—with Awaken in Toronto\, Despertando no Brasil (“Awakening in Brazil”)\, and through Clear Sky’s Integrating Mindfulness program. Through the intense work of living in intentional community—navigating conflict\, collaboration\, and collective decision-making—he’s learned firsthand what it takes to stay whole in fragmented times. He also spent many years in senior business roles pioneering workplace mindfulness\, and now consults with nonprofits and mission-driven organizations on building mindfulness\, resilience\, and trust. Karen McAllister has practiced meditation since the 1990s and studied Buddhist Dharma for over 25 years in the Namgyal lineage with Qapel and Catherine Pawasarat Sensei. She was a founding member of Clear Sky in 2004 and has been a resident since 2018. Karen has been teaching meditation and mindfulness for over 13 years through Awaken in Toronto\, Despertando no Brasil (“Awakening in Brazil”)\, and Clear Sky’s Integrating Mindfulness and Money & Spirituality programs. Through the ongoing practice of living in intentional community\, navigating relationship\, conflict\, and shared responsibility\, she has learned firsthand what it takes to stay grounded and whole in uncertain and changing times. Alongside her teaching\, Karen serves as Co-Executive Director of Clear Sky and leads the funding of the Temple project\, supporting a long-term vision of refuge and deep practice for generations to come. She is also the founder of Mindful Money Coaching\, where she supports people in the helping professions and mission-driven fields to transform their relationship with money\, bringing awareness to how they give\, receive\, and steward resources in alignment with their values and purpose. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n ... And special guest teachers from the Clear Sky onsite Sangha \n \n \n \n Clear Sky’s onsite team have a rich diversity of experience and many years of deep spiritual practice.  During this series we’ll benefit from bringing in other voices to add depth and range to the exploration. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n "Duncan and Karen are wonderful instructors who help everyone\, from beginners to people with more experience\, practice meditation and self-care. As I joined remotely\, I appreciated how the online participants were engaged through conversation and breakout rooms." \n Kristi \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Register Here URL:https://www.clearskycenter.org/event/20th-anniversary/ CATEGORIES:Featured Courses,Group Retreats and Courses,Online Courses,Special Events ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://www.clearskycenter.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/20th-Anniversary.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20240925T173000 DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20240925T190000 DTSTAMP:20260430T102452 CREATED:20231127T202240Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260218T090631Z UID:20576-1727285400-1727290800@www.clearskycenter.org SUMMARY:FREE WEBINAR: Integrating the Money Shadow in your Spiritual Life DESCRIPTION:Compassion Without Overwhelm: Feeling Without CollapsingWith Karen McAllister and Duncan Cryle Thursday June 4 2026 7-8 pm Mountain Time (6 pm PST\, 8 pm Central\, 9 pm EST) Pay-From-The-Heart Session 2 of 6 of our 2026 online drop-in series – see here for other sessions in the series: Staying Whole: Meditation Tools for Fragmented Times \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n You care deeply. And it’s exhausting. Grief about the state of the world. The people around you that you see suffering. The troubles on the news.  If you’re someone who feels things deeply\, you’ve probably learned to manage by numbing\, distancing\, or staying busy.  Compassion is an essential part of life and being human\, a quality that is central to our spiritual growth. But without the resilience and perspective to go with it\, it can tip into overwhelm\, collapse\, or burnout. This session offers practices for staying open without being swept away. In this hour together\, we’ll explore: The difference between empathy (feeling with) and compassion (feeling for)—and why it mattersWhy highly sensitive and caring people are especially vulnerable to overwhelmPractices for containment: allowing grief and care without drowning in themHow to stay connected to the world’s suffering without abandoning yourselfYou’ll leave with tools you can use when the weight of the world feels like too much—and a clearer sense of how to care sustainably. This is session 2 of our 2026 online drop-in series – see here for future sessions Staying Whole: Meditation Tools For Fragmented Times series. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Session DetailsDate: Thursday June 4\, 2026Time: 7-8 pm Mountain Time (6 pm PST\, 8 pm Central\, 9 pm EST)Format: Live online via Zoom (recording available)Cost: By donation (Dāna)—everyone welcome regardless of financial circumstances \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Photo courtesy of Ava Maclean\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n "You can read and try all sorts of things by yourself\, but doing it with a group\, and with Karen and Duncan as wonderful teachers who really know what they are doing\, will set you up to get closer to the direction and peace that you so deeply crave." \n Erika RasmussenWriter and Film Maker \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Register Here\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n What We’ll ExploreWhen we care deeply\, we often absorb more than we realize. Over time\, the weight of others’ pain — and the state of the world — can leave us feeling depleted\, numb\, or caught in cycles of guilt and withdrawal. We lose access to the very compassion we value most. In this hour together\, we’ll explore: The difference between empathy and compassion — and why understanding this distinction can protect you from burnoutWhy highly sensitive and caring people are especially vulnerable to overwhelmPractices for staying open to suffering without being swept away by itHow to grieve\, care\, and stay connected — without abandoning yourself in the processYou’ll leave with tools you can use when the weight of the world feels like too much\, and a clearer sense of how to care sustainably. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n What to ExpectEach session in the series weaves together: Teaching grounded in Buddhist wisdom and 35+ years of practice\, adapted for real-world applicationGuided practice you can use immediately and return to between sessionsReflection & dialogue with others navigating similar terrainIntegration tools designed for daily life\, not just the cushion \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Photo courtesy of Ava Maclean\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Register Here\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Part of the 2026 Staying Whole SeriesThis session is the second of Staying Whole: Meditation Tools for Fragmented Times\, a six-session online drop-in series running through 2026\, offering practical tools for inner steadiness\, relational resilience\, and community belonging. Each session stands alone\, so you’re welcome to join just this one. And if this resonates\, the series continues on June 25 with Boundaries As Stability: Protecting Energy Without Disconnecting Learn more about the full series here \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Your Guides For The SeriesDuncan Cryle has practiced meditation and Buddhist Dharma for over 35 years in the Namgyal lineage with Qapel and Catherine Sensei. He was a founding member of Clear Sky in 2004 and a resident since 2018. Duncan has been teaching for over 20 years—with Awaken in Toronto\, Despertando no Brasil (“Awakening in Brazil”)\, and through Clear Sky’s Integrating Mindfulness program. Through the intense work of living in intentional community—navigating conflict\, collaboration\, and collective decision-making—he’s learned firsthand what it takes to stay whole in fragmented times. He also spent many years in senior business roles pioneering workplace mindfulness\, and now consults with nonprofits and mission-driven organizations on building mindfulness\, resilience\, and trust. Karen McAllister has practiced meditation since the 1990s and studied Buddhist Dharma for over 25 years in the Namgyal lineage with Qapel and Catherine Pawasarat Sensei. She was a founding member of Clear Sky in 2004 and has been a resident since 2018. Karen has been teaching meditation and mindfulness for over 13 years through Awaken in Toronto\, Despertando no Brasil (“Awakening in Brazil”)\, and Clear Sky’s Integrating Mindfulness and Money & Spirituality programs. Through the ongoing practice of living in intentional community\, navigating relationship\, conflict\, and shared responsibility\, she has learned firsthand what it takes to stay grounded and whole in uncertain and changing times. Alongside her teaching\, Karen serves as Co-Executive Director of Clear Sky and leads the funding of the Temple project\, supporting a long-term vision of refuge and deep practice for generations to come. She is also the founder of Mindful Money Coaching\, where she supports people in the helping professions and mission-driven fields to transform their relationship with money\, bringing awareness to how they give\, receive\, and steward resources in alignment with their values and purpose. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n ... And special guest teachers from the Clear Sky onsite Sangha \n \n \n \n Clear Sky’s onsite team have a rich diversity of experience and many years of deep spiritual practice.  During this series we’ll benefit from bringing in other voices to add depth and range to the exploration. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n "Duncan and Karen are wonderful instructors who help everyone\, from beginners to people with more experience\, practice meditation and self-care. As I joined remotely\, I appreciated how the online participants were engaged through conversation and breakout rooms." \n Kristi \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Register Here URL:https://www.clearskycenter.org/event/money-and-spirituality-free-webinar/ LOCATION:Online CATEGORIES:Coaching,Online Courses ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://www.clearskycenter.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/2024-Programming-1.jpg ORGANIZER;CN="Clear Sky Center":MAILTO:contact@clearskycenter.org END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20241009T173000 DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20241030T190000 DTSTAMP:20260430T102452 CREATED:20230905T162924Z LAST-MODIFIED:20240908T221511Z UID:20198-1728495000-1730314800@www.clearskycenter.org SUMMARY:Money & Spirituality: Integrating Spiritual and Material (Online) DESCRIPTION:Compassion Without Overwhelm: Feeling Without CollapsingWith Karen McAllister and Duncan Cryle Thursday June 4 2026 7-8 pm Mountain Time (6 pm PST\, 8 pm Central\, 9 pm EST) Pay-From-The-Heart Session 2 of 6 of our 2026 online drop-in series – see here for other sessions in the series: Staying Whole: Meditation Tools for Fragmented Times \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n You care deeply. And it’s exhausting. Grief about the state of the world. The people around you that you see suffering. The troubles on the news.  If you’re someone who feels things deeply\, you’ve probably learned to manage by numbing\, distancing\, or staying busy.  Compassion is an essential part of life and being human\, a quality that is central to our spiritual growth. But without the resilience and perspective to go with it\, it can tip into overwhelm\, collapse\, or burnout. This session offers practices for staying open without being swept away. In this hour together\, we’ll explore: The difference between empathy (feeling with) and compassion (feeling for)—and why it mattersWhy highly sensitive and caring people are especially vulnerable to overwhelmPractices for containment: allowing grief and care without drowning in themHow to stay connected to the world’s suffering without abandoning yourselfYou’ll leave with tools you can use when the weight of the world feels like too much—and a clearer sense of how to care sustainably. This is session 2 of our 2026 online drop-in series – see here for future sessions Staying Whole: Meditation Tools For Fragmented Times series. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Session DetailsDate: Thursday June 4\, 2026Time: 7-8 pm Mountain Time (6 pm PST\, 8 pm Central\, 9 pm EST)Format: Live online via Zoom (recording available)Cost: By donation (Dāna)—everyone welcome regardless of financial circumstances \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Photo courtesy of Ava Maclean\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n "You can read and try all sorts of things by yourself\, but doing it with a group\, and with Karen and Duncan as wonderful teachers who really know what they are doing\, will set you up to get closer to the direction and peace that you so deeply crave." \n Erika RasmussenWriter and Film Maker \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Register Here\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n What We’ll ExploreWhen we care deeply\, we often absorb more than we realize. Over time\, the weight of others’ pain — and the state of the world — can leave us feeling depleted\, numb\, or caught in cycles of guilt and withdrawal. We lose access to the very compassion we value most. In this hour together\, we’ll explore: The difference between empathy and compassion — and why understanding this distinction can protect you from burnoutWhy highly sensitive and caring people are especially vulnerable to overwhelmPractices for staying open to suffering without being swept away by itHow to grieve\, care\, and stay connected — without abandoning yourself in the processYou’ll leave with tools you can use when the weight of the world feels like too much\, and a clearer sense of how to care sustainably. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n What to ExpectEach session in the series weaves together: Teaching grounded in Buddhist wisdom and 35+ years of practice\, adapted for real-world applicationGuided practice you can use immediately and return to between sessionsReflection & dialogue with others navigating similar terrainIntegration tools designed for daily life\, not just the cushion \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Photo courtesy of Ava Maclean\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Register Here\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Part of the 2026 Staying Whole SeriesThis session is the second of Staying Whole: Meditation Tools for Fragmented Times\, a six-session online drop-in series running through 2026\, offering practical tools for inner steadiness\, relational resilience\, and community belonging. Each session stands alone\, so you’re welcome to join just this one. And if this resonates\, the series continues on June 25 with Boundaries As Stability: Protecting Energy Without Disconnecting Learn more about the full series here \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Your Guides For The SeriesDuncan Cryle has practiced meditation and Buddhist Dharma for over 35 years in the Namgyal lineage with Qapel and Catherine Sensei. He was a founding member of Clear Sky in 2004 and a resident since 2018. Duncan has been teaching for over 20 years—with Awaken in Toronto\, Despertando no Brasil (“Awakening in Brazil”)\, and through Clear Sky’s Integrating Mindfulness program. Through the intense work of living in intentional community—navigating conflict\, collaboration\, and collective decision-making—he’s learned firsthand what it takes to stay whole in fragmented times. He also spent many years in senior business roles pioneering workplace mindfulness\, and now consults with nonprofits and mission-driven organizations on building mindfulness\, resilience\, and trust. Karen McAllister has practiced meditation since the 1990s and studied Buddhist Dharma for over 25 years in the Namgyal lineage with Qapel and Catherine Pawasarat Sensei. She was a founding member of Clear Sky in 2004 and has been a resident since 2018. Karen has been teaching meditation and mindfulness for over 13 years through Awaken in Toronto\, Despertando no Brasil (“Awakening in Brazil”)\, and Clear Sky’s Integrating Mindfulness and Money & Spirituality programs. Through the ongoing practice of living in intentional community\, navigating relationship\, conflict\, and shared responsibility\, she has learned firsthand what it takes to stay grounded and whole in uncertain and changing times. Alongside her teaching\, Karen serves as Co-Executive Director of Clear Sky and leads the funding of the Temple project\, supporting a long-term vision of refuge and deep practice for generations to come. She is also the founder of Mindful Money Coaching\, where she supports people in the helping professions and mission-driven fields to transform their relationship with money\, bringing awareness to how they give\, receive\, and steward resources in alignment with their values and purpose. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n ... And special guest teachers from the Clear Sky onsite Sangha \n \n \n \n Clear Sky’s onsite team have a rich diversity of experience and many years of deep spiritual practice.  During this series we’ll benefit from bringing in other voices to add depth and range to the exploration. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n "Duncan and Karen are wonderful instructors who help everyone\, from beginners to people with more experience\, practice meditation and self-care. As I joined remotely\, I appreciated how the online participants were engaged through conversation and breakout rooms." \n Kristi \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Register Here URL:https://www.clearskycenter.org/event/money-spirituality-online-2024/2024-10-09/ CATEGORIES:Coaching,Online Courses ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://www.clearskycenter.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/2024-Programming.png ORGANIZER;CN="Clear Sky Center":MAILTO:contact@clearskycenter.org END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Edmonton:20241018T170000 DTEND;TZID=America/Edmonton:20241020T150000 DTSTAMP:20260430T102452 CREATED:20240122T001318Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260310T102145Z UID:21146-1729270800-1729436400@www.clearskycenter.org SUMMARY:Hamster Wheel or Heaven? The Wheel of Dependent Origination (In-Person and Online) DESCRIPTION:Compassion Without Overwhelm: Feeling Without CollapsingWith Karen McAllister and Duncan Cryle Thursday June 4 2026 7-8 pm Mountain Time (6 pm PST\, 8 pm Central\, 9 pm EST) Pay-From-The-Heart Session 2 of 6 of our 2026 online drop-in series – see here for other sessions in the series: Staying Whole: Meditation Tools for Fragmented Times \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n You care deeply. And it’s exhausting. Grief about the state of the world. The people around you that you see suffering. The troubles on the news.  If you’re someone who feels things deeply\, you’ve probably learned to manage by numbing\, distancing\, or staying busy.  Compassion is an essential part of life and being human\, a quality that is central to our spiritual growth. But without the resilience and perspective to go with it\, it can tip into overwhelm\, collapse\, or burnout. This session offers practices for staying open without being swept away. In this hour together\, we’ll explore: The difference between empathy (feeling with) and compassion (feeling for)—and why it mattersWhy highly sensitive and caring people are especially vulnerable to overwhelmPractices for containment: allowing grief and care without drowning in themHow to stay connected to the world’s suffering without abandoning yourselfYou’ll leave with tools you can use when the weight of the world feels like too much—and a clearer sense of how to care sustainably. This is session 2 of our 2026 online drop-in series – see here for future sessions Staying Whole: Meditation Tools For Fragmented Times series. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Session DetailsDate: Thursday June 4\, 2026Time: 7-8 pm Mountain Time (6 pm PST\, 8 pm Central\, 9 pm EST)Format: Live online via Zoom (recording available)Cost: By donation (Dāna)—everyone welcome regardless of financial circumstances \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Photo courtesy of Ava Maclean\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n "You can read and try all sorts of things by yourself\, but doing it with a group\, and with Karen and Duncan as wonderful teachers who really know what they are doing\, will set you up to get closer to the direction and peace that you so deeply crave." \n Erika RasmussenWriter and Film Maker \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Register Here\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n What We’ll ExploreWhen we care deeply\, we often absorb more than we realize. Over time\, the weight of others’ pain — and the state of the world — can leave us feeling depleted\, numb\, or caught in cycles of guilt and withdrawal. We lose access to the very compassion we value most. In this hour together\, we’ll explore: The difference between empathy and compassion — and why understanding this distinction can protect you from burnoutWhy highly sensitive and caring people are especially vulnerable to overwhelmPractices for staying open to suffering without being swept away by itHow to grieve\, care\, and stay connected — without abandoning yourself in the processYou’ll leave with tools you can use when the weight of the world feels like too much\, and a clearer sense of how to care sustainably. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n What to ExpectEach session in the series weaves together: Teaching grounded in Buddhist wisdom and 35+ years of practice\, adapted for real-world applicationGuided practice you can use immediately and return to between sessionsReflection & dialogue with others navigating similar terrainIntegration tools designed for daily life\, not just the cushion \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Photo courtesy of Ava Maclean\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Register Here\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Part of the 2026 Staying Whole SeriesThis session is the second of Staying Whole: Meditation Tools for Fragmented Times\, a six-session online drop-in series running through 2026\, offering practical tools for inner steadiness\, relational resilience\, and community belonging. Each session stands alone\, so you’re welcome to join just this one. And if this resonates\, the series continues on June 25 with Boundaries As Stability: Protecting Energy Without Disconnecting Learn more about the full series here \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Your Guides For The SeriesDuncan Cryle has practiced meditation and Buddhist Dharma for over 35 years in the Namgyal lineage with Qapel and Catherine Sensei. He was a founding member of Clear Sky in 2004 and a resident since 2018. Duncan has been teaching for over 20 years—with Awaken in Toronto\, Despertando no Brasil (“Awakening in Brazil”)\, and through Clear Sky’s Integrating Mindfulness program. Through the intense work of living in intentional community—navigating conflict\, collaboration\, and collective decision-making—he’s learned firsthand what it takes to stay whole in fragmented times. He also spent many years in senior business roles pioneering workplace mindfulness\, and now consults with nonprofits and mission-driven organizations on building mindfulness\, resilience\, and trust. Karen McAllister has practiced meditation since the 1990s and studied Buddhist Dharma for over 25 years in the Namgyal lineage with Qapel and Catherine Pawasarat Sensei. She was a founding member of Clear Sky in 2004 and has been a resident since 2018. Karen has been teaching meditation and mindfulness for over 13 years through Awaken in Toronto\, Despertando no Brasil (“Awakening in Brazil”)\, and Clear Sky’s Integrating Mindfulness and Money & Spirituality programs. Through the ongoing practice of living in intentional community\, navigating relationship\, conflict\, and shared responsibility\, she has learned firsthand what it takes to stay grounded and whole in uncertain and changing times. Alongside her teaching\, Karen serves as Co-Executive Director of Clear Sky and leads the funding of the Temple project\, supporting a long-term vision of refuge and deep practice for generations to come. She is also the founder of Mindful Money Coaching\, where she supports people in the helping professions and mission-driven fields to transform their relationship with money\, bringing awareness to how they give\, receive\, and steward resources in alignment with their values and purpose. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n ... And special guest teachers from the Clear Sky onsite Sangha \n \n \n \n Clear Sky’s onsite team have a rich diversity of experience and many years of deep spiritual practice.  During this series we’ll benefit from bringing in other voices to add depth and range to the exploration. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n "Duncan and Karen are wonderful instructors who help everyone\, from beginners to people with more experience\, practice meditation and self-care. As I joined remotely\, I appreciated how the online participants were engaged through conversation and breakout rooms." \n Kristi \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Register Here URL:https://www.clearskycenter.org/event/interdependent-origination-paticcasamuppada/ CATEGORIES:Featured Courses,Group Retreats and Courses,Online Courses ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://www.clearskycenter.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/2025-PD-courses-Square-IG-Post-1.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Edmonton:20241110T093000 DTEND;TZID=America/Edmonton:20241201T110000 DTSTAMP:20260430T102452 CREATED:20240805T174051Z LAST-MODIFIED:20251206T085614Z UID:21973-1731231000-1733050800@www.clearskycenter.org SUMMARY:Understanding The Power of Sangha & Group Guru DESCRIPTION:Compassion Without Overwhelm: Feeling Without CollapsingWith Karen McAllister and Duncan Cryle Thursday June 4 2026 7-8 pm Mountain Time (6 pm PST\, 8 pm Central\, 9 pm EST) Pay-From-The-Heart Session 2 of 6 of our 2026 online drop-in series – see here for other sessions in the series: Staying Whole: Meditation Tools for Fragmented Times \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n You care deeply. And it’s exhausting. Grief about the state of the world. The people around you that you see suffering. The troubles on the news.  If you’re someone who feels things deeply\, you’ve probably learned to manage by numbing\, distancing\, or staying busy.  Compassion is an essential part of life and being human\, a quality that is central to our spiritual growth. But without the resilience and perspective to go with it\, it can tip into overwhelm\, collapse\, or burnout. This session offers practices for staying open without being swept away. In this hour together\, we’ll explore: The difference between empathy (feeling with) and compassion (feeling for)—and why it mattersWhy highly sensitive and caring people are especially vulnerable to overwhelmPractices for containment: allowing grief and care without drowning in themHow to stay connected to the world’s suffering without abandoning yourselfYou’ll leave with tools you can use when the weight of the world feels like too much—and a clearer sense of how to care sustainably. This is session 2 of our 2026 online drop-in series – see here for future sessions Staying Whole: Meditation Tools For Fragmented Times series. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Session DetailsDate: Thursday June 4\, 2026Time: 7-8 pm Mountain Time (6 pm PST\, 8 pm Central\, 9 pm EST)Format: Live online via Zoom (recording available)Cost: By donation (Dāna)—everyone welcome regardless of financial circumstances \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Photo courtesy of Ava Maclean\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n "You can read and try all sorts of things by yourself\, but doing it with a group\, and with Karen and Duncan as wonderful teachers who really know what they are doing\, will set you up to get closer to the direction and peace that you so deeply crave." \n Erika RasmussenWriter and Film Maker \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Register Here\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n What We’ll ExploreWhen we care deeply\, we often absorb more than we realize. Over time\, the weight of others’ pain — and the state of the world — can leave us feeling depleted\, numb\, or caught in cycles of guilt and withdrawal. We lose access to the very compassion we value most. In this hour together\, we’ll explore: The difference between empathy and compassion — and why understanding this distinction can protect you from burnoutWhy highly sensitive and caring people are especially vulnerable to overwhelmPractices for staying open to suffering without being swept away by itHow to grieve\, care\, and stay connected — without abandoning yourself in the processYou’ll leave with tools you can use when the weight of the world feels like too much\, and a clearer sense of how to care sustainably. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n What to ExpectEach session in the series weaves together: Teaching grounded in Buddhist wisdom and 35+ years of practice\, adapted for real-world applicationGuided practice you can use immediately and return to between sessionsReflection & dialogue with others navigating similar terrainIntegration tools designed for daily life\, not just the cushion \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Photo courtesy of Ava Maclean\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Register Here\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Part of the 2026 Staying Whole SeriesThis session is the second of Staying Whole: Meditation Tools for Fragmented Times\, a six-session online drop-in series running through 2026\, offering practical tools for inner steadiness\, relational resilience\, and community belonging. Each session stands alone\, so you’re welcome to join just this one. And if this resonates\, the series continues on June 25 with Boundaries As Stability: Protecting Energy Without Disconnecting Learn more about the full series here \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Your Guides For The SeriesDuncan Cryle has practiced meditation and Buddhist Dharma for over 35 years in the Namgyal lineage with Qapel and Catherine Sensei. He was a founding member of Clear Sky in 2004 and a resident since 2018. Duncan has been teaching for over 20 years—with Awaken in Toronto\, Despertando no Brasil (“Awakening in Brazil”)\, and through Clear Sky’s Integrating Mindfulness program. Through the intense work of living in intentional community—navigating conflict\, collaboration\, and collective decision-making—he’s learned firsthand what it takes to stay whole in fragmented times. He also spent many years in senior business roles pioneering workplace mindfulness\, and now consults with nonprofits and mission-driven organizations on building mindfulness\, resilience\, and trust. Karen McAllister has practiced meditation since the 1990s and studied Buddhist Dharma for over 25 years in the Namgyal lineage with Qapel and Catherine Pawasarat Sensei. She was a founding member of Clear Sky in 2004 and has been a resident since 2018. Karen has been teaching meditation and mindfulness for over 13 years through Awaken in Toronto\, Despertando no Brasil (“Awakening in Brazil”)\, and Clear Sky’s Integrating Mindfulness and Money & Spirituality programs. Through the ongoing practice of living in intentional community\, navigating relationship\, conflict\, and shared responsibility\, she has learned firsthand what it takes to stay grounded and whole in uncertain and changing times. Alongside her teaching\, Karen serves as Co-Executive Director of Clear Sky and leads the funding of the Temple project\, supporting a long-term vision of refuge and deep practice for generations to come. She is also the founder of Mindful Money Coaching\, where she supports people in the helping professions and mission-driven fields to transform their relationship with money\, bringing awareness to how they give\, receive\, and steward resources in alignment with their values and purpose. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n ... And special guest teachers from the Clear Sky onsite Sangha \n \n \n \n Clear Sky’s onsite team have a rich diversity of experience and many years of deep spiritual practice.  During this series we’ll benefit from bringing in other voices to add depth and range to the exploration. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n "Duncan and Karen are wonderful instructors who help everyone\, from beginners to people with more experience\, practice meditation and self-care. As I joined remotely\, I appreciated how the online participants were engaged through conversation and breakout rooms." \n Kristi \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Register Here URL:https://www.clearskycenter.org/event/the-power-of-sangha-group-guru/ CATEGORIES:Featured Courses,Online Courses,Special Events ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://www.clearskycenter.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/Sangha-Group-Guru-Online-Course.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Edmonton:20241208T090000 DTEND;TZID=America/Edmonton:20241208T100000 DTSTAMP:20260430T102452 CREATED:20240908T211533Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260310T101650Z UID:22893-1733648400-1733652000@www.clearskycenter.org SUMMARY:Body\, Speech & Mind eBook Launch Celebration (Online) DESCRIPTION:Compassion Without Overwhelm: Feeling Without CollapsingWith Karen McAllister and Duncan Cryle Thursday June 4 2026 7-8 pm Mountain Time (6 pm PST\, 8 pm Central\, 9 pm EST) Pay-From-The-Heart Session 2 of 6 of our 2026 online drop-in series – see here for other sessions in the series: Staying Whole: Meditation Tools for Fragmented Times \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n You care deeply. And it’s exhausting. Grief about the state of the world. The people around you that you see suffering. The troubles on the news.  If you’re someone who feels things deeply\, you’ve probably learned to manage by numbing\, distancing\, or staying busy.  Compassion is an essential part of life and being human\, a quality that is central to our spiritual growth. But without the resilience and perspective to go with it\, it can tip into overwhelm\, collapse\, or burnout. This session offers practices for staying open without being swept away. In this hour together\, we’ll explore: The difference between empathy (feeling with) and compassion (feeling for)—and why it mattersWhy highly sensitive and caring people are especially vulnerable to overwhelmPractices for containment: allowing grief and care without drowning in themHow to stay connected to the world’s suffering without abandoning yourselfYou’ll leave with tools you can use when the weight of the world feels like too much—and a clearer sense of how to care sustainably. This is session 2 of our 2026 online drop-in series – see here for future sessions Staying Whole: Meditation Tools For Fragmented Times series. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Session DetailsDate: Thursday June 4\, 2026Time: 7-8 pm Mountain Time (6 pm PST\, 8 pm Central\, 9 pm EST)Format: Live online via Zoom (recording available)Cost: By donation (Dāna)—everyone welcome regardless of financial circumstances \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Photo courtesy of Ava Maclean\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n "You can read and try all sorts of things by yourself\, but doing it with a group\, and with Karen and Duncan as wonderful teachers who really know what they are doing\, will set you up to get closer to the direction and peace that you so deeply crave." \n Erika RasmussenWriter and Film Maker \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Register Here\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n What We’ll ExploreWhen we care deeply\, we often absorb more than we realize. Over time\, the weight of others’ pain — and the state of the world — can leave us feeling depleted\, numb\, or caught in cycles of guilt and withdrawal. We lose access to the very compassion we value most. In this hour together\, we’ll explore: The difference between empathy and compassion — and why understanding this distinction can protect you from burnoutWhy highly sensitive and caring people are especially vulnerable to overwhelmPractices for staying open to suffering without being swept away by itHow to grieve\, care\, and stay connected — without abandoning yourself in the processYou’ll leave with tools you can use when the weight of the world feels like too much\, and a clearer sense of how to care sustainably. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n What to ExpectEach session in the series weaves together: Teaching grounded in Buddhist wisdom and 35+ years of practice\, adapted for real-world applicationGuided practice you can use immediately and return to between sessionsReflection & dialogue with others navigating similar terrainIntegration tools designed for daily life\, not just the cushion \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Photo courtesy of Ava Maclean\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Register Here\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Part of the 2026 Staying Whole SeriesThis session is the second of Staying Whole: Meditation Tools for Fragmented Times\, a six-session online drop-in series running through 2026\, offering practical tools for inner steadiness\, relational resilience\, and community belonging. Each session stands alone\, so you’re welcome to join just this one. And if this resonates\, the series continues on June 25 with Boundaries As Stability: Protecting Energy Without Disconnecting Learn more about the full series here \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Your Guides For The SeriesDuncan Cryle has practiced meditation and Buddhist Dharma for over 35 years in the Namgyal lineage with Qapel and Catherine Sensei. He was a founding member of Clear Sky in 2004 and a resident since 2018. Duncan has been teaching for over 20 years—with Awaken in Toronto\, Despertando no Brasil (“Awakening in Brazil”)\, and through Clear Sky’s Integrating Mindfulness program. Through the intense work of living in intentional community—navigating conflict\, collaboration\, and collective decision-making—he’s learned firsthand what it takes to stay whole in fragmented times. He also spent many years in senior business roles pioneering workplace mindfulness\, and now consults with nonprofits and mission-driven organizations on building mindfulness\, resilience\, and trust. Karen McAllister has practiced meditation since the 1990s and studied Buddhist Dharma for over 25 years in the Namgyal lineage with Qapel and Catherine Pawasarat Sensei. She was a founding member of Clear Sky in 2004 and has been a resident since 2018. Karen has been teaching meditation and mindfulness for over 13 years through Awaken in Toronto\, Despertando no Brasil (“Awakening in Brazil”)\, and Clear Sky’s Integrating Mindfulness and Money & Spirituality programs. Through the ongoing practice of living in intentional community\, navigating relationship\, conflict\, and shared responsibility\, she has learned firsthand what it takes to stay grounded and whole in uncertain and changing times. Alongside her teaching\, Karen serves as Co-Executive Director of Clear Sky and leads the funding of the Temple project\, supporting a long-term vision of refuge and deep practice for generations to come. She is also the founder of Mindful Money Coaching\, where she supports people in the helping professions and mission-driven fields to transform their relationship with money\, bringing awareness to how they give\, receive\, and steward resources in alignment with their values and purpose. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n ... And special guest teachers from the Clear Sky onsite Sangha \n \n \n \n Clear Sky’s onsite team have a rich diversity of experience and many years of deep spiritual practice.  During this series we’ll benefit from bringing in other voices to add depth and range to the exploration. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n "Duncan and Karen are wonderful instructors who help everyone\, from beginners to people with more experience\, practice meditation and self-care. As I joined remotely\, I appreciated how the online participants were engaged through conversation and breakout rooms." \n Kristi \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Register Here URL:https://www.clearskycenter.org/event/body-speech-mind-ebook-launch/ CATEGORIES:Featured Courses,Online Courses,Special Events ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://www.clearskycenter.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/Book-Launch.png END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;VALUE=DATE:20241222 DTEND;VALUE=DATE:20250105 DTSTAMP:20260430T102452 CREATED:20241107T185825Z LAST-MODIFIED:20241209T173441Z UID:23426-1734825600-1736035199@www.clearskycenter.org SUMMARY:Sangha Christmas Retreat DESCRIPTION:Compassion Without Overwhelm: Feeling Without CollapsingWith Karen McAllister and Duncan Cryle Thursday June 4 2026 7-8 pm Mountain Time (6 pm PST\, 8 pm Central\, 9 pm EST) Pay-From-The-Heart Session 2 of 6 of our 2026 online drop-in series – see here for other sessions in the series: Staying Whole: Meditation Tools for Fragmented Times \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n You care deeply. And it’s exhausting. Grief about the state of the world. The people around you that you see suffering. The troubles on the news.  If you’re someone who feels things deeply\, you’ve probably learned to manage by numbing\, distancing\, or staying busy.  Compassion is an essential part of life and being human\, a quality that is central to our spiritual growth. But without the resilience and perspective to go with it\, it can tip into overwhelm\, collapse\, or burnout. This session offers practices for staying open without being swept away. In this hour together\, we’ll explore: The difference between empathy (feeling with) and compassion (feeling for)—and why it mattersWhy highly sensitive and caring people are especially vulnerable to overwhelmPractices for containment: allowing grief and care without drowning in themHow to stay connected to the world’s suffering without abandoning yourselfYou’ll leave with tools you can use when the weight of the world feels like too much—and a clearer sense of how to care sustainably. This is session 2 of our 2026 online drop-in series – see here for future sessions Staying Whole: Meditation Tools For Fragmented Times series. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Session DetailsDate: Thursday June 4\, 2026Time: 7-8 pm Mountain Time (6 pm PST\, 8 pm Central\, 9 pm EST)Format: Live online via Zoom (recording available)Cost: By donation (Dāna)—everyone welcome regardless of financial circumstances \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Photo courtesy of Ava Maclean\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n "You can read and try all sorts of things by yourself\, but doing it with a group\, and with Karen and Duncan as wonderful teachers who really know what they are doing\, will set you up to get closer to the direction and peace that you so deeply crave." \n Erika RasmussenWriter and Film Maker \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Register Here\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n What We’ll ExploreWhen we care deeply\, we often absorb more than we realize. Over time\, the weight of others’ pain — and the state of the world — can leave us feeling depleted\, numb\, or caught in cycles of guilt and withdrawal. We lose access to the very compassion we value most. In this hour together\, we’ll explore: The difference between empathy and compassion — and why understanding this distinction can protect you from burnoutWhy highly sensitive and caring people are especially vulnerable to overwhelmPractices for staying open to suffering without being swept away by itHow to grieve\, care\, and stay connected — without abandoning yourself in the processYou’ll leave with tools you can use when the weight of the world feels like too much\, and a clearer sense of how to care sustainably. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n What to ExpectEach session in the series weaves together: Teaching grounded in Buddhist wisdom and 35+ years of practice\, adapted for real-world applicationGuided practice you can use immediately and return to between sessionsReflection & dialogue with others navigating similar terrainIntegration tools designed for daily life\, not just the cushion \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Photo courtesy of Ava Maclean\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Register Here\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Part of the 2026 Staying Whole SeriesThis session is the second of Staying Whole: Meditation Tools for Fragmented Times\, a six-session online drop-in series running through 2026\, offering practical tools for inner steadiness\, relational resilience\, and community belonging. Each session stands alone\, so you’re welcome to join just this one. And if this resonates\, the series continues on June 25 with Boundaries As Stability: Protecting Energy Without Disconnecting Learn more about the full series here \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Your Guides For The SeriesDuncan Cryle has practiced meditation and Buddhist Dharma for over 35 years in the Namgyal lineage with Qapel and Catherine Sensei. He was a founding member of Clear Sky in 2004 and a resident since 2018. Duncan has been teaching for over 20 years—with Awaken in Toronto\, Despertando no Brasil (“Awakening in Brazil”)\, and through Clear Sky’s Integrating Mindfulness program. Through the intense work of living in intentional community—navigating conflict\, collaboration\, and collective decision-making—he’s learned firsthand what it takes to stay whole in fragmented times. He also spent many years in senior business roles pioneering workplace mindfulness\, and now consults with nonprofits and mission-driven organizations on building mindfulness\, resilience\, and trust. Karen McAllister has practiced meditation since the 1990s and studied Buddhist Dharma for over 25 years in the Namgyal lineage with Qapel and Catherine Pawasarat Sensei. She was a founding member of Clear Sky in 2004 and has been a resident since 2018. Karen has been teaching meditation and mindfulness for over 13 years through Awaken in Toronto\, Despertando no Brasil (“Awakening in Brazil”)\, and Clear Sky’s Integrating Mindfulness and Money & Spirituality programs. Through the ongoing practice of living in intentional community\, navigating relationship\, conflict\, and shared responsibility\, she has learned firsthand what it takes to stay grounded and whole in uncertain and changing times. Alongside her teaching\, Karen serves as Co-Executive Director of Clear Sky and leads the funding of the Temple project\, supporting a long-term vision of refuge and deep practice for generations to come. She is also the founder of Mindful Money Coaching\, where she supports people in the helping professions and mission-driven fields to transform their relationship with money\, bringing awareness to how they give\, receive\, and steward resources in alignment with their values and purpose. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n ... And special guest teachers from the Clear Sky onsite Sangha \n \n \n \n Clear Sky’s onsite team have a rich diversity of experience and many years of deep spiritual practice.  During this series we’ll benefit from bringing in other voices to add depth and range to the exploration. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n "Duncan and Karen are wonderful instructors who help everyone\, from beginners to people with more experience\, practice meditation and self-care. As I joined remotely\, I appreciated how the online participants were engaged through conversation and breakout rooms." \n Kristi \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Register Here URL:https://www.clearskycenter.org/event/sangha-christmas-retreat-2024/ CATEGORIES:Featured Courses,Group Retreats and Courses ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://www.clearskycenter.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/Sangha-Christmas-Retreat.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Edmonton:20241224T143000 DTEND;TZID=America/Edmonton:20241224T160000 DTSTAMP:20260430T102452 CREATED:20241220T190242Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260307T075733Z UID:23593-1735050600-1735056000@www.clearskycenter.org SUMMARY:Qapel: Life and Teachings Christmas Celebration DESCRIPTION:Compassion Without Overwhelm: Feeling Without CollapsingWith Karen McAllister and Duncan Cryle Thursday June 4 2026 7-8 pm Mountain Time (6 pm PST\, 8 pm Central\, 9 pm EST) Pay-From-The-Heart Session 2 of 6 of our 2026 online drop-in series – see here for other sessions in the series: Staying Whole: Meditation Tools for Fragmented Times \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n You care deeply. And it’s exhausting. Grief about the state of the world. The people around you that you see suffering. The troubles on the news.  If you’re someone who feels things deeply\, you’ve probably learned to manage by numbing\, distancing\, or staying busy.  Compassion is an essential part of life and being human\, a quality that is central to our spiritual growth. But without the resilience and perspective to go with it\, it can tip into overwhelm\, collapse\, or burnout. This session offers practices for staying open without being swept away. In this hour together\, we’ll explore: The difference between empathy (feeling with) and compassion (feeling for)—and why it mattersWhy highly sensitive and caring people are especially vulnerable to overwhelmPractices for containment: allowing grief and care without drowning in themHow to stay connected to the world’s suffering without abandoning yourselfYou’ll leave with tools you can use when the weight of the world feels like too much—and a clearer sense of how to care sustainably. This is session 2 of our 2026 online drop-in series – see here for future sessions Staying Whole: Meditation Tools For Fragmented Times series. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Session DetailsDate: Thursday June 4\, 2026Time: 7-8 pm Mountain Time (6 pm PST\, 8 pm Central\, 9 pm EST)Format: Live online via Zoom (recording available)Cost: By donation (Dāna)—everyone welcome regardless of financial circumstances \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Photo courtesy of Ava Maclean\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n "You can read and try all sorts of things by yourself\, but doing it with a group\, and with Karen and Duncan as wonderful teachers who really know what they are doing\, will set you up to get closer to the direction and peace that you so deeply crave." \n Erika RasmussenWriter and Film Maker \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Register Here\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n What We’ll ExploreWhen we care deeply\, we often absorb more than we realize. Over time\, the weight of others’ pain — and the state of the world — can leave us feeling depleted\, numb\, or caught in cycles of guilt and withdrawal. We lose access to the very compassion we value most. In this hour together\, we’ll explore: The difference between empathy and compassion — and why understanding this distinction can protect you from burnoutWhy highly sensitive and caring people are especially vulnerable to overwhelmPractices for staying open to suffering without being swept away by itHow to grieve\, care\, and stay connected — without abandoning yourself in the processYou’ll leave with tools you can use when the weight of the world feels like too much\, and a clearer sense of how to care sustainably. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n What to ExpectEach session in the series weaves together: Teaching grounded in Buddhist wisdom and 35+ years of practice\, adapted for real-world applicationGuided practice you can use immediately and return to between sessionsReflection & dialogue with others navigating similar terrainIntegration tools designed for daily life\, not just the cushion \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Photo courtesy of Ava Maclean\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Register Here\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Part of the 2026 Staying Whole SeriesThis session is the second of Staying Whole: Meditation Tools for Fragmented Times\, a six-session online drop-in series running through 2026\, offering practical tools for inner steadiness\, relational resilience\, and community belonging. Each session stands alone\, so you’re welcome to join just this one. And if this resonates\, the series continues on June 25 with Boundaries As Stability: Protecting Energy Without Disconnecting Learn more about the full series here \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Your Guides For The SeriesDuncan Cryle has practiced meditation and Buddhist Dharma for over 35 years in the Namgyal lineage with Qapel and Catherine Sensei. He was a founding member of Clear Sky in 2004 and a resident since 2018. Duncan has been teaching for over 20 years—with Awaken in Toronto\, Despertando no Brasil (“Awakening in Brazil”)\, and through Clear Sky’s Integrating Mindfulness program. Through the intense work of living in intentional community—navigating conflict\, collaboration\, and collective decision-making—he’s learned firsthand what it takes to stay whole in fragmented times. He also spent many years in senior business roles pioneering workplace mindfulness\, and now consults with nonprofits and mission-driven organizations on building mindfulness\, resilience\, and trust. Karen McAllister has practiced meditation since the 1990s and studied Buddhist Dharma for over 25 years in the Namgyal lineage with Qapel and Catherine Pawasarat Sensei. She was a founding member of Clear Sky in 2004 and has been a resident since 2018. Karen has been teaching meditation and mindfulness for over 13 years through Awaken in Toronto\, Despertando no Brasil (“Awakening in Brazil”)\, and Clear Sky’s Integrating Mindfulness and Money & Spirituality programs. Through the ongoing practice of living in intentional community\, navigating relationship\, conflict\, and shared responsibility\, she has learned firsthand what it takes to stay grounded and whole in uncertain and changing times. Alongside her teaching\, Karen serves as Co-Executive Director of Clear Sky and leads the funding of the Temple project\, supporting a long-term vision of refuge and deep practice for generations to come. She is also the founder of Mindful Money Coaching\, where she supports people in the helping professions and mission-driven fields to transform their relationship with money\, bringing awareness to how they give\, receive\, and steward resources in alignment with their values and purpose. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n ... And special guest teachers from the Clear Sky onsite Sangha \n \n \n \n Clear Sky’s onsite team have a rich diversity of experience and many years of deep spiritual practice.  During this series we’ll benefit from bringing in other voices to add depth and range to the exploration. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n "Duncan and Karen are wonderful instructors who help everyone\, from beginners to people with more experience\, practice meditation and self-care. As I joined remotely\, I appreciated how the online participants were engaged through conversation and breakout rooms." \n Kristi \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Register Here URL:https://www.clearskycenter.org/event/qapel-celebration/ CATEGORIES:Featured Courses,Online Courses,Special Events ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://www.clearskycenter.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/2025-PD-courses-Square-IG-Post-7.png END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Edmonton:20250112T093000 DTEND;TZID=America/Edmonton:20250202T110000 DTSTAMP:20260430T102452 CREATED:20240829T175029Z LAST-MODIFIED:20251209T103930Z UID:22571-1736674200-1738494000@www.clearskycenter.org SUMMARY:Waking Up & Growing Up: Integral Evolution (Online) DESCRIPTION:Compassion Without Overwhelm: Feeling Without CollapsingWith Karen McAllister and Duncan Cryle Thursday June 4 2026 7-8 pm Mountain Time (6 pm PST\, 8 pm Central\, 9 pm EST) Pay-From-The-Heart Session 2 of 6 of our 2026 online drop-in series – see here for other sessions in the series: Staying Whole: Meditation Tools for Fragmented Times \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n You care deeply. And it’s exhausting. Grief about the state of the world. The people around you that you see suffering. The troubles on the news.  If you’re someone who feels things deeply\, you’ve probably learned to manage by numbing\, distancing\, or staying busy.  Compassion is an essential part of life and being human\, a quality that is central to our spiritual growth. But without the resilience and perspective to go with it\, it can tip into overwhelm\, collapse\, or burnout. This session offers practices for staying open without being swept away. In this hour together\, we’ll explore: The difference between empathy (feeling with) and compassion (feeling for)—and why it mattersWhy highly sensitive and caring people are especially vulnerable to overwhelmPractices for containment: allowing grief and care without drowning in themHow to stay connected to the world’s suffering without abandoning yourselfYou’ll leave with tools you can use when the weight of the world feels like too much—and a clearer sense of how to care sustainably. This is session 2 of our 2026 online drop-in series – see here for future sessions Staying Whole: Meditation Tools For Fragmented Times series. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Session DetailsDate: Thursday June 4\, 2026Time: 7-8 pm Mountain Time (6 pm PST\, 8 pm Central\, 9 pm EST)Format: Live online via Zoom (recording available)Cost: By donation (Dāna)—everyone welcome regardless of financial circumstances \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Photo courtesy of Ava Maclean\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n "You can read and try all sorts of things by yourself\, but doing it with a group\, and with Karen and Duncan as wonderful teachers who really know what they are doing\, will set you up to get closer to the direction and peace that you so deeply crave." \n Erika RasmussenWriter and Film Maker \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Register Here\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n What We’ll ExploreWhen we care deeply\, we often absorb more than we realize. Over time\, the weight of others’ pain — and the state of the world — can leave us feeling depleted\, numb\, or caught in cycles of guilt and withdrawal. We lose access to the very compassion we value most. In this hour together\, we’ll explore: The difference between empathy and compassion — and why understanding this distinction can protect you from burnoutWhy highly sensitive and caring people are especially vulnerable to overwhelmPractices for staying open to suffering without being swept away by itHow to grieve\, care\, and stay connected — without abandoning yourself in the processYou’ll leave with tools you can use when the weight of the world feels like too much\, and a clearer sense of how to care sustainably. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n What to ExpectEach session in the series weaves together: Teaching grounded in Buddhist wisdom and 35+ years of practice\, adapted for real-world applicationGuided practice you can use immediately and return to between sessionsReflection & dialogue with others navigating similar terrainIntegration tools designed for daily life\, not just the cushion \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Photo courtesy of Ava Maclean\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Register Here\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Part of the 2026 Staying Whole SeriesThis session is the second of Staying Whole: Meditation Tools for Fragmented Times\, a six-session online drop-in series running through 2026\, offering practical tools for inner steadiness\, relational resilience\, and community belonging. Each session stands alone\, so you’re welcome to join just this one. And if this resonates\, the series continues on June 25 with Boundaries As Stability: Protecting Energy Without Disconnecting Learn more about the full series here \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Your Guides For The SeriesDuncan Cryle has practiced meditation and Buddhist Dharma for over 35 years in the Namgyal lineage with Qapel and Catherine Sensei. He was a founding member of Clear Sky in 2004 and a resident since 2018. Duncan has been teaching for over 20 years—with Awaken in Toronto\, Despertando no Brasil (“Awakening in Brazil”)\, and through Clear Sky’s Integrating Mindfulness program. Through the intense work of living in intentional community—navigating conflict\, collaboration\, and collective decision-making—he’s learned firsthand what it takes to stay whole in fragmented times. He also spent many years in senior business roles pioneering workplace mindfulness\, and now consults with nonprofits and mission-driven organizations on building mindfulness\, resilience\, and trust. Karen McAllister has practiced meditation since the 1990s and studied Buddhist Dharma for over 25 years in the Namgyal lineage with Qapel and Catherine Pawasarat Sensei. She was a founding member of Clear Sky in 2004 and has been a resident since 2018. Karen has been teaching meditation and mindfulness for over 13 years through Awaken in Toronto\, Despertando no Brasil (“Awakening in Brazil”)\, and Clear Sky’s Integrating Mindfulness and Money & Spirituality programs. Through the ongoing practice of living in intentional community\, navigating relationship\, conflict\, and shared responsibility\, she has learned firsthand what it takes to stay grounded and whole in uncertain and changing times. Alongside her teaching\, Karen serves as Co-Executive Director of Clear Sky and leads the funding of the Temple project\, supporting a long-term vision of refuge and deep practice for generations to come. She is also the founder of Mindful Money Coaching\, where she supports people in the helping professions and mission-driven fields to transform their relationship with money\, bringing awareness to how they give\, receive\, and steward resources in alignment with their values and purpose. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n ... And special guest teachers from the Clear Sky onsite Sangha \n \n \n \n Clear Sky’s onsite team have a rich diversity of experience and many years of deep spiritual practice.  During this series we’ll benefit from bringing in other voices to add depth and range to the exploration. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n "Duncan and Karen are wonderful instructors who help everyone\, from beginners to people with more experience\, practice meditation and self-care. As I joined remotely\, I appreciated how the online participants were engaged through conversation and breakout rooms." \n Kristi \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Register Here URL:https://www.clearskycenter.org/event/integral-buddhism/ CATEGORIES:Featured Courses,Online Courses ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://www.clearskycenter.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/2025-PD-courses-Square-IG-Post-3.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20250125T100000 DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20250125T113000 DTSTAMP:20260430T102452 CREATED:20241023T164820Z LAST-MODIFIED:20251208T064831Z UID:23198-1737799200-1737804600@www.clearskycenter.org SUMMARY:FREE WEBINAR: Integrating the Money Shadow in your Spiritual Life DESCRIPTION:Compassion Without Overwhelm: Feeling Without CollapsingWith Karen McAllister and Duncan Cryle Thursday June 4 2026 7-8 pm Mountain Time (6 pm PST\, 8 pm Central\, 9 pm EST) Pay-From-The-Heart Session 2 of 6 of our 2026 online drop-in series – see here for other sessions in the series: Staying Whole: Meditation Tools for Fragmented Times \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n You care deeply. And it’s exhausting. Grief about the state of the world. The people around you that you see suffering. The troubles on the news.  If you’re someone who feels things deeply\, you’ve probably learned to manage by numbing\, distancing\, or staying busy.  Compassion is an essential part of life and being human\, a quality that is central to our spiritual growth. But without the resilience and perspective to go with it\, it can tip into overwhelm\, collapse\, or burnout. This session offers practices for staying open without being swept away. In this hour together\, we’ll explore: The difference between empathy (feeling with) and compassion (feeling for)—and why it mattersWhy highly sensitive and caring people are especially vulnerable to overwhelmPractices for containment: allowing grief and care without drowning in themHow to stay connected to the world’s suffering without abandoning yourselfYou’ll leave with tools you can use when the weight of the world feels like too much—and a clearer sense of how to care sustainably. This is session 2 of our 2026 online drop-in series – see here for future sessions Staying Whole: Meditation Tools For Fragmented Times series. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Session DetailsDate: Thursday June 4\, 2026Time: 7-8 pm Mountain Time (6 pm PST\, 8 pm Central\, 9 pm EST)Format: Live online via Zoom (recording available)Cost: By donation (Dāna)—everyone welcome regardless of financial circumstances \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Photo courtesy of Ava Maclean\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n "You can read and try all sorts of things by yourself\, but doing it with a group\, and with Karen and Duncan as wonderful teachers who really know what they are doing\, will set you up to get closer to the direction and peace that you so deeply crave." \n Erika RasmussenWriter and Film Maker \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Register Here\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n What We’ll ExploreWhen we care deeply\, we often absorb more than we realize. Over time\, the weight of others’ pain — and the state of the world — can leave us feeling depleted\, numb\, or caught in cycles of guilt and withdrawal. We lose access to the very compassion we value most. In this hour together\, we’ll explore: The difference between empathy and compassion — and why understanding this distinction can protect you from burnoutWhy highly sensitive and caring people are especially vulnerable to overwhelmPractices for staying open to suffering without being swept away by itHow to grieve\, care\, and stay connected — without abandoning yourself in the processYou’ll leave with tools you can use when the weight of the world feels like too much\, and a clearer sense of how to care sustainably. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n What to ExpectEach session in the series weaves together: Teaching grounded in Buddhist wisdom and 35+ years of practice\, adapted for real-world applicationGuided practice you can use immediately and return to between sessionsReflection & dialogue with others navigating similar terrainIntegration tools designed for daily life\, not just the cushion \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Photo courtesy of Ava Maclean\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Register Here\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Part of the 2026 Staying Whole SeriesThis session is the second of Staying Whole: Meditation Tools for Fragmented Times\, a six-session online drop-in series running through 2026\, offering practical tools for inner steadiness\, relational resilience\, and community belonging. Each session stands alone\, so you’re welcome to join just this one. And if this resonates\, the series continues on June 25 with Boundaries As Stability: Protecting Energy Without Disconnecting Learn more about the full series here \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Your Guides For The SeriesDuncan Cryle has practiced meditation and Buddhist Dharma for over 35 years in the Namgyal lineage with Qapel and Catherine Sensei. He was a founding member of Clear Sky in 2004 and a resident since 2018. Duncan has been teaching for over 20 years—with Awaken in Toronto\, Despertando no Brasil (“Awakening in Brazil”)\, and through Clear Sky’s Integrating Mindfulness program. Through the intense work of living in intentional community—navigating conflict\, collaboration\, and collective decision-making—he’s learned firsthand what it takes to stay whole in fragmented times. He also spent many years in senior business roles pioneering workplace mindfulness\, and now consults with nonprofits and mission-driven organizations on building mindfulness\, resilience\, and trust. Karen McAllister has practiced meditation since the 1990s and studied Buddhist Dharma for over 25 years in the Namgyal lineage with Qapel and Catherine Pawasarat Sensei. She was a founding member of Clear Sky in 2004 and has been a resident since 2018. Karen has been teaching meditation and mindfulness for over 13 years through Awaken in Toronto\, Despertando no Brasil (“Awakening in Brazil”)\, and Clear Sky’s Integrating Mindfulness and Money & Spirituality programs. Through the ongoing practice of living in intentional community\, navigating relationship\, conflict\, and shared responsibility\, she has learned firsthand what it takes to stay grounded and whole in uncertain and changing times. Alongside her teaching\, Karen serves as Co-Executive Director of Clear Sky and leads the funding of the Temple project\, supporting a long-term vision of refuge and deep practice for generations to come. She is also the founder of Mindful Money Coaching\, where she supports people in the helping professions and mission-driven fields to transform their relationship with money\, bringing awareness to how they give\, receive\, and steward resources in alignment with their values and purpose. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n ... And special guest teachers from the Clear Sky onsite Sangha \n \n \n \n Clear Sky’s onsite team have a rich diversity of experience and many years of deep spiritual practice.  During this series we’ll benefit from bringing in other voices to add depth and range to the exploration. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n "Duncan and Karen are wonderful instructors who help everyone\, from beginners to people with more experience\, practice meditation and self-care. As I joined remotely\, I appreciated how the online participants were engaged through conversation and breakout rooms." \n Kristi \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Register Here URL:https://www.clearskycenter.org/event/free-webinar-integrating-the-money-shadow-in-your-spiritual-life-2025/ LOCATION:Online CATEGORIES:Coaching,Online Courses ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://www.clearskycenter.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/2024-Programming-1.jpg ORGANIZER;CN="Clear Sky Center":MAILTO:contact@clearskycenter.org END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20250215T100000 DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20250308T120000 DTSTAMP:20260430T102452 CREATED:20241023T160454Z LAST-MODIFIED:20250801T154706Z UID:22588-1739613600-1741435200@www.clearskycenter.org SUMMARY:Money & Spirituality: Integrating Spiritual and Material (Online) DESCRIPTION:Compassion Without Overwhelm: Feeling Without CollapsingWith Karen McAllister and Duncan Cryle Thursday June 4 2026 7-8 pm Mountain Time (6 pm PST\, 8 pm Central\, 9 pm EST) Pay-From-The-Heart Session 2 of 6 of our 2026 online drop-in series – see here for other sessions in the series: Staying Whole: Meditation Tools for Fragmented Times \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n You care deeply. And it’s exhausting. Grief about the state of the world. The people around you that you see suffering. The troubles on the news.  If you’re someone who feels things deeply\, you’ve probably learned to manage by numbing\, distancing\, or staying busy.  Compassion is an essential part of life and being human\, a quality that is central to our spiritual growth. But without the resilience and perspective to go with it\, it can tip into overwhelm\, collapse\, or burnout. This session offers practices for staying open without being swept away. In this hour together\, we’ll explore: The difference between empathy (feeling with) and compassion (feeling for)—and why it mattersWhy highly sensitive and caring people are especially vulnerable to overwhelmPractices for containment: allowing grief and care without drowning in themHow to stay connected to the world’s suffering without abandoning yourselfYou’ll leave with tools you can use when the weight of the world feels like too much—and a clearer sense of how to care sustainably. This is session 2 of our 2026 online drop-in series – see here for future sessions Staying Whole: Meditation Tools For Fragmented Times series. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Session DetailsDate: Thursday June 4\, 2026Time: 7-8 pm Mountain Time (6 pm PST\, 8 pm Central\, 9 pm EST)Format: Live online via Zoom (recording available)Cost: By donation (Dāna)—everyone welcome regardless of financial circumstances \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Photo courtesy of Ava Maclean\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n "You can read and try all sorts of things by yourself\, but doing it with a group\, and with Karen and Duncan as wonderful teachers who really know what they are doing\, will set you up to get closer to the direction and peace that you so deeply crave." \n Erika RasmussenWriter and Film Maker \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Register Here\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n What We’ll ExploreWhen we care deeply\, we often absorb more than we realize. Over time\, the weight of others’ pain — and the state of the world — can leave us feeling depleted\, numb\, or caught in cycles of guilt and withdrawal. We lose access to the very compassion we value most. In this hour together\, we’ll explore: The difference between empathy and compassion — and why understanding this distinction can protect you from burnoutWhy highly sensitive and caring people are especially vulnerable to overwhelmPractices for staying open to suffering without being swept away by itHow to grieve\, care\, and stay connected — without abandoning yourself in the processYou’ll leave with tools you can use when the weight of the world feels like too much\, and a clearer sense of how to care sustainably. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n What to ExpectEach session in the series weaves together: Teaching grounded in Buddhist wisdom and 35+ years of practice\, adapted for real-world applicationGuided practice you can use immediately and return to between sessionsReflection & dialogue with others navigating similar terrainIntegration tools designed for daily life\, not just the cushion \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Photo courtesy of Ava Maclean\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Register Here\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Part of the 2026 Staying Whole SeriesThis session is the second of Staying Whole: Meditation Tools for Fragmented Times\, a six-session online drop-in series running through 2026\, offering practical tools for inner steadiness\, relational resilience\, and community belonging. Each session stands alone\, so you’re welcome to join just this one. And if this resonates\, the series continues on June 25 with Boundaries As Stability: Protecting Energy Without Disconnecting Learn more about the full series here \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Your Guides For The SeriesDuncan Cryle has practiced meditation and Buddhist Dharma for over 35 years in the Namgyal lineage with Qapel and Catherine Sensei. He was a founding member of Clear Sky in 2004 and a resident since 2018. Duncan has been teaching for over 20 years—with Awaken in Toronto\, Despertando no Brasil (“Awakening in Brazil”)\, and through Clear Sky’s Integrating Mindfulness program. Through the intense work of living in intentional community—navigating conflict\, collaboration\, and collective decision-making—he’s learned firsthand what it takes to stay whole in fragmented times. He also spent many years in senior business roles pioneering workplace mindfulness\, and now consults with nonprofits and mission-driven organizations on building mindfulness\, resilience\, and trust. Karen McAllister has practiced meditation since the 1990s and studied Buddhist Dharma for over 25 years in the Namgyal lineage with Qapel and Catherine Pawasarat Sensei. She was a founding member of Clear Sky in 2004 and has been a resident since 2018. Karen has been teaching meditation and mindfulness for over 13 years through Awaken in Toronto\, Despertando no Brasil (“Awakening in Brazil”)\, and Clear Sky’s Integrating Mindfulness and Money & Spirituality programs. Through the ongoing practice of living in intentional community\, navigating relationship\, conflict\, and shared responsibility\, she has learned firsthand what it takes to stay grounded and whole in uncertain and changing times. Alongside her teaching\, Karen serves as Co-Executive Director of Clear Sky and leads the funding of the Temple project\, supporting a long-term vision of refuge and deep practice for generations to come. She is also the founder of Mindful Money Coaching\, where she supports people in the helping professions and mission-driven fields to transform their relationship with money\, bringing awareness to how they give\, receive\, and steward resources in alignment with their values and purpose. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n ... And special guest teachers from the Clear Sky onsite Sangha \n \n \n \n Clear Sky’s onsite team have a rich diversity of experience and many years of deep spiritual practice.  During this series we’ll benefit from bringing in other voices to add depth and range to the exploration. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n "Duncan and Karen are wonderful instructors who help everyone\, from beginners to people with more experience\, practice meditation and self-care. As I joined remotely\, I appreciated how the online participants were engaged through conversation and breakout rooms." \n Kristi \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Register Here URL:https://www.clearskycenter.org/event/money-spirituality-integrating-spiritual-and-material-online/2025-02-15/ CATEGORIES:Money & Spirituality,Online Courses ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://www.clearskycenter.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/2024-Programming.png ORGANIZER;CN="Clear Sky Center":MAILTO:contact@clearskycenter.org END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;VALUE=DATE:20250313 DTEND;VALUE=DATE:20250404 DTSTAMP:20260430T102452 CREATED:20240225T235112Z LAST-MODIFIED:20251206T092250Z UID:21655-1741824000-1743724799@www.clearskycenter.org SUMMARY:Meditation Circle: The Dance of Generosity\, Reciprocity and Collaboration DESCRIPTION:Compassion Without Overwhelm: Feeling Without CollapsingWith Karen McAllister and Duncan Cryle Thursday June 4 2026 7-8 pm Mountain Time (6 pm PST\, 8 pm Central\, 9 pm EST) Pay-From-The-Heart Session 2 of 6 of our 2026 online drop-in series – see here for other sessions in the series: Staying Whole: Meditation Tools for Fragmented Times \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n You care deeply. And it’s exhausting. Grief about the state of the world. The people around you that you see suffering. The troubles on the news.  If you’re someone who feels things deeply\, you’ve probably learned to manage by numbing\, distancing\, or staying busy.  Compassion is an essential part of life and being human\, a quality that is central to our spiritual growth. But without the resilience and perspective to go with it\, it can tip into overwhelm\, collapse\, or burnout. This session offers practices for staying open without being swept away. In this hour together\, we’ll explore: The difference between empathy (feeling with) and compassion (feeling for)—and why it mattersWhy highly sensitive and caring people are especially vulnerable to overwhelmPractices for containment: allowing grief and care without drowning in themHow to stay connected to the world’s suffering without abandoning yourselfYou’ll leave with tools you can use when the weight of the world feels like too much—and a clearer sense of how to care sustainably. This is session 2 of our 2026 online drop-in series – see here for future sessions Staying Whole: Meditation Tools For Fragmented Times series. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Session DetailsDate: Thursday June 4\, 2026Time: 7-8 pm Mountain Time (6 pm PST\, 8 pm Central\, 9 pm EST)Format: Live online via Zoom (recording available)Cost: By donation (Dāna)—everyone welcome regardless of financial circumstances \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Photo courtesy of Ava Maclean\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n "You can read and try all sorts of things by yourself\, but doing it with a group\, and with Karen and Duncan as wonderful teachers who really know what they are doing\, will set you up to get closer to the direction and peace that you so deeply crave." \n Erika RasmussenWriter and Film Maker \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Register Here\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n What We’ll ExploreWhen we care deeply\, we often absorb more than we realize. Over time\, the weight of others’ pain — and the state of the world — can leave us feeling depleted\, numb\, or caught in cycles of guilt and withdrawal. We lose access to the very compassion we value most. In this hour together\, we’ll explore: The difference between empathy and compassion — and why understanding this distinction can protect you from burnoutWhy highly sensitive and caring people are especially vulnerable to overwhelmPractices for staying open to suffering without being swept away by itHow to grieve\, care\, and stay connected — without abandoning yourself in the processYou’ll leave with tools you can use when the weight of the world feels like too much\, and a clearer sense of how to care sustainably. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n What to ExpectEach session in the series weaves together: Teaching grounded in Buddhist wisdom and 35+ years of practice\, adapted for real-world applicationGuided practice you can use immediately and return to between sessionsReflection & dialogue with others navigating similar terrainIntegration tools designed for daily life\, not just the cushion \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Photo courtesy of Ava Maclean\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Register Here\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Part of the 2026 Staying Whole SeriesThis session is the second of Staying Whole: Meditation Tools for Fragmented Times\, a six-session online drop-in series running through 2026\, offering practical tools for inner steadiness\, relational resilience\, and community belonging. Each session stands alone\, so you’re welcome to join just this one. And if this resonates\, the series continues on June 25 with Boundaries As Stability: Protecting Energy Without Disconnecting Learn more about the full series here \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Your Guides For The SeriesDuncan Cryle has practiced meditation and Buddhist Dharma for over 35 years in the Namgyal lineage with Qapel and Catherine Sensei. He was a founding member of Clear Sky in 2004 and a resident since 2018. Duncan has been teaching for over 20 years—with Awaken in Toronto\, Despertando no Brasil (“Awakening in Brazil”)\, and through Clear Sky’s Integrating Mindfulness program. Through the intense work of living in intentional community—navigating conflict\, collaboration\, and collective decision-making—he’s learned firsthand what it takes to stay whole in fragmented times. He also spent many years in senior business roles pioneering workplace mindfulness\, and now consults with nonprofits and mission-driven organizations on building mindfulness\, resilience\, and trust. Karen McAllister has practiced meditation since the 1990s and studied Buddhist Dharma for over 25 years in the Namgyal lineage with Qapel and Catherine Pawasarat Sensei. She was a founding member of Clear Sky in 2004 and has been a resident since 2018. Karen has been teaching meditation and mindfulness for over 13 years through Awaken in Toronto\, Despertando no Brasil (“Awakening in Brazil”)\, and Clear Sky’s Integrating Mindfulness and Money & Spirituality programs. Through the ongoing practice of living in intentional community\, navigating relationship\, conflict\, and shared responsibility\, she has learned firsthand what it takes to stay grounded and whole in uncertain and changing times. Alongside her teaching\, Karen serves as Co-Executive Director of Clear Sky and leads the funding of the Temple project\, supporting a long-term vision of refuge and deep practice for generations to come. She is also the founder of Mindful Money Coaching\, where she supports people in the helping professions and mission-driven fields to transform their relationship with money\, bringing awareness to how they give\, receive\, and steward resources in alignment with their values and purpose. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n ... And special guest teachers from the Clear Sky onsite Sangha \n \n \n \n Clear Sky’s onsite team have a rich diversity of experience and many years of deep spiritual practice.  During this series we’ll benefit from bringing in other voices to add depth and range to the exploration. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n "Duncan and Karen are wonderful instructors who help everyone\, from beginners to people with more experience\, practice meditation and self-care. As I joined remotely\, I appreciated how the online participants were engaged through conversation and breakout rooms." \n Kristi \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Register Here URL:https://www.clearskycenter.org/event/meditation-circle-the-dance-of-generosity-reciprocity-and-collaboration/ CATEGORIES:Coaching,Meditation Circle,Online Courses ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://www.clearskycenter.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/2.png ORGANIZER;CN="Clear Sky Center":MAILTO:contact@clearskycenter.org END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Edmonton:20250321T170000 DTEND;TZID=America/Edmonton:20250323T150000 DTSTAMP:20260430T102452 CREATED:20241128T230819Z LAST-MODIFIED:20251209T102031Z UID:23142-1742576400-1742742000@www.clearskycenter.org SUMMARY:Dharma in the Stars: Integrating Saturn DESCRIPTION:Compassion Without Overwhelm: Feeling Without CollapsingWith Karen McAllister and Duncan Cryle Thursday June 4 2026 7-8 pm Mountain Time (6 pm PST\, 8 pm Central\, 9 pm EST) Pay-From-The-Heart Session 2 of 6 of our 2026 online drop-in series – see here for other sessions in the series: Staying Whole: Meditation Tools for Fragmented Times \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n You care deeply. And it’s exhausting. Grief about the state of the world. The people around you that you see suffering. The troubles on the news.  If you’re someone who feels things deeply\, you’ve probably learned to manage by numbing\, distancing\, or staying busy.  Compassion is an essential part of life and being human\, a quality that is central to our spiritual growth. But without the resilience and perspective to go with it\, it can tip into overwhelm\, collapse\, or burnout. This session offers practices for staying open without being swept away. In this hour together\, we’ll explore: The difference between empathy (feeling with) and compassion (feeling for)—and why it mattersWhy highly sensitive and caring people are especially vulnerable to overwhelmPractices for containment: allowing grief and care without drowning in themHow to stay connected to the world’s suffering without abandoning yourselfYou’ll leave with tools you can use when the weight of the world feels like too much—and a clearer sense of how to care sustainably. This is session 2 of our 2026 online drop-in series – see here for future sessions Staying Whole: Meditation Tools For Fragmented Times series. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Session DetailsDate: Thursday June 4\, 2026Time: 7-8 pm Mountain Time (6 pm PST\, 8 pm Central\, 9 pm EST)Format: Live online via Zoom (recording available)Cost: By donation (Dāna)—everyone welcome regardless of financial circumstances \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Photo courtesy of Ava Maclean\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n "You can read and try all sorts of things by yourself\, but doing it with a group\, and with Karen and Duncan as wonderful teachers who really know what they are doing\, will set you up to get closer to the direction and peace that you so deeply crave." \n Erika RasmussenWriter and Film Maker \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Register Here\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n What We’ll ExploreWhen we care deeply\, we often absorb more than we realize. Over time\, the weight of others’ pain — and the state of the world — can leave us feeling depleted\, numb\, or caught in cycles of guilt and withdrawal. We lose access to the very compassion we value most. In this hour together\, we’ll explore: The difference between empathy and compassion — and why understanding this distinction can protect you from burnoutWhy highly sensitive and caring people are especially vulnerable to overwhelmPractices for staying open to suffering without being swept away by itHow to grieve\, care\, and stay connected — without abandoning yourself in the processYou’ll leave with tools you can use when the weight of the world feels like too much\, and a clearer sense of how to care sustainably. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n What to ExpectEach session in the series weaves together: Teaching grounded in Buddhist wisdom and 35+ years of practice\, adapted for real-world applicationGuided practice you can use immediately and return to between sessionsReflection & dialogue with others navigating similar terrainIntegration tools designed for daily life\, not just the cushion \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Photo courtesy of Ava Maclean\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Register Here\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Part of the 2026 Staying Whole SeriesThis session is the second of Staying Whole: Meditation Tools for Fragmented Times\, a six-session online drop-in series running through 2026\, offering practical tools for inner steadiness\, relational resilience\, and community belonging. Each session stands alone\, so you’re welcome to join just this one. And if this resonates\, the series continues on June 25 with Boundaries As Stability: Protecting Energy Without Disconnecting Learn more about the full series here \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Your Guides For The SeriesDuncan Cryle has practiced meditation and Buddhist Dharma for over 35 years in the Namgyal lineage with Qapel and Catherine Sensei. He was a founding member of Clear Sky in 2004 and a resident since 2018. Duncan has been teaching for over 20 years—with Awaken in Toronto\, Despertando no Brasil (“Awakening in Brazil”)\, and through Clear Sky’s Integrating Mindfulness program. Through the intense work of living in intentional community—navigating conflict\, collaboration\, and collective decision-making—he’s learned firsthand what it takes to stay whole in fragmented times. He also spent many years in senior business roles pioneering workplace mindfulness\, and now consults with nonprofits and mission-driven organizations on building mindfulness\, resilience\, and trust. Karen McAllister has practiced meditation since the 1990s and studied Buddhist Dharma for over 25 years in the Namgyal lineage with Qapel and Catherine Pawasarat Sensei. She was a founding member of Clear Sky in 2004 and has been a resident since 2018. Karen has been teaching meditation and mindfulness for over 13 years through Awaken in Toronto\, Despertando no Brasil (“Awakening in Brazil”)\, and Clear Sky’s Integrating Mindfulness and Money & Spirituality programs. Through the ongoing practice of living in intentional community\, navigating relationship\, conflict\, and shared responsibility\, she has learned firsthand what it takes to stay grounded and whole in uncertain and changing times. Alongside her teaching\, Karen serves as Co-Executive Director of Clear Sky and leads the funding of the Temple project\, supporting a long-term vision of refuge and deep practice for generations to come. She is also the founder of Mindful Money Coaching\, where she supports people in the helping professions and mission-driven fields to transform their relationship with money\, bringing awareness to how they give\, receive\, and steward resources in alignment with their values and purpose. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n ... And special guest teachers from the Clear Sky onsite Sangha \n \n \n \n Clear Sky’s onsite team have a rich diversity of experience and many years of deep spiritual practice.  During this series we’ll benefit from bringing in other voices to add depth and range to the exploration. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n "Duncan and Karen are wonderful instructors who help everyone\, from beginners to people with more experience\, practice meditation and self-care. As I joined remotely\, I appreciated how the online participants were engaged through conversation and breakout rooms." \n Kristi \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Register Here URL:https://www.clearskycenter.org/event/dharma-in-the-stars-integrating-saturn/ CATEGORIES:Featured Courses,Group Retreats and Courses,Online Courses ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://www.clearskycenter.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/Dharma-and-Astrology-Course.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Edmonton:20250413T093000 DTEND;TZID=America/Edmonton:20250504T110000 DTSTAMP:20260430T102452 CREATED:20250124T184949Z LAST-MODIFIED:20251209T095630Z UID:23760-1744536600-1746356400@www.clearskycenter.org SUMMARY:Joy! Fuel for Awakening (Online) DESCRIPTION:Compassion Without Overwhelm: Feeling Without CollapsingWith Karen McAllister and Duncan Cryle Thursday June 4 2026 7-8 pm Mountain Time (6 pm PST\, 8 pm Central\, 9 pm EST) Pay-From-The-Heart Session 2 of 6 of our 2026 online drop-in series – see here for other sessions in the series: Staying Whole: Meditation Tools for Fragmented Times \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n You care deeply. And it’s exhausting. Grief about the state of the world. The people around you that you see suffering. The troubles on the news.  If you’re someone who feels things deeply\, you’ve probably learned to manage by numbing\, distancing\, or staying busy.  Compassion is an essential part of life and being human\, a quality that is central to our spiritual growth. But without the resilience and perspective to go with it\, it can tip into overwhelm\, collapse\, or burnout. This session offers practices for staying open without being swept away. In this hour together\, we’ll explore: The difference between empathy (feeling with) and compassion (feeling for)—and why it mattersWhy highly sensitive and caring people are especially vulnerable to overwhelmPractices for containment: allowing grief and care without drowning in themHow to stay connected to the world’s suffering without abandoning yourselfYou’ll leave with tools you can use when the weight of the world feels like too much—and a clearer sense of how to care sustainably. This is session 2 of our 2026 online drop-in series – see here for future sessions Staying Whole: Meditation Tools For Fragmented Times series. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Session DetailsDate: Thursday June 4\, 2026Time: 7-8 pm Mountain Time (6 pm PST\, 8 pm Central\, 9 pm EST)Format: Live online via Zoom (recording available)Cost: By donation (Dāna)—everyone welcome regardless of financial circumstances \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Photo courtesy of Ava Maclean\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n "You can read and try all sorts of things by yourself\, but doing it with a group\, and with Karen and Duncan as wonderful teachers who really know what they are doing\, will set you up to get closer to the direction and peace that you so deeply crave." \n Erika RasmussenWriter and Film Maker \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Register Here\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n What We’ll ExploreWhen we care deeply\, we often absorb more than we realize. Over time\, the weight of others’ pain — and the state of the world — can leave us feeling depleted\, numb\, or caught in cycles of guilt and withdrawal. We lose access to the very compassion we value most. In this hour together\, we’ll explore: The difference between empathy and compassion — and why understanding this distinction can protect you from burnoutWhy highly sensitive and caring people are especially vulnerable to overwhelmPractices for staying open to suffering without being swept away by itHow to grieve\, care\, and stay connected — without abandoning yourself in the processYou’ll leave with tools you can use when the weight of the world feels like too much\, and a clearer sense of how to care sustainably. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n What to ExpectEach session in the series weaves together: Teaching grounded in Buddhist wisdom and 35+ years of practice\, adapted for real-world applicationGuided practice you can use immediately and return to between sessionsReflection & dialogue with others navigating similar terrainIntegration tools designed for daily life\, not just the cushion \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Photo courtesy of Ava Maclean\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Register Here\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Part of the 2026 Staying Whole SeriesThis session is the second of Staying Whole: Meditation Tools for Fragmented Times\, a six-session online drop-in series running through 2026\, offering practical tools for inner steadiness\, relational resilience\, and community belonging. Each session stands alone\, so you’re welcome to join just this one. And if this resonates\, the series continues on June 25 with Boundaries As Stability: Protecting Energy Without Disconnecting Learn more about the full series here \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Your Guides For The SeriesDuncan Cryle has practiced meditation and Buddhist Dharma for over 35 years in the Namgyal lineage with Qapel and Catherine Sensei. He was a founding member of Clear Sky in 2004 and a resident since 2018. Duncan has been teaching for over 20 years—with Awaken in Toronto\, Despertando no Brasil (“Awakening in Brazil”)\, and through Clear Sky’s Integrating Mindfulness program. Through the intense work of living in intentional community—navigating conflict\, collaboration\, and collective decision-making—he’s learned firsthand what it takes to stay whole in fragmented times. He also spent many years in senior business roles pioneering workplace mindfulness\, and now consults with nonprofits and mission-driven organizations on building mindfulness\, resilience\, and trust. Karen McAllister has practiced meditation since the 1990s and studied Buddhist Dharma for over 25 years in the Namgyal lineage with Qapel and Catherine Pawasarat Sensei. She was a founding member of Clear Sky in 2004 and has been a resident since 2018. Karen has been teaching meditation and mindfulness for over 13 years through Awaken in Toronto\, Despertando no Brasil (“Awakening in Brazil”)\, and Clear Sky’s Integrating Mindfulness and Money & Spirituality programs. Through the ongoing practice of living in intentional community\, navigating relationship\, conflict\, and shared responsibility\, she has learned firsthand what it takes to stay grounded and whole in uncertain and changing times. Alongside her teaching\, Karen serves as Co-Executive Director of Clear Sky and leads the funding of the Temple project\, supporting a long-term vision of refuge and deep practice for generations to come. She is also the founder of Mindful Money Coaching\, where she supports people in the helping professions and mission-driven fields to transform their relationship with money\, bringing awareness to how they give\, receive\, and steward resources in alignment with their values and purpose. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n ... And special guest teachers from the Clear Sky onsite Sangha \n \n \n \n Clear Sky’s onsite team have a rich diversity of experience and many years of deep spiritual practice.  During this series we’ll benefit from bringing in other voices to add depth and range to the exploration. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n "Duncan and Karen are wonderful instructors who help everyone\, from beginners to people with more experience\, practice meditation and self-care. As I joined remotely\, I appreciated how the online participants were engaged through conversation and breakout rooms." \n Kristi \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Register Here URL:https://www.clearskycenter.org/event/joy-online-course/ CATEGORIES:Featured Courses,Online Courses ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://www.clearskycenter.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/Joy-Online-Course.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Denver:20250419T150000 DTEND;TZID=America/Denver:20250517T170000 DTSTAMP:20260430T102452 CREATED:20250223T004058Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260310T102712Z UID:24046-1745074800-1747501200@www.clearskycenter.org SUMMARY:Integrating Mindfulness Spring 2025: Tools for Holistic Living (In-Person or Online) DESCRIPTION:Compassion Without Overwhelm: Feeling Without CollapsingWith Karen McAllister and Duncan Cryle Thursday June 4 2026 7-8 pm Mountain Time (6 pm PST\, 8 pm Central\, 9 pm EST) Pay-From-The-Heart Session 2 of 6 of our 2026 online drop-in series – see here for other sessions in the series: Staying Whole: Meditation Tools for Fragmented Times \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n You care deeply. And it’s exhausting. Grief about the state of the world. The people around you that you see suffering. The troubles on the news.  If you’re someone who feels things deeply\, you’ve probably learned to manage by numbing\, distancing\, or staying busy.  Compassion is an essential part of life and being human\, a quality that is central to our spiritual growth. But without the resilience and perspective to go with it\, it can tip into overwhelm\, collapse\, or burnout. This session offers practices for staying open without being swept away. In this hour together\, we’ll explore: The difference between empathy (feeling with) and compassion (feeling for)—and why it mattersWhy highly sensitive and caring people are especially vulnerable to overwhelmPractices for containment: allowing grief and care without drowning in themHow to stay connected to the world’s suffering without abandoning yourselfYou’ll leave with tools you can use when the weight of the world feels like too much—and a clearer sense of how to care sustainably. This is session 2 of our 2026 online drop-in series – see here for future sessions Staying Whole: Meditation Tools For Fragmented Times series. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Session DetailsDate: Thursday June 4\, 2026Time: 7-8 pm Mountain Time (6 pm PST\, 8 pm Central\, 9 pm EST)Format: Live online via Zoom (recording available)Cost: By donation (Dāna)—everyone welcome regardless of financial circumstances \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Photo courtesy of Ava Maclean\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n "You can read and try all sorts of things by yourself\, but doing it with a group\, and with Karen and Duncan as wonderful teachers who really know what they are doing\, will set you up to get closer to the direction and peace that you so deeply crave." \n Erika RasmussenWriter and Film Maker \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Register Here\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n What We’ll ExploreWhen we care deeply\, we often absorb more than we realize. Over time\, the weight of others’ pain — and the state of the world — can leave us feeling depleted\, numb\, or caught in cycles of guilt and withdrawal. We lose access to the very compassion we value most. In this hour together\, we’ll explore: The difference between empathy and compassion — and why understanding this distinction can protect you from burnoutWhy highly sensitive and caring people are especially vulnerable to overwhelmPractices for staying open to suffering without being swept away by itHow to grieve\, care\, and stay connected — without abandoning yourself in the processYou’ll leave with tools you can use when the weight of the world feels like too much\, and a clearer sense of how to care sustainably. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n What to ExpectEach session in the series weaves together: Teaching grounded in Buddhist wisdom and 35+ years of practice\, adapted for real-world applicationGuided practice you can use immediately and return to between sessionsReflection & dialogue with others navigating similar terrainIntegration tools designed for daily life\, not just the cushion \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Photo courtesy of Ava Maclean\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Register Here\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Part of the 2026 Staying Whole SeriesThis session is the second of Staying Whole: Meditation Tools for Fragmented Times\, a six-session online drop-in series running through 2026\, offering practical tools for inner steadiness\, relational resilience\, and community belonging. Each session stands alone\, so you’re welcome to join just this one. And if this resonates\, the series continues on June 25 with Boundaries As Stability: Protecting Energy Without Disconnecting Learn more about the full series here \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Your Guides For The SeriesDuncan Cryle has practiced meditation and Buddhist Dharma for over 35 years in the Namgyal lineage with Qapel and Catherine Sensei. He was a founding member of Clear Sky in 2004 and a resident since 2018. Duncan has been teaching for over 20 years—with Awaken in Toronto\, Despertando no Brasil (“Awakening in Brazil”)\, and through Clear Sky’s Integrating Mindfulness program. Through the intense work of living in intentional community—navigating conflict\, collaboration\, and collective decision-making—he’s learned firsthand what it takes to stay whole in fragmented times. He also spent many years in senior business roles pioneering workplace mindfulness\, and now consults with nonprofits and mission-driven organizations on building mindfulness\, resilience\, and trust. Karen McAllister has practiced meditation since the 1990s and studied Buddhist Dharma for over 25 years in the Namgyal lineage with Qapel and Catherine Pawasarat Sensei. She was a founding member of Clear Sky in 2004 and has been a resident since 2018. Karen has been teaching meditation and mindfulness for over 13 years through Awaken in Toronto\, Despertando no Brasil (“Awakening in Brazil”)\, and Clear Sky’s Integrating Mindfulness and Money & Spirituality programs. Through the ongoing practice of living in intentional community\, navigating relationship\, conflict\, and shared responsibility\, she has learned firsthand what it takes to stay grounded and whole in uncertain and changing times. Alongside her teaching\, Karen serves as Co-Executive Director of Clear Sky and leads the funding of the Temple project\, supporting a long-term vision of refuge and deep practice for generations to come. She is also the founder of Mindful Money Coaching\, where she supports people in the helping professions and mission-driven fields to transform their relationship with money\, bringing awareness to how they give\, receive\, and steward resources in alignment with their values and purpose. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n ... And special guest teachers from the Clear Sky onsite Sangha \n \n \n \n Clear Sky’s onsite team have a rich diversity of experience and many years of deep spiritual practice.  During this series we’ll benefit from bringing in other voices to add depth and range to the exploration. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n "Duncan and Karen are wonderful instructors who help everyone\, from beginners to people with more experience\, practice meditation and self-care. As I joined remotely\, I appreciated how the online participants were engaged through conversation and breakout rooms." \n Kristi \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Register Here URL:https://www.clearskycenter.org/event/integrating-mindfulness-spring-2025-tools-for-holistic-living-in-person-or-online/ CATEGORIES:Integrating Mindfulness,Online Courses,Special Events ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://www.clearskycenter.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/12/Integrating-Mindfulness-Feature-Image.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;VALUE=DATE:20250508 DTEND;VALUE=DATE:20250530 DTSTAMP:20260430T102452 CREATED:20250220T225705Z LAST-MODIFIED:20251209T103105Z UID:24008-1746662400-1748563199@www.clearskycenter.org SUMMARY:Meditation Circle: Sīla - Bringing Relief and Coolness for the Mind DESCRIPTION:Compassion Without Overwhelm: Feeling Without CollapsingWith Karen McAllister and Duncan Cryle Thursday June 4 2026 7-8 pm Mountain Time (6 pm PST\, 8 pm Central\, 9 pm EST) Pay-From-The-Heart Session 2 of 6 of our 2026 online drop-in series – see here for other sessions in the series: Staying Whole: Meditation Tools for Fragmented Times \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n You care deeply. And it’s exhausting. Grief about the state of the world. The people around you that you see suffering. The troubles on the news.  If you’re someone who feels things deeply\, you’ve probably learned to manage by numbing\, distancing\, or staying busy.  Compassion is an essential part of life and being human\, a quality that is central to our spiritual growth. But without the resilience and perspective to go with it\, it can tip into overwhelm\, collapse\, or burnout. This session offers practices for staying open without being swept away. In this hour together\, we’ll explore: The difference between empathy (feeling with) and compassion (feeling for)—and why it mattersWhy highly sensitive and caring people are especially vulnerable to overwhelmPractices for containment: allowing grief and care without drowning in themHow to stay connected to the world’s suffering without abandoning yourselfYou’ll leave with tools you can use when the weight of the world feels like too much—and a clearer sense of how to care sustainably. This is session 2 of our 2026 online drop-in series – see here for future sessions Staying Whole: Meditation Tools For Fragmented Times series. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Session DetailsDate: Thursday June 4\, 2026Time: 7-8 pm Mountain Time (6 pm PST\, 8 pm Central\, 9 pm EST)Format: Live online via Zoom (recording available)Cost: By donation (Dāna)—everyone welcome regardless of financial circumstances \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Photo courtesy of Ava Maclean\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n "You can read and try all sorts of things by yourself\, but doing it with a group\, and with Karen and Duncan as wonderful teachers who really know what they are doing\, will set you up to get closer to the direction and peace that you so deeply crave." \n Erika RasmussenWriter and Film Maker \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Register Here\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n What We’ll ExploreWhen we care deeply\, we often absorb more than we realize. Over time\, the weight of others’ pain — and the state of the world — can leave us feeling depleted\, numb\, or caught in cycles of guilt and withdrawal. We lose access to the very compassion we value most. In this hour together\, we’ll explore: The difference between empathy and compassion — and why understanding this distinction can protect you from burnoutWhy highly sensitive and caring people are especially vulnerable to overwhelmPractices for staying open to suffering without being swept away by itHow to grieve\, care\, and stay connected — without abandoning yourself in the processYou’ll leave with tools you can use when the weight of the world feels like too much\, and a clearer sense of how to care sustainably. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n What to ExpectEach session in the series weaves together: Teaching grounded in Buddhist wisdom and 35+ years of practice\, adapted for real-world applicationGuided practice you can use immediately and return to between sessionsReflection & dialogue with others navigating similar terrainIntegration tools designed for daily life\, not just the cushion \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Photo courtesy of Ava Maclean\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Register Here\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Part of the 2026 Staying Whole SeriesThis session is the second of Staying Whole: Meditation Tools for Fragmented Times\, a six-session online drop-in series running through 2026\, offering practical tools for inner steadiness\, relational resilience\, and community belonging. Each session stands alone\, so you’re welcome to join just this one. And if this resonates\, the series continues on June 25 with Boundaries As Stability: Protecting Energy Without Disconnecting Learn more about the full series here \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Your Guides For The SeriesDuncan Cryle has practiced meditation and Buddhist Dharma for over 35 years in the Namgyal lineage with Qapel and Catherine Sensei. He was a founding member of Clear Sky in 2004 and a resident since 2018. Duncan has been teaching for over 20 years—with Awaken in Toronto\, Despertando no Brasil (“Awakening in Brazil”)\, and through Clear Sky’s Integrating Mindfulness program. Through the intense work of living in intentional community—navigating conflict\, collaboration\, and collective decision-making—he’s learned firsthand what it takes to stay whole in fragmented times. He also spent many years in senior business roles pioneering workplace mindfulness\, and now consults with nonprofits and mission-driven organizations on building mindfulness\, resilience\, and trust. Karen McAllister has practiced meditation since the 1990s and studied Buddhist Dharma for over 25 years in the Namgyal lineage with Qapel and Catherine Pawasarat Sensei. She was a founding member of Clear Sky in 2004 and has been a resident since 2018. Karen has been teaching meditation and mindfulness for over 13 years through Awaken in Toronto\, Despertando no Brasil (“Awakening in Brazil”)\, and Clear Sky’s Integrating Mindfulness and Money & Spirituality programs. Through the ongoing practice of living in intentional community\, navigating relationship\, conflict\, and shared responsibility\, she has learned firsthand what it takes to stay grounded and whole in uncertain and changing times. Alongside her teaching\, Karen serves as Co-Executive Director of Clear Sky and leads the funding of the Temple project\, supporting a long-term vision of refuge and deep practice for generations to come. She is also the founder of Mindful Money Coaching\, where she supports people in the helping professions and mission-driven fields to transform their relationship with money\, bringing awareness to how they give\, receive\, and steward resources in alignment with their values and purpose. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n ... And special guest teachers from the Clear Sky onsite Sangha \n \n \n \n Clear Sky’s onsite team have a rich diversity of experience and many years of deep spiritual practice.  During this series we’ll benefit from bringing in other voices to add depth and range to the exploration. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n "Duncan and Karen are wonderful instructors who help everyone\, from beginners to people with more experience\, practice meditation and self-care. As I joined remotely\, I appreciated how the online participants were engaged through conversation and breakout rooms." \n Kristi \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Register Here URL:https://www.clearskycenter.org/event/meditation-circle-sila-bringing-relief-and-coolness-for-the-mind/ CATEGORIES:Coaching,Meditation Circle,Online Courses ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://www.clearskycenter.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/2.png ORGANIZER;CN="Clear Sky Center":MAILTO:contact@clearskycenter.org END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;VALUE=DATE:20250613 DTEND;VALUE=DATE:20250623 DTSTAMP:20260430T102452 CREATED:20241024T232522Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260307T075323Z UID:22596-1749772800-1750636799@www.clearskycenter.org SUMMARY:Vipassana Meditation Retreat in BC Rocky Mountains DESCRIPTION:Compassion Without Overwhelm: Feeling Without CollapsingWith Karen McAllister and Duncan Cryle Thursday June 4 2026 7-8 pm Mountain Time (6 pm PST\, 8 pm Central\, 9 pm EST) Pay-From-The-Heart Session 2 of 6 of our 2026 online drop-in series – see here for other sessions in the series: Staying Whole: Meditation Tools for Fragmented Times \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n You care deeply. And it’s exhausting. Grief about the state of the world. The people around you that you see suffering. The troubles on the news.  If you’re someone who feels things deeply\, you’ve probably learned to manage by numbing\, distancing\, or staying busy.  Compassion is an essential part of life and being human\, a quality that is central to our spiritual growth. But without the resilience and perspective to go with it\, it can tip into overwhelm\, collapse\, or burnout. This session offers practices for staying open without being swept away. In this hour together\, we’ll explore: The difference between empathy (feeling with) and compassion (feeling for)—and why it mattersWhy highly sensitive and caring people are especially vulnerable to overwhelmPractices for containment: allowing grief and care without drowning in themHow to stay connected to the world’s suffering without abandoning yourselfYou’ll leave with tools you can use when the weight of the world feels like too much—and a clearer sense of how to care sustainably. This is session 2 of our 2026 online drop-in series – see here for future sessions Staying Whole: Meditation Tools For Fragmented Times series. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Session DetailsDate: Thursday June 4\, 2026Time: 7-8 pm Mountain Time (6 pm PST\, 8 pm Central\, 9 pm EST)Format: Live online via Zoom (recording available)Cost: By donation (Dāna)—everyone welcome regardless of financial circumstances \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Photo courtesy of Ava Maclean\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n "You can read and try all sorts of things by yourself\, but doing it with a group\, and with Karen and Duncan as wonderful teachers who really know what they are doing\, will set you up to get closer to the direction and peace that you so deeply crave." \n Erika RasmussenWriter and Film Maker \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Register Here\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n What We’ll ExploreWhen we care deeply\, we often absorb more than we realize. Over time\, the weight of others’ pain — and the state of the world — can leave us feeling depleted\, numb\, or caught in cycles of guilt and withdrawal. We lose access to the very compassion we value most. In this hour together\, we’ll explore: The difference between empathy and compassion — and why understanding this distinction can protect you from burnoutWhy highly sensitive and caring people are especially vulnerable to overwhelmPractices for staying open to suffering without being swept away by itHow to grieve\, care\, and stay connected — without abandoning yourself in the processYou’ll leave with tools you can use when the weight of the world feels like too much\, and a clearer sense of how to care sustainably. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n What to ExpectEach session in the series weaves together: Teaching grounded in Buddhist wisdom and 35+ years of practice\, adapted for real-world applicationGuided practice you can use immediately and return to between sessionsReflection & dialogue with others navigating similar terrainIntegration tools designed for daily life\, not just the cushion \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Photo courtesy of Ava Maclean\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Register Here\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Part of the 2026 Staying Whole SeriesThis session is the second of Staying Whole: Meditation Tools for Fragmented Times\, a six-session online drop-in series running through 2026\, offering practical tools for inner steadiness\, relational resilience\, and community belonging. Each session stands alone\, so you’re welcome to join just this one. And if this resonates\, the series continues on June 25 with Boundaries As Stability: Protecting Energy Without Disconnecting Learn more about the full series here \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Your Guides For The SeriesDuncan Cryle has practiced meditation and Buddhist Dharma for over 35 years in the Namgyal lineage with Qapel and Catherine Sensei. He was a founding member of Clear Sky in 2004 and a resident since 2018. Duncan has been teaching for over 20 years—with Awaken in Toronto\, Despertando no Brasil (“Awakening in Brazil”)\, and through Clear Sky’s Integrating Mindfulness program. Through the intense work of living in intentional community—navigating conflict\, collaboration\, and collective decision-making—he’s learned firsthand what it takes to stay whole in fragmented times. He also spent many years in senior business roles pioneering workplace mindfulness\, and now consults with nonprofits and mission-driven organizations on building mindfulness\, resilience\, and trust. Karen McAllister has practiced meditation since the 1990s and studied Buddhist Dharma for over 25 years in the Namgyal lineage with Qapel and Catherine Pawasarat Sensei. She was a founding member of Clear Sky in 2004 and has been a resident since 2018. Karen has been teaching meditation and mindfulness for over 13 years through Awaken in Toronto\, Despertando no Brasil (“Awakening in Brazil”)\, and Clear Sky’s Integrating Mindfulness and Money & Spirituality programs. Through the ongoing practice of living in intentional community\, navigating relationship\, conflict\, and shared responsibility\, she has learned firsthand what it takes to stay grounded and whole in uncertain and changing times. Alongside her teaching\, Karen serves as Co-Executive Director of Clear Sky and leads the funding of the Temple project\, supporting a long-term vision of refuge and deep practice for generations to come. She is also the founder of Mindful Money Coaching\, where she supports people in the helping professions and mission-driven fields to transform their relationship with money\, bringing awareness to how they give\, receive\, and steward resources in alignment with their values and purpose. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n ... And special guest teachers from the Clear Sky onsite Sangha \n \n \n \n Clear Sky’s onsite team have a rich diversity of experience and many years of deep spiritual practice.  During this series we’ll benefit from bringing in other voices to add depth and range to the exploration. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n "Duncan and Karen are wonderful instructors who help everyone\, from beginners to people with more experience\, practice meditation and self-care. As I joined remotely\, I appreciated how the online participants were engaged through conversation and breakout rooms." \n Kristi \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Register Here URL:https://www.clearskycenter.org/event/vipassana-insight-retreat/ CATEGORIES:Featured Courses,Group Retreats and Courses,Online Courses ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://www.clearskycenter.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/2025-PD-courses-Square-IG-Post-1.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Edmonton:20250711T170000 DTEND;TZID=America/Edmonton:20250713T170000 DTSTAMP:20260430T102452 CREATED:20250124T040517Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260307T075608Z UID:23732-1752253200-1752426000@www.clearskycenter.org SUMMARY:As the Spirit Moves DESCRIPTION:Compassion Without Overwhelm: Feeling Without CollapsingWith Karen McAllister and Duncan Cryle Thursday June 4 2026 7-8 pm Mountain Time (6 pm PST\, 8 pm Central\, 9 pm EST) Pay-From-The-Heart Session 2 of 6 of our 2026 online drop-in series – see here for other sessions in the series: Staying Whole: Meditation Tools for Fragmented Times \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n You care deeply. And it’s exhausting. Grief about the state of the world. The people around you that you see suffering. The troubles on the news.  If you’re someone who feels things deeply\, you’ve probably learned to manage by numbing\, distancing\, or staying busy.  Compassion is an essential part of life and being human\, a quality that is central to our spiritual growth. But without the resilience and perspective to go with it\, it can tip into overwhelm\, collapse\, or burnout. This session offers practices for staying open without being swept away. In this hour together\, we’ll explore: The difference between empathy (feeling with) and compassion (feeling for)—and why it mattersWhy highly sensitive and caring people are especially vulnerable to overwhelmPractices for containment: allowing grief and care without drowning in themHow to stay connected to the world’s suffering without abandoning yourselfYou’ll leave with tools you can use when the weight of the world feels like too much—and a clearer sense of how to care sustainably. This is session 2 of our 2026 online drop-in series – see here for future sessions Staying Whole: Meditation Tools For Fragmented Times series. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Session DetailsDate: Thursday June 4\, 2026Time: 7-8 pm Mountain Time (6 pm PST\, 8 pm Central\, 9 pm EST)Format: Live online via Zoom (recording available)Cost: By donation (Dāna)—everyone welcome regardless of financial circumstances \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Photo courtesy of Ava Maclean\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n "You can read and try all sorts of things by yourself\, but doing it with a group\, and with Karen and Duncan as wonderful teachers who really know what they are doing\, will set you up to get closer to the direction and peace that you so deeply crave." \n Erika RasmussenWriter and Film Maker \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Register Here\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n What We’ll ExploreWhen we care deeply\, we often absorb more than we realize. Over time\, the weight of others’ pain — and the state of the world — can leave us feeling depleted\, numb\, or caught in cycles of guilt and withdrawal. We lose access to the very compassion we value most. In this hour together\, we’ll explore: The difference between empathy and compassion — and why understanding this distinction can protect you from burnoutWhy highly sensitive and caring people are especially vulnerable to overwhelmPractices for staying open to suffering without being swept away by itHow to grieve\, care\, and stay connected — without abandoning yourself in the processYou’ll leave with tools you can use when the weight of the world feels like too much\, and a clearer sense of how to care sustainably. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n What to ExpectEach session in the series weaves together: Teaching grounded in Buddhist wisdom and 35+ years of practice\, adapted for real-world applicationGuided practice you can use immediately and return to between sessionsReflection & dialogue with others navigating similar terrainIntegration tools designed for daily life\, not just the cushion \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Photo courtesy of Ava Maclean\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Register Here\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Part of the 2026 Staying Whole SeriesThis session is the second of Staying Whole: Meditation Tools for Fragmented Times\, a six-session online drop-in series running through 2026\, offering practical tools for inner steadiness\, relational resilience\, and community belonging. Each session stands alone\, so you’re welcome to join just this one. And if this resonates\, the series continues on June 25 with Boundaries As Stability: Protecting Energy Without Disconnecting Learn more about the full series here \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Your Guides For The SeriesDuncan Cryle has practiced meditation and Buddhist Dharma for over 35 years in the Namgyal lineage with Qapel and Catherine Sensei. He was a founding member of Clear Sky in 2004 and a resident since 2018. Duncan has been teaching for over 20 years—with Awaken in Toronto\, Despertando no Brasil (“Awakening in Brazil”)\, and through Clear Sky’s Integrating Mindfulness program. Through the intense work of living in intentional community—navigating conflict\, collaboration\, and collective decision-making—he’s learned firsthand what it takes to stay whole in fragmented times. He also spent many years in senior business roles pioneering workplace mindfulness\, and now consults with nonprofits and mission-driven organizations on building mindfulness\, resilience\, and trust. Karen McAllister has practiced meditation since the 1990s and studied Buddhist Dharma for over 25 years in the Namgyal lineage with Qapel and Catherine Pawasarat Sensei. She was a founding member of Clear Sky in 2004 and has been a resident since 2018. Karen has been teaching meditation and mindfulness for over 13 years through Awaken in Toronto\, Despertando no Brasil (“Awakening in Brazil”)\, and Clear Sky’s Integrating Mindfulness and Money & Spirituality programs. Through the ongoing practice of living in intentional community\, navigating relationship\, conflict\, and shared responsibility\, she has learned firsthand what it takes to stay grounded and whole in uncertain and changing times. Alongside her teaching\, Karen serves as Co-Executive Director of Clear Sky and leads the funding of the Temple project\, supporting a long-term vision of refuge and deep practice for generations to come. She is also the founder of Mindful Money Coaching\, where she supports people in the helping professions and mission-driven fields to transform their relationship with money\, bringing awareness to how they give\, receive\, and steward resources in alignment with their values and purpose. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n ... And special guest teachers from the Clear Sky onsite Sangha \n \n \n \n Clear Sky’s onsite team have a rich diversity of experience and many years of deep spiritual practice.  During this series we’ll benefit from bringing in other voices to add depth and range to the exploration. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n "Duncan and Karen are wonderful instructors who help everyone\, from beginners to people with more experience\, practice meditation and self-care. As I joined remotely\, I appreciated how the online participants were engaged through conversation and breakout rooms." \n Kristi \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Register Here URL:https://www.clearskycenter.org/event/as-the-spirit-moves-2025/ CATEGORIES:Featured Courses,Group Retreats and Courses,Online Courses ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://www.clearskycenter.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/As-the-Spirit-Moves-Weekend-Course.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;VALUE=DATE:20250717 DTEND;VALUE=DATE:20250808 DTSTAMP:20260430T102452 CREATED:20250511T202234Z LAST-MODIFIED:20251209T104846Z UID:24568-1752710400-1754611199@www.clearskycenter.org SUMMARY:Meditation Circle: Kṣānti DESCRIPTION:Compassion Without Overwhelm: Feeling Without CollapsingWith Karen McAllister and Duncan Cryle Thursday June 4 2026 7-8 pm Mountain Time (6 pm PST\, 8 pm Central\, 9 pm EST) Pay-From-The-Heart Session 2 of 6 of our 2026 online drop-in series – see here for other sessions in the series: Staying Whole: Meditation Tools for Fragmented Times \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n You care deeply. And it’s exhausting. Grief about the state of the world. The people around you that you see suffering. The troubles on the news.  If you’re someone who feels things deeply\, you’ve probably learned to manage by numbing\, distancing\, or staying busy.  Compassion is an essential part of life and being human\, a quality that is central to our spiritual growth. But without the resilience and perspective to go with it\, it can tip into overwhelm\, collapse\, or burnout. This session offers practices for staying open without being swept away. In this hour together\, we’ll explore: The difference between empathy (feeling with) and compassion (feeling for)—and why it mattersWhy highly sensitive and caring people are especially vulnerable to overwhelmPractices for containment: allowing grief and care without drowning in themHow to stay connected to the world’s suffering without abandoning yourselfYou’ll leave with tools you can use when the weight of the world feels like too much—and a clearer sense of how to care sustainably. This is session 2 of our 2026 online drop-in series – see here for future sessions Staying Whole: Meditation Tools For Fragmented Times series. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Session DetailsDate: Thursday June 4\, 2026Time: 7-8 pm Mountain Time (6 pm PST\, 8 pm Central\, 9 pm EST)Format: Live online via Zoom (recording available)Cost: By donation (Dāna)—everyone welcome regardless of financial circumstances \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Photo courtesy of Ava Maclean\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n "You can read and try all sorts of things by yourself\, but doing it with a group\, and with Karen and Duncan as wonderful teachers who really know what they are doing\, will set you up to get closer to the direction and peace that you so deeply crave." \n Erika RasmussenWriter and Film Maker \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Register Here\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n What We’ll ExploreWhen we care deeply\, we often absorb more than we realize. Over time\, the weight of others’ pain — and the state of the world — can leave us feeling depleted\, numb\, or caught in cycles of guilt and withdrawal. We lose access to the very compassion we value most. In this hour together\, we’ll explore: The difference between empathy and compassion — and why understanding this distinction can protect you from burnoutWhy highly sensitive and caring people are especially vulnerable to overwhelmPractices for staying open to suffering without being swept away by itHow to grieve\, care\, and stay connected — without abandoning yourself in the processYou’ll leave with tools you can use when the weight of the world feels like too much\, and a clearer sense of how to care sustainably. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n What to ExpectEach session in the series weaves together: Teaching grounded in Buddhist wisdom and 35+ years of practice\, adapted for real-world applicationGuided practice you can use immediately and return to between sessionsReflection & dialogue with others navigating similar terrainIntegration tools designed for daily life\, not just the cushion \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Photo courtesy of Ava Maclean\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Register Here\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Part of the 2026 Staying Whole SeriesThis session is the second of Staying Whole: Meditation Tools for Fragmented Times\, a six-session online drop-in series running through 2026\, offering practical tools for inner steadiness\, relational resilience\, and community belonging. Each session stands alone\, so you’re welcome to join just this one. And if this resonates\, the series continues on June 25 with Boundaries As Stability: Protecting Energy Without Disconnecting Learn more about the full series here \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Your Guides For The SeriesDuncan Cryle has practiced meditation and Buddhist Dharma for over 35 years in the Namgyal lineage with Qapel and Catherine Sensei. He was a founding member of Clear Sky in 2004 and a resident since 2018. Duncan has been teaching for over 20 years—with Awaken in Toronto\, Despertando no Brasil (“Awakening in Brazil”)\, and through Clear Sky’s Integrating Mindfulness program. Through the intense work of living in intentional community—navigating conflict\, collaboration\, and collective decision-making—he’s learned firsthand what it takes to stay whole in fragmented times. He also spent many years in senior business roles pioneering workplace mindfulness\, and now consults with nonprofits and mission-driven organizations on building mindfulness\, resilience\, and trust. Karen McAllister has practiced meditation since the 1990s and studied Buddhist Dharma for over 25 years in the Namgyal lineage with Qapel and Catherine Pawasarat Sensei. She was a founding member of Clear Sky in 2004 and has been a resident since 2018. Karen has been teaching meditation and mindfulness for over 13 years through Awaken in Toronto\, Despertando no Brasil (“Awakening in Brazil”)\, and Clear Sky’s Integrating Mindfulness and Money & Spirituality programs. Through the ongoing practice of living in intentional community\, navigating relationship\, conflict\, and shared responsibility\, she has learned firsthand what it takes to stay grounded and whole in uncertain and changing times. Alongside her teaching\, Karen serves as Co-Executive Director of Clear Sky and leads the funding of the Temple project\, supporting a long-term vision of refuge and deep practice for generations to come. She is also the founder of Mindful Money Coaching\, where she supports people in the helping professions and mission-driven fields to transform their relationship with money\, bringing awareness to how they give\, receive\, and steward resources in alignment with their values and purpose. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n ... And special guest teachers from the Clear Sky onsite Sangha \n \n \n \n Clear Sky’s onsite team have a rich diversity of experience and many years of deep spiritual practice.  During this series we’ll benefit from bringing in other voices to add depth and range to the exploration. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n "Duncan and Karen are wonderful instructors who help everyone\, from beginners to people with more experience\, practice meditation and self-care. As I joined remotely\, I appreciated how the online participants were engaged through conversation and breakout rooms." \n Kristi \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Register Here URL:https://www.clearskycenter.org/event/meditation-circle-k%e1%b9%a3anti/ CATEGORIES:Coaching,Meditation Circle,Online Courses ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://www.clearskycenter.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/2.png ORGANIZER;CN="Clear Sky Center":MAILTO:contact@clearskycenter.org END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Edmonton:20251004T090000 DTEND;TZID=America/Edmonton:20251005T200000 DTSTAMP:20260430T102452 CREATED:20250814T133531Z LAST-MODIFIED:20251001T024844Z UID:25834-1759568400-1759694400@www.clearskycenter.org SUMMARY:One year anniversary of Qapel's passing DESCRIPTION:Compassion Without Overwhelm: Feeling Without CollapsingWith Karen McAllister and Duncan Cryle Thursday June 4 2026 7-8 pm Mountain Time (6 pm PST\, 8 pm Central\, 9 pm EST) Pay-From-The-Heart Session 2 of 6 of our 2026 online drop-in series – see here for other sessions in the series: Staying Whole: Meditation Tools for Fragmented Times \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n You care deeply. And it’s exhausting. Grief about the state of the world. The people around you that you see suffering. The troubles on the news.  If you’re someone who feels things deeply\, you’ve probably learned to manage by numbing\, distancing\, or staying busy.  Compassion is an essential part of life and being human\, a quality that is central to our spiritual growth. But without the resilience and perspective to go with it\, it can tip into overwhelm\, collapse\, or burnout. This session offers practices for staying open without being swept away. In this hour together\, we’ll explore: The difference between empathy (feeling with) and compassion (feeling for)—and why it mattersWhy highly sensitive and caring people are especially vulnerable to overwhelmPractices for containment: allowing grief and care without drowning in themHow to stay connected to the world’s suffering without abandoning yourselfYou’ll leave with tools you can use when the weight of the world feels like too much—and a clearer sense of how to care sustainably. This is session 2 of our 2026 online drop-in series – see here for future sessions Staying Whole: Meditation Tools For Fragmented Times series. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Session DetailsDate: Thursday June 4\, 2026Time: 7-8 pm Mountain Time (6 pm PST\, 8 pm Central\, 9 pm EST)Format: Live online via Zoom (recording available)Cost: By donation (Dāna)—everyone welcome regardless of financial circumstances \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Photo courtesy of Ava Maclean\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n "You can read and try all sorts of things by yourself\, but doing it with a group\, and with Karen and Duncan as wonderful teachers who really know what they are doing\, will set you up to get closer to the direction and peace that you so deeply crave." \n Erika RasmussenWriter and Film Maker \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Register Here\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n What We’ll ExploreWhen we care deeply\, we often absorb more than we realize. Over time\, the weight of others’ pain — and the state of the world — can leave us feeling depleted\, numb\, or caught in cycles of guilt and withdrawal. We lose access to the very compassion we value most. In this hour together\, we’ll explore: The difference between empathy and compassion — and why understanding this distinction can protect you from burnoutWhy highly sensitive and caring people are especially vulnerable to overwhelmPractices for staying open to suffering without being swept away by itHow to grieve\, care\, and stay connected — without abandoning yourself in the processYou’ll leave with tools you can use when the weight of the world feels like too much\, and a clearer sense of how to care sustainably. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n What to ExpectEach session in the series weaves together: Teaching grounded in Buddhist wisdom and 35+ years of practice\, adapted for real-world applicationGuided practice you can use immediately and return to between sessionsReflection & dialogue with others navigating similar terrainIntegration tools designed for daily life\, not just the cushion \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Photo courtesy of Ava Maclean\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Register Here\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Part of the 2026 Staying Whole SeriesThis session is the second of Staying Whole: Meditation Tools for Fragmented Times\, a six-session online drop-in series running through 2026\, offering practical tools for inner steadiness\, relational resilience\, and community belonging. Each session stands alone\, so you’re welcome to join just this one. And if this resonates\, the series continues on June 25 with Boundaries As Stability: Protecting Energy Without Disconnecting Learn more about the full series here \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Your Guides For The SeriesDuncan Cryle has practiced meditation and Buddhist Dharma for over 35 years in the Namgyal lineage with Qapel and Catherine Sensei. He was a founding member of Clear Sky in 2004 and a resident since 2018. Duncan has been teaching for over 20 years—with Awaken in Toronto\, Despertando no Brasil (“Awakening in Brazil”)\, and through Clear Sky’s Integrating Mindfulness program. Through the intense work of living in intentional community—navigating conflict\, collaboration\, and collective decision-making—he’s learned firsthand what it takes to stay whole in fragmented times. He also spent many years in senior business roles pioneering workplace mindfulness\, and now consults with nonprofits and mission-driven organizations on building mindfulness\, resilience\, and trust. Karen McAllister has practiced meditation since the 1990s and studied Buddhist Dharma for over 25 years in the Namgyal lineage with Qapel and Catherine Pawasarat Sensei. She was a founding member of Clear Sky in 2004 and has been a resident since 2018. Karen has been teaching meditation and mindfulness for over 13 years through Awaken in Toronto\, Despertando no Brasil (“Awakening in Brazil”)\, and Clear Sky’s Integrating Mindfulness and Money & Spirituality programs. Through the ongoing practice of living in intentional community\, navigating relationship\, conflict\, and shared responsibility\, she has learned firsthand what it takes to stay grounded and whole in uncertain and changing times. Alongside her teaching\, Karen serves as Co-Executive Director of Clear Sky and leads the funding of the Temple project\, supporting a long-term vision of refuge and deep practice for generations to come. She is also the founder of Mindful Money Coaching\, where she supports people in the helping professions and mission-driven fields to transform their relationship with money\, bringing awareness to how they give\, receive\, and steward resources in alignment with their values and purpose. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n ... And special guest teachers from the Clear Sky onsite Sangha \n \n \n \n Clear Sky’s onsite team have a rich diversity of experience and many years of deep spiritual practice.  During this series we’ll benefit from bringing in other voices to add depth and range to the exploration. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n "Duncan and Karen are wonderful instructors who help everyone\, from beginners to people with more experience\, practice meditation and self-care. As I joined remotely\, I appreciated how the online participants were engaged through conversation and breakout rooms." \n Kristi \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Register Here URL:https://www.clearskycenter.org/event/one-year-anniversary-of-qapels-passing/ LOCATION:Online CATEGORIES:Featured Courses,Group Retreats and Courses,Online Courses,Special Events ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://www.clearskycenter.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/Qapel-Doug-Duncan.png END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Edmonton:20251011T100000 DTEND;TZID=America/Edmonton:20251011T113000 DTSTAMP:20260430T102453 CREATED:20240121T232558Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260310T102020Z UID:21133-1760176800-1760182200@www.clearskycenter.org SUMMARY:From Resentment to Resilience: Honest Communication for Spiritual People (Free Webinar) DESCRIPTION:Compassion Without Overwhelm: Feeling Without CollapsingWith Karen McAllister and Duncan Cryle Thursday June 4 2026 7-8 pm Mountain Time (6 pm PST\, 8 pm Central\, 9 pm EST) Pay-From-The-Heart Session 2 of 6 of our 2026 online drop-in series – see here for other sessions in the series: Staying Whole: Meditation Tools for Fragmented Times \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n You care deeply. And it’s exhausting. Grief about the state of the world. The people around you that you see suffering. The troubles on the news.  If you’re someone who feels things deeply\, you’ve probably learned to manage by numbing\, distancing\, or staying busy.  Compassion is an essential part of life and being human\, a quality that is central to our spiritual growth. But without the resilience and perspective to go with it\, it can tip into overwhelm\, collapse\, or burnout. This session offers practices for staying open without being swept away. In this hour together\, we’ll explore: The difference between empathy (feeling with) and compassion (feeling for)—and why it mattersWhy highly sensitive and caring people are especially vulnerable to overwhelmPractices for containment: allowing grief and care without drowning in themHow to stay connected to the world’s suffering without abandoning yourselfYou’ll leave with tools you can use when the weight of the world feels like too much—and a clearer sense of how to care sustainably. This is session 2 of our 2026 online drop-in series – see here for future sessions Staying Whole: Meditation Tools For Fragmented Times series. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Session DetailsDate: Thursday June 4\, 2026Time: 7-8 pm Mountain Time (6 pm PST\, 8 pm Central\, 9 pm EST)Format: Live online via Zoom (recording available)Cost: By donation (Dāna)—everyone welcome regardless of financial circumstances \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Photo courtesy of Ava Maclean\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n "You can read and try all sorts of things by yourself\, but doing it with a group\, and with Karen and Duncan as wonderful teachers who really know what they are doing\, will set you up to get closer to the direction and peace that you so deeply crave." \n Erika RasmussenWriter and Film Maker \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Register Here\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n What We’ll ExploreWhen we care deeply\, we often absorb more than we realize. Over time\, the weight of others’ pain — and the state of the world — can leave us feeling depleted\, numb\, or caught in cycles of guilt and withdrawal. We lose access to the very compassion we value most. In this hour together\, we’ll explore: The difference between empathy and compassion — and why understanding this distinction can protect you from burnoutWhy highly sensitive and caring people are especially vulnerable to overwhelmPractices for staying open to suffering without being swept away by itHow to grieve\, care\, and stay connected — without abandoning yourself in the processYou’ll leave with tools you can use when the weight of the world feels like too much\, and a clearer sense of how to care sustainably. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n What to ExpectEach session in the series weaves together: Teaching grounded in Buddhist wisdom and 35+ years of practice\, adapted for real-world applicationGuided practice you can use immediately and return to between sessionsReflection & dialogue with others navigating similar terrainIntegration tools designed for daily life\, not just the cushion \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Photo courtesy of Ava Maclean\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Register Here\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Part of the 2026 Staying Whole SeriesThis session is the second of Staying Whole: Meditation Tools for Fragmented Times\, a six-session online drop-in series running through 2026\, offering practical tools for inner steadiness\, relational resilience\, and community belonging. Each session stands alone\, so you’re welcome to join just this one. And if this resonates\, the series continues on June 25 with Boundaries As Stability: Protecting Energy Without Disconnecting Learn more about the full series here \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Your Guides For The SeriesDuncan Cryle has practiced meditation and Buddhist Dharma for over 35 years in the Namgyal lineage with Qapel and Catherine Sensei. He was a founding member of Clear Sky in 2004 and a resident since 2018. Duncan has been teaching for over 20 years—with Awaken in Toronto\, Despertando no Brasil (“Awakening in Brazil”)\, and through Clear Sky’s Integrating Mindfulness program. Through the intense work of living in intentional community—navigating conflict\, collaboration\, and collective decision-making—he’s learned firsthand what it takes to stay whole in fragmented times. He also spent many years in senior business roles pioneering workplace mindfulness\, and now consults with nonprofits and mission-driven organizations on building mindfulness\, resilience\, and trust. Karen McAllister has practiced meditation since the 1990s and studied Buddhist Dharma for over 25 years in the Namgyal lineage with Qapel and Catherine Pawasarat Sensei. She was a founding member of Clear Sky in 2004 and has been a resident since 2018. Karen has been teaching meditation and mindfulness for over 13 years through Awaken in Toronto\, Despertando no Brasil (“Awakening in Brazil”)\, and Clear Sky’s Integrating Mindfulness and Money & Spirituality programs. Through the ongoing practice of living in intentional community\, navigating relationship\, conflict\, and shared responsibility\, she has learned firsthand what it takes to stay grounded and whole in uncertain and changing times. Alongside her teaching\, Karen serves as Co-Executive Director of Clear Sky and leads the funding of the Temple project\, supporting a long-term vision of refuge and deep practice for generations to come. She is also the founder of Mindful Money Coaching\, where she supports people in the helping professions and mission-driven fields to transform their relationship with money\, bringing awareness to how they give\, receive\, and steward resources in alignment with their values and purpose. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n ... And special guest teachers from the Clear Sky onsite Sangha \n \n \n \n Clear Sky’s onsite team have a rich diversity of experience and many years of deep spiritual practice.  During this series we’ll benefit from bringing in other voices to add depth and range to the exploration. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n "Duncan and Karen are wonderful instructors who help everyone\, from beginners to people with more experience\, practice meditation and self-care. As I joined remotely\, I appreciated how the online participants were engaged through conversation and breakout rooms." \n Kristi \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Register Here URL:https://www.clearskycenter.org/event/from-resentment-to-an-open-heart/ CATEGORIES:Integrating Mindfulness,Online Courses ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://www.clearskycenter.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/IM-From-Resentment-to-an-Open-Heart-Oct-11-2025-scaled.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Edmonton:20251025T100000 DTEND;TZID=America/Edmonton:20251115T120000 DTSTAMP:20260430T102453 CREATED:20250129T035717Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260221T054139Z UID:23840-1761386400-1763208000@www.clearskycenter.org SUMMARY:Integrating Mindfulness Fall 2025: Tools for Holistic Living (In-Person or Online) DESCRIPTION:Compassion Without Overwhelm: Feeling Without CollapsingWith Karen McAllister and Duncan Cryle Thursday June 4 2026 7-8 pm Mountain Time (6 pm PST\, 8 pm Central\, 9 pm EST) Pay-From-The-Heart Session 2 of 6 of our 2026 online drop-in series – see here for other sessions in the series: Staying Whole: Meditation Tools for Fragmented Times \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n You care deeply. And it’s exhausting. Grief about the state of the world. The people around you that you see suffering. The troubles on the news.  If you’re someone who feels things deeply\, you’ve probably learned to manage by numbing\, distancing\, or staying busy.  Compassion is an essential part of life and being human\, a quality that is central to our spiritual growth. But without the resilience and perspective to go with it\, it can tip into overwhelm\, collapse\, or burnout. This session offers practices for staying open without being swept away. In this hour together\, we’ll explore: The difference between empathy (feeling with) and compassion (feeling for)—and why it mattersWhy highly sensitive and caring people are especially vulnerable to overwhelmPractices for containment: allowing grief and care without drowning in themHow to stay connected to the world’s suffering without abandoning yourselfYou’ll leave with tools you can use when the weight of the world feels like too much—and a clearer sense of how to care sustainably. This is session 2 of our 2026 online drop-in series – see here for future sessions Staying Whole: Meditation Tools For Fragmented Times series. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Session DetailsDate: Thursday June 4\, 2026Time: 7-8 pm Mountain Time (6 pm PST\, 8 pm Central\, 9 pm EST)Format: Live online via Zoom (recording available)Cost: By donation (Dāna)—everyone welcome regardless of financial circumstances \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Photo courtesy of Ava Maclean\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n "You can read and try all sorts of things by yourself\, but doing it with a group\, and with Karen and Duncan as wonderful teachers who really know what they are doing\, will set you up to get closer to the direction and peace that you so deeply crave." \n Erika RasmussenWriter and Film Maker \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Register Here\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n What We’ll ExploreWhen we care deeply\, we often absorb more than we realize. Over time\, the weight of others’ pain — and the state of the world — can leave us feeling depleted\, numb\, or caught in cycles of guilt and withdrawal. We lose access to the very compassion we value most. In this hour together\, we’ll explore: The difference between empathy and compassion — and why understanding this distinction can protect you from burnoutWhy highly sensitive and caring people are especially vulnerable to overwhelmPractices for staying open to suffering without being swept away by itHow to grieve\, care\, and stay connected — without abandoning yourself in the processYou’ll leave with tools you can use when the weight of the world feels like too much\, and a clearer sense of how to care sustainably. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n What to ExpectEach session in the series weaves together: Teaching grounded in Buddhist wisdom and 35+ years of practice\, adapted for real-world applicationGuided practice you can use immediately and return to between sessionsReflection & dialogue with others navigating similar terrainIntegration tools designed for daily life\, not just the cushion \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Photo courtesy of Ava Maclean\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Register Here\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Part of the 2026 Staying Whole SeriesThis session is the second of Staying Whole: Meditation Tools for Fragmented Times\, a six-session online drop-in series running through 2026\, offering practical tools for inner steadiness\, relational resilience\, and community belonging. Each session stands alone\, so you’re welcome to join just this one. And if this resonates\, the series continues on June 25 with Boundaries As Stability: Protecting Energy Without Disconnecting Learn more about the full series here \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Your Guides For The SeriesDuncan Cryle has practiced meditation and Buddhist Dharma for over 35 years in the Namgyal lineage with Qapel and Catherine Sensei. He was a founding member of Clear Sky in 2004 and a resident since 2018. Duncan has been teaching for over 20 years—with Awaken in Toronto\, Despertando no Brasil (“Awakening in Brazil”)\, and through Clear Sky’s Integrating Mindfulness program. Through the intense work of living in intentional community—navigating conflict\, collaboration\, and collective decision-making—he’s learned firsthand what it takes to stay whole in fragmented times. He also spent many years in senior business roles pioneering workplace mindfulness\, and now consults with nonprofits and mission-driven organizations on building mindfulness\, resilience\, and trust. Karen McAllister has practiced meditation since the 1990s and studied Buddhist Dharma for over 25 years in the Namgyal lineage with Qapel and Catherine Pawasarat Sensei. She was a founding member of Clear Sky in 2004 and has been a resident since 2018. Karen has been teaching meditation and mindfulness for over 13 years through Awaken in Toronto\, Despertando no Brasil (“Awakening in Brazil”)\, and Clear Sky’s Integrating Mindfulness and Money & Spirituality programs. Through the ongoing practice of living in intentional community\, navigating relationship\, conflict\, and shared responsibility\, she has learned firsthand what it takes to stay grounded and whole in uncertain and changing times. Alongside her teaching\, Karen serves as Co-Executive Director of Clear Sky and leads the funding of the Temple project\, supporting a long-term vision of refuge and deep practice for generations to come. She is also the founder of Mindful Money Coaching\, where she supports people in the helping professions and mission-driven fields to transform their relationship with money\, bringing awareness to how they give\, receive\, and steward resources in alignment with their values and purpose. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n ... And special guest teachers from the Clear Sky onsite Sangha \n \n \n \n Clear Sky’s onsite team have a rich diversity of experience and many years of deep spiritual practice.  During this series we’ll benefit from bringing in other voices to add depth and range to the exploration. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n "Duncan and Karen are wonderful instructors who help everyone\, from beginners to people with more experience\, practice meditation and self-care. As I joined remotely\, I appreciated how the online participants were engaged through conversation and breakout rooms." \n Kristi \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Register Here URL:https://www.clearskycenter.org/event/integrating-mindfulness-tools-for-holistic-living-in-person-or-online/ CATEGORIES:Integrating Mindfulness,Online Courses,Special Events ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://www.clearskycenter.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/12/Integrating-Mindfulness-Feature-Image.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Edmonton:20251109T093000 DTEND;TZID=America/Edmonton:20251130T110000 DTSTAMP:20260430T102453 CREATED:20250412T221230Z LAST-MODIFIED:20251212T054646Z UID:24389-1762680600-1764500400@www.clearskycenter.org SUMMARY:21st Century Tantra DESCRIPTION:Compassion Without Overwhelm: Feeling Without CollapsingWith Karen McAllister and Duncan Cryle Thursday June 4 2026 7-8 pm Mountain Time (6 pm PST\, 8 pm Central\, 9 pm EST) Pay-From-The-Heart Session 2 of 6 of our 2026 online drop-in series – see here for other sessions in the series: Staying Whole: Meditation Tools for Fragmented Times \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n You care deeply. And it’s exhausting. Grief about the state of the world. The people around you that you see suffering. The troubles on the news.  If you’re someone who feels things deeply\, you’ve probably learned to manage by numbing\, distancing\, or staying busy.  Compassion is an essential part of life and being human\, a quality that is central to our spiritual growth. But without the resilience and perspective to go with it\, it can tip into overwhelm\, collapse\, or burnout. This session offers practices for staying open without being swept away. In this hour together\, we’ll explore: The difference between empathy (feeling with) and compassion (feeling for)—and why it mattersWhy highly sensitive and caring people are especially vulnerable to overwhelmPractices for containment: allowing grief and care without drowning in themHow to stay connected to the world’s suffering without abandoning yourselfYou’ll leave with tools you can use when the weight of the world feels like too much—and a clearer sense of how to care sustainably. This is session 2 of our 2026 online drop-in series – see here for future sessions Staying Whole: Meditation Tools For Fragmented Times series. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Session DetailsDate: Thursday June 4\, 2026Time: 7-8 pm Mountain Time (6 pm PST\, 8 pm Central\, 9 pm EST)Format: Live online via Zoom (recording available)Cost: By donation (Dāna)—everyone welcome regardless of financial circumstances \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Photo courtesy of Ava Maclean\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n "You can read and try all sorts of things by yourself\, but doing it with a group\, and with Karen and Duncan as wonderful teachers who really know what they are doing\, will set you up to get closer to the direction and peace that you so deeply crave." \n Erika RasmussenWriter and Film Maker \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Register Here\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n What We’ll ExploreWhen we care deeply\, we often absorb more than we realize. Over time\, the weight of others’ pain — and the state of the world — can leave us feeling depleted\, numb\, or caught in cycles of guilt and withdrawal. We lose access to the very compassion we value most. In this hour together\, we’ll explore: The difference between empathy and compassion — and why understanding this distinction can protect you from burnoutWhy highly sensitive and caring people are especially vulnerable to overwhelmPractices for staying open to suffering without being swept away by itHow to grieve\, care\, and stay connected — without abandoning yourself in the processYou’ll leave with tools you can use when the weight of the world feels like too much\, and a clearer sense of how to care sustainably. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n What to ExpectEach session in the series weaves together: Teaching grounded in Buddhist wisdom and 35+ years of practice\, adapted for real-world applicationGuided practice you can use immediately and return to between sessionsReflection & dialogue with others navigating similar terrainIntegration tools designed for daily life\, not just the cushion \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Photo courtesy of Ava Maclean\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Register Here\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Part of the 2026 Staying Whole SeriesThis session is the second of Staying Whole: Meditation Tools for Fragmented Times\, a six-session online drop-in series running through 2026\, offering practical tools for inner steadiness\, relational resilience\, and community belonging. Each session stands alone\, so you’re welcome to join just this one. And if this resonates\, the series continues on June 25 with Boundaries As Stability: Protecting Energy Without Disconnecting Learn more about the full series here \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Your Guides For The SeriesDuncan Cryle has practiced meditation and Buddhist Dharma for over 35 years in the Namgyal lineage with Qapel and Catherine Sensei. He was a founding member of Clear Sky in 2004 and a resident since 2018. Duncan has been teaching for over 20 years—with Awaken in Toronto\, Despertando no Brasil (“Awakening in Brazil”)\, and through Clear Sky’s Integrating Mindfulness program. Through the intense work of living in intentional community—navigating conflict\, collaboration\, and collective decision-making—he’s learned firsthand what it takes to stay whole in fragmented times. He also spent many years in senior business roles pioneering workplace mindfulness\, and now consults with nonprofits and mission-driven organizations on building mindfulness\, resilience\, and trust. Karen McAllister has practiced meditation since the 1990s and studied Buddhist Dharma for over 25 years in the Namgyal lineage with Qapel and Catherine Pawasarat Sensei. She was a founding member of Clear Sky in 2004 and has been a resident since 2018. Karen has been teaching meditation and mindfulness for over 13 years through Awaken in Toronto\, Despertando no Brasil (“Awakening in Brazil”)\, and Clear Sky’s Integrating Mindfulness and Money & Spirituality programs. Through the ongoing practice of living in intentional community\, navigating relationship\, conflict\, and shared responsibility\, she has learned firsthand what it takes to stay grounded and whole in uncertain and changing times. Alongside her teaching\, Karen serves as Co-Executive Director of Clear Sky and leads the funding of the Temple project\, supporting a long-term vision of refuge and deep practice for generations to come. She is also the founder of Mindful Money Coaching\, where she supports people in the helping professions and mission-driven fields to transform their relationship with money\, bringing awareness to how they give\, receive\, and steward resources in alignment with their values and purpose. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n ... And special guest teachers from the Clear Sky onsite Sangha \n \n \n \n Clear Sky’s onsite team have a rich diversity of experience and many years of deep spiritual practice.  During this series we’ll benefit from bringing in other voices to add depth and range to the exploration. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n "Duncan and Karen are wonderful instructors who help everyone\, from beginners to people with more experience\, practice meditation and self-care. As I joined remotely\, I appreciated how the online participants were engaged through conversation and breakout rooms." \n Kristi \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Register Here URL:https://www.clearskycenter.org/event/21-century-tantra/ CATEGORIES:Online Courses ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://www.clearskycenter.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/21-Century-Tantra.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;VALUE=DATE:20251221 DTEND;VALUE=DATE:20260104 DTSTAMP:20260430T102453 CREATED:20250704T015406Z LAST-MODIFIED:20251110T183229Z UID:25092-1766275200-1767484799@www.clearskycenter.org SUMMARY:Sangha Christmas Retreat (In-Person & Online Retreat) DESCRIPTION:Compassion Without Overwhelm: Feeling Without CollapsingWith Karen McAllister and Duncan Cryle Thursday June 4 2026 7-8 pm Mountain Time (6 pm PST\, 8 pm Central\, 9 pm EST) Pay-From-The-Heart Session 2 of 6 of our 2026 online drop-in series – see here for other sessions in the series: Staying Whole: Meditation Tools for Fragmented Times \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n You care deeply. And it’s exhausting. Grief about the state of the world. The people around you that you see suffering. The troubles on the news.  If you’re someone who feels things deeply\, you’ve probably learned to manage by numbing\, distancing\, or staying busy.  Compassion is an essential part of life and being human\, a quality that is central to our spiritual growth. But without the resilience and perspective to go with it\, it can tip into overwhelm\, collapse\, or burnout. This session offers practices for staying open without being swept away. In this hour together\, we’ll explore: The difference between empathy (feeling with) and compassion (feeling for)—and why it mattersWhy highly sensitive and caring people are especially vulnerable to overwhelmPractices for containment: allowing grief and care without drowning in themHow to stay connected to the world’s suffering without abandoning yourselfYou’ll leave with tools you can use when the weight of the world feels like too much—and a clearer sense of how to care sustainably. This is session 2 of our 2026 online drop-in series – see here for future sessions Staying Whole: Meditation Tools For Fragmented Times series. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Session DetailsDate: Thursday June 4\, 2026Time: 7-8 pm Mountain Time (6 pm PST\, 8 pm Central\, 9 pm EST)Format: Live online via Zoom (recording available)Cost: By donation (Dāna)—everyone welcome regardless of financial circumstances \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Photo courtesy of Ava Maclean\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n "You can read and try all sorts of things by yourself\, but doing it with a group\, and with Karen and Duncan as wonderful teachers who really know what they are doing\, will set you up to get closer to the direction and peace that you so deeply crave." \n Erika RasmussenWriter and Film Maker \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Register Here\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n What We’ll ExploreWhen we care deeply\, we often absorb more than we realize. Over time\, the weight of others’ pain — and the state of the world — can leave us feeling depleted\, numb\, or caught in cycles of guilt and withdrawal. We lose access to the very compassion we value most. In this hour together\, we’ll explore: The difference between empathy and compassion — and why understanding this distinction can protect you from burnoutWhy highly sensitive and caring people are especially vulnerable to overwhelmPractices for staying open to suffering without being swept away by itHow to grieve\, care\, and stay connected — without abandoning yourself in the processYou’ll leave with tools you can use when the weight of the world feels like too much\, and a clearer sense of how to care sustainably. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n What to ExpectEach session in the series weaves together: Teaching grounded in Buddhist wisdom and 35+ years of practice\, adapted for real-world applicationGuided practice you can use immediately and return to between sessionsReflection & dialogue with others navigating similar terrainIntegration tools designed for daily life\, not just the cushion \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Photo courtesy of Ava Maclean\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Register Here\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Part of the 2026 Staying Whole SeriesThis session is the second of Staying Whole: Meditation Tools for Fragmented Times\, a six-session online drop-in series running through 2026\, offering practical tools for inner steadiness\, relational resilience\, and community belonging. Each session stands alone\, so you’re welcome to join just this one. And if this resonates\, the series continues on June 25 with Boundaries As Stability: Protecting Energy Without Disconnecting Learn more about the full series here \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Your Guides For The SeriesDuncan Cryle has practiced meditation and Buddhist Dharma for over 35 years in the Namgyal lineage with Qapel and Catherine Sensei. He was a founding member of Clear Sky in 2004 and a resident since 2018. Duncan has been teaching for over 20 years—with Awaken in Toronto\, Despertando no Brasil (“Awakening in Brazil”)\, and through Clear Sky’s Integrating Mindfulness program. Through the intense work of living in intentional community—navigating conflict\, collaboration\, and collective decision-making—he’s learned firsthand what it takes to stay whole in fragmented times. He also spent many years in senior business roles pioneering workplace mindfulness\, and now consults with nonprofits and mission-driven organizations on building mindfulness\, resilience\, and trust. Karen McAllister has practiced meditation since the 1990s and studied Buddhist Dharma for over 25 years in the Namgyal lineage with Qapel and Catherine Pawasarat Sensei. She was a founding member of Clear Sky in 2004 and has been a resident since 2018. Karen has been teaching meditation and mindfulness for over 13 years through Awaken in Toronto\, Despertando no Brasil (“Awakening in Brazil”)\, and Clear Sky’s Integrating Mindfulness and Money & Spirituality programs. Through the ongoing practice of living in intentional community\, navigating relationship\, conflict\, and shared responsibility\, she has learned firsthand what it takes to stay grounded and whole in uncertain and changing times. Alongside her teaching\, Karen serves as Co-Executive Director of Clear Sky and leads the funding of the Temple project\, supporting a long-term vision of refuge and deep practice for generations to come. She is also the founder of Mindful Money Coaching\, where she supports people in the helping professions and mission-driven fields to transform their relationship with money\, bringing awareness to how they give\, receive\, and steward resources in alignment with their values and purpose. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n ... And special guest teachers from the Clear Sky onsite Sangha \n \n \n \n Clear Sky’s onsite team have a rich diversity of experience and many years of deep spiritual practice.  During this series we’ll benefit from bringing in other voices to add depth and range to the exploration. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n "Duncan and Karen are wonderful instructors who help everyone\, from beginners to people with more experience\, practice meditation and self-care. As I joined remotely\, I appreciated how the online participants were engaged through conversation and breakout rooms." \n Kristi \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Register Here URL:https://www.clearskycenter.org/event/sangha-christmas-retreat/ CATEGORIES:Featured Courses,Group Retreats and Courses ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://www.clearskycenter.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/Sangha-Christmas-Retreat.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Edmonton:20260101T143000 DTEND;TZID=America/Edmonton:20260101T153000 DTSTAMP:20260430T102453 CREATED:20251217T031804Z LAST-MODIFIED:20251217T034539Z UID:26793-1767277800-1767281400@www.clearskycenter.org SUMMARY:New Year Special 2026 (In-Person & Online) DESCRIPTION:Compassion Without Overwhelm: Feeling Without CollapsingWith Karen McAllister and Duncan Cryle Thursday June 4 2026 7-8 pm Mountain Time (6 pm PST\, 8 pm Central\, 9 pm EST) Pay-From-The-Heart Session 2 of 6 of our 2026 online drop-in series – see here for other sessions in the series: Staying Whole: Meditation Tools for Fragmented Times \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n You care deeply. And it’s exhausting. Grief about the state of the world. The people around you that you see suffering. The troubles on the news.  If you’re someone who feels things deeply\, you’ve probably learned to manage by numbing\, distancing\, or staying busy.  Compassion is an essential part of life and being human\, a quality that is central to our spiritual growth. But without the resilience and perspective to go with it\, it can tip into overwhelm\, collapse\, or burnout. This session offers practices for staying open without being swept away. In this hour together\, we’ll explore: The difference between empathy (feeling with) and compassion (feeling for)—and why it mattersWhy highly sensitive and caring people are especially vulnerable to overwhelmPractices for containment: allowing grief and care without drowning in themHow to stay connected to the world’s suffering without abandoning yourselfYou’ll leave with tools you can use when the weight of the world feels like too much—and a clearer sense of how to care sustainably. This is session 2 of our 2026 online drop-in series – see here for future sessions Staying Whole: Meditation Tools For Fragmented Times series. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Session DetailsDate: Thursday June 4\, 2026Time: 7-8 pm Mountain Time (6 pm PST\, 8 pm Central\, 9 pm EST)Format: Live online via Zoom (recording available)Cost: By donation (Dāna)—everyone welcome regardless of financial circumstances \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Photo courtesy of Ava Maclean\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n "You can read and try all sorts of things by yourself\, but doing it with a group\, and with Karen and Duncan as wonderful teachers who really know what they are doing\, will set you up to get closer to the direction and peace that you so deeply crave." \n Erika RasmussenWriter and Film Maker \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Register Here\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n What We’ll ExploreWhen we care deeply\, we often absorb more than we realize. Over time\, the weight of others’ pain — and the state of the world — can leave us feeling depleted\, numb\, or caught in cycles of guilt and withdrawal. We lose access to the very compassion we value most. In this hour together\, we’ll explore: The difference between empathy and compassion — and why understanding this distinction can protect you from burnoutWhy highly sensitive and caring people are especially vulnerable to overwhelmPractices for staying open to suffering without being swept away by itHow to grieve\, care\, and stay connected — without abandoning yourself in the processYou’ll leave with tools you can use when the weight of the world feels like too much\, and a clearer sense of how to care sustainably. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n What to ExpectEach session in the series weaves together: Teaching grounded in Buddhist wisdom and 35+ years of practice\, adapted for real-world applicationGuided practice you can use immediately and return to between sessionsReflection & dialogue with others navigating similar terrainIntegration tools designed for daily life\, not just the cushion \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Photo courtesy of Ava Maclean\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Register Here\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Part of the 2026 Staying Whole SeriesThis session is the second of Staying Whole: Meditation Tools for Fragmented Times\, a six-session online drop-in series running through 2026\, offering practical tools for inner steadiness\, relational resilience\, and community belonging. Each session stands alone\, so you’re welcome to join just this one. And if this resonates\, the series continues on June 25 with Boundaries As Stability: Protecting Energy Without Disconnecting Learn more about the full series here \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Your Guides For The SeriesDuncan Cryle has practiced meditation and Buddhist Dharma for over 35 years in the Namgyal lineage with Qapel and Catherine Sensei. He was a founding member of Clear Sky in 2004 and a resident since 2018. Duncan has been teaching for over 20 years—with Awaken in Toronto\, Despertando no Brasil (“Awakening in Brazil”)\, and through Clear Sky’s Integrating Mindfulness program. Through the intense work of living in intentional community—navigating conflict\, collaboration\, and collective decision-making—he’s learned firsthand what it takes to stay whole in fragmented times. He also spent many years in senior business roles pioneering workplace mindfulness\, and now consults with nonprofits and mission-driven organizations on building mindfulness\, resilience\, and trust. Karen McAllister has practiced meditation since the 1990s and studied Buddhist Dharma for over 25 years in the Namgyal lineage with Qapel and Catherine Pawasarat Sensei. She was a founding member of Clear Sky in 2004 and has been a resident since 2018. Karen has been teaching meditation and mindfulness for over 13 years through Awaken in Toronto\, Despertando no Brasil (“Awakening in Brazil”)\, and Clear Sky’s Integrating Mindfulness and Money & Spirituality programs. Through the ongoing practice of living in intentional community\, navigating relationship\, conflict\, and shared responsibility\, she has learned firsthand what it takes to stay grounded and whole in uncertain and changing times. Alongside her teaching\, Karen serves as Co-Executive Director of Clear Sky and leads the funding of the Temple project\, supporting a long-term vision of refuge and deep practice for generations to come. She is also the founder of Mindful Money Coaching\, where she supports people in the helping professions and mission-driven fields to transform their relationship with money\, bringing awareness to how they give\, receive\, and steward resources in alignment with their values and purpose. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n ... And special guest teachers from the Clear Sky onsite Sangha \n \n \n \n Clear Sky’s onsite team have a rich diversity of experience and many years of deep spiritual practice.  During this series we’ll benefit from bringing in other voices to add depth and range to the exploration. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n "Duncan and Karen are wonderful instructors who help everyone\, from beginners to people with more experience\, practice meditation and self-care. As I joined remotely\, I appreciated how the online participants were engaged through conversation and breakout rooms." \n Kristi \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Register Here URL:https://www.clearskycenter.org/event/new-year-special-2026/ LOCATION:Online CATEGORIES:Featured Courses,Online Courses,Special Events ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://www.clearskycenter.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/New-Year-Talk-Square.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Edmonton:20260118T093000 DTEND;TZID=America/Edmonton:20260208T110000 DTSTAMP:20260430T102453 CREATED:20251110T183109Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260216T062956Z UID:26460-1768728600-1770548400@www.clearskycenter.org SUMMARY:Integral Evolution: The Next Frontier (Online Course) DESCRIPTION:Compassion Without Overwhelm: Feeling Without CollapsingWith Karen McAllister and Duncan Cryle Thursday June 4 2026 7-8 pm Mountain Time (6 pm PST\, 8 pm Central\, 9 pm EST) Pay-From-The-Heart Session 2 of 6 of our 2026 online drop-in series – see here for other sessions in the series: Staying Whole: Meditation Tools for Fragmented Times \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n You care deeply. And it’s exhausting. Grief about the state of the world. The people around you that you see suffering. The troubles on the news.  If you’re someone who feels things deeply\, you’ve probably learned to manage by numbing\, distancing\, or staying busy.  Compassion is an essential part of life and being human\, a quality that is central to our spiritual growth. But without the resilience and perspective to go with it\, it can tip into overwhelm\, collapse\, or burnout. This session offers practices for staying open without being swept away. In this hour together\, we’ll explore: The difference between empathy (feeling with) and compassion (feeling for)—and why it mattersWhy highly sensitive and caring people are especially vulnerable to overwhelmPractices for containment: allowing grief and care without drowning in themHow to stay connected to the world’s suffering without abandoning yourselfYou’ll leave with tools you can use when the weight of the world feels like too much—and a clearer sense of how to care sustainably. This is session 2 of our 2026 online drop-in series – see here for future sessions Staying Whole: Meditation Tools For Fragmented Times series. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Session DetailsDate: Thursday June 4\, 2026Time: 7-8 pm Mountain Time (6 pm PST\, 8 pm Central\, 9 pm EST)Format: Live online via Zoom (recording available)Cost: By donation (Dāna)—everyone welcome regardless of financial circumstances \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Photo courtesy of Ava Maclean\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n "You can read and try all sorts of things by yourself\, but doing it with a group\, and with Karen and Duncan as wonderful teachers who really know what they are doing\, will set you up to get closer to the direction and peace that you so deeply crave." \n Erika RasmussenWriter and Film Maker \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Register Here\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n What We’ll ExploreWhen we care deeply\, we often absorb more than we realize. Over time\, the weight of others’ pain — and the state of the world — can leave us feeling depleted\, numb\, or caught in cycles of guilt and withdrawal. We lose access to the very compassion we value most. In this hour together\, we’ll explore: The difference between empathy and compassion — and why understanding this distinction can protect you from burnoutWhy highly sensitive and caring people are especially vulnerable to overwhelmPractices for staying open to suffering without being swept away by itHow to grieve\, care\, and stay connected — without abandoning yourself in the processYou’ll leave with tools you can use when the weight of the world feels like too much\, and a clearer sense of how to care sustainably. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n What to ExpectEach session in the series weaves together: Teaching grounded in Buddhist wisdom and 35+ years of practice\, adapted for real-world applicationGuided practice you can use immediately and return to between sessionsReflection & dialogue with others navigating similar terrainIntegration tools designed for daily life\, not just the cushion \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Photo courtesy of Ava Maclean\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Register Here\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Part of the 2026 Staying Whole SeriesThis session is the second of Staying Whole: Meditation Tools for Fragmented Times\, a six-session online drop-in series running through 2026\, offering practical tools for inner steadiness\, relational resilience\, and community belonging. Each session stands alone\, so you’re welcome to join just this one. And if this resonates\, the series continues on June 25 with Boundaries As Stability: Protecting Energy Without Disconnecting Learn more about the full series here \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Your Guides For The SeriesDuncan Cryle has practiced meditation and Buddhist Dharma for over 35 years in the Namgyal lineage with Qapel and Catherine Sensei. He was a founding member of Clear Sky in 2004 and a resident since 2018. Duncan has been teaching for over 20 years—with Awaken in Toronto\, Despertando no Brasil (“Awakening in Brazil”)\, and through Clear Sky’s Integrating Mindfulness program. Through the intense work of living in intentional community—navigating conflict\, collaboration\, and collective decision-making—he’s learned firsthand what it takes to stay whole in fragmented times. He also spent many years in senior business roles pioneering workplace mindfulness\, and now consults with nonprofits and mission-driven organizations on building mindfulness\, resilience\, and trust. Karen McAllister has practiced meditation since the 1990s and studied Buddhist Dharma for over 25 years in the Namgyal lineage with Qapel and Catherine Pawasarat Sensei. She was a founding member of Clear Sky in 2004 and has been a resident since 2018. Karen has been teaching meditation and mindfulness for over 13 years through Awaken in Toronto\, Despertando no Brasil (“Awakening in Brazil”)\, and Clear Sky’s Integrating Mindfulness and Money & Spirituality programs. Through the ongoing practice of living in intentional community\, navigating relationship\, conflict\, and shared responsibility\, she has learned firsthand what it takes to stay grounded and whole in uncertain and changing times. Alongside her teaching\, Karen serves as Co-Executive Director of Clear Sky and leads the funding of the Temple project\, supporting a long-term vision of refuge and deep practice for generations to come. She is also the founder of Mindful Money Coaching\, where she supports people in the helping professions and mission-driven fields to transform their relationship with money\, bringing awareness to how they give\, receive\, and steward resources in alignment with their values and purpose. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n ... And special guest teachers from the Clear Sky onsite Sangha \n \n \n \n Clear Sky’s onsite team have a rich diversity of experience and many years of deep spiritual practice.  During this series we’ll benefit from bringing in other voices to add depth and range to the exploration. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n "Duncan and Karen are wonderful instructors who help everyone\, from beginners to people with more experience\, practice meditation and self-care. As I joined remotely\, I appreciated how the online participants were engaged through conversation and breakout rooms." \n Kristi \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Register Here URL:https://www.clearskycenter.org/event/integral-evolution-the-next-frontier-online-course/ LOCATION:Online CATEGORIES:Featured Courses,Online Courses ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://www.clearskycenter.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/2025-PD-courses-Square-IG-Post-4.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20260129T190000 DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20260129T200000 DTSTAMP:20260430T102453 CREATED:20260210T174220Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260225T032348Z UID:27821-1769713200-1769716800@www.clearskycenter.org SUMMARY:Meditation For Hope And Healing - Local Classes DESCRIPTION:Compassion Without Overwhelm: Feeling Without CollapsingWith Karen McAllister and Duncan Cryle Thursday June 4 2026 7-8 pm Mountain Time (6 pm PST\, 8 pm Central\, 9 pm EST) Pay-From-The-Heart Session 2 of 6 of our 2026 online drop-in series – see here for other sessions in the series: Staying Whole: Meditation Tools for Fragmented Times \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n You care deeply. And it’s exhausting. Grief about the state of the world. The people around you that you see suffering. The troubles on the news.  If you’re someone who feels things deeply\, you’ve probably learned to manage by numbing\, distancing\, or staying busy.  Compassion is an essential part of life and being human\, a quality that is central to our spiritual growth. But without the resilience and perspective to go with it\, it can tip into overwhelm\, collapse\, or burnout. This session offers practices for staying open without being swept away. In this hour together\, we’ll explore: The difference between empathy (feeling with) and compassion (feeling for)—and why it mattersWhy highly sensitive and caring people are especially vulnerable to overwhelmPractices for containment: allowing grief and care without drowning in themHow to stay connected to the world’s suffering without abandoning yourselfYou’ll leave with tools you can use when the weight of the world feels like too much—and a clearer sense of how to care sustainably. This is session 2 of our 2026 online drop-in series – see here for future sessions Staying Whole: Meditation Tools For Fragmented Times series. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Session DetailsDate: Thursday June 4\, 2026Time: 7-8 pm Mountain Time (6 pm PST\, 8 pm Central\, 9 pm EST)Format: Live online via Zoom (recording available)Cost: By donation (Dāna)—everyone welcome regardless of financial circumstances \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Photo courtesy of Ava Maclean\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n "You can read and try all sorts of things by yourself\, but doing it with a group\, and with Karen and Duncan as wonderful teachers who really know what they are doing\, will set you up to get closer to the direction and peace that you so deeply crave." \n Erika RasmussenWriter and Film Maker \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Register Here\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n What We’ll ExploreWhen we care deeply\, we often absorb more than we realize. Over time\, the weight of others’ pain — and the state of the world — can leave us feeling depleted\, numb\, or caught in cycles of guilt and withdrawal. We lose access to the very compassion we value most. In this hour together\, we’ll explore: The difference between empathy and compassion — and why understanding this distinction can protect you from burnoutWhy highly sensitive and caring people are especially vulnerable to overwhelmPractices for staying open to suffering without being swept away by itHow to grieve\, care\, and stay connected — without abandoning yourself in the processYou’ll leave with tools you can use when the weight of the world feels like too much\, and a clearer sense of how to care sustainably. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n What to ExpectEach session in the series weaves together: Teaching grounded in Buddhist wisdom and 35+ years of practice\, adapted for real-world applicationGuided practice you can use immediately and return to between sessionsReflection & dialogue with others navigating similar terrainIntegration tools designed for daily life\, not just the cushion \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Photo courtesy of Ava Maclean\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Register Here\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Part of the 2026 Staying Whole SeriesThis session is the second of Staying Whole: Meditation Tools for Fragmented Times\, a six-session online drop-in series running through 2026\, offering practical tools for inner steadiness\, relational resilience\, and community belonging. Each session stands alone\, so you’re welcome to join just this one. And if this resonates\, the series continues on June 25 with Boundaries As Stability: Protecting Energy Without Disconnecting Learn more about the full series here \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Your Guides For The SeriesDuncan Cryle has practiced meditation and Buddhist Dharma for over 35 years in the Namgyal lineage with Qapel and Catherine Sensei. He was a founding member of Clear Sky in 2004 and a resident since 2018. Duncan has been teaching for over 20 years—with Awaken in Toronto\, Despertando no Brasil (“Awakening in Brazil”)\, and through Clear Sky’s Integrating Mindfulness program. Through the intense work of living in intentional community—navigating conflict\, collaboration\, and collective decision-making—he’s learned firsthand what it takes to stay whole in fragmented times. He also spent many years in senior business roles pioneering workplace mindfulness\, and now consults with nonprofits and mission-driven organizations on building mindfulness\, resilience\, and trust. Karen McAllister has practiced meditation since the 1990s and studied Buddhist Dharma for over 25 years in the Namgyal lineage with Qapel and Catherine Pawasarat Sensei. She was a founding member of Clear Sky in 2004 and has been a resident since 2018. Karen has been teaching meditation and mindfulness for over 13 years through Awaken in Toronto\, Despertando no Brasil (“Awakening in Brazil”)\, and Clear Sky’s Integrating Mindfulness and Money & Spirituality programs. Through the ongoing practice of living in intentional community\, navigating relationship\, conflict\, and shared responsibility\, she has learned firsthand what it takes to stay grounded and whole in uncertain and changing times. Alongside her teaching\, Karen serves as Co-Executive Director of Clear Sky and leads the funding of the Temple project\, supporting a long-term vision of refuge and deep practice for generations to come. She is also the founder of Mindful Money Coaching\, where she supports people in the helping professions and mission-driven fields to transform their relationship with money\, bringing awareness to how they give\, receive\, and steward resources in alignment with their values and purpose. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n ... And special guest teachers from the Clear Sky onsite Sangha \n \n \n \n Clear Sky’s onsite team have a rich diversity of experience and many years of deep spiritual practice.  During this series we’ll benefit from bringing in other voices to add depth and range to the exploration. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n "Duncan and Karen are wonderful instructors who help everyone\, from beginners to people with more experience\, practice meditation and self-care. As I joined remotely\, I appreciated how the online participants were engaged through conversation and breakout rooms." \n Kristi \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Register Here URL:https://www.clearskycenter.org/event/meditation-for-hope-and-healing-local-classes/2026-01-29/ LOCATION:Mountain View Therapeutics – Cranbrook\, #204 14 A 13 Avenue South\, Cranbrook\, BC\, V1C 2V3\, Canada CATEGORIES:Meditation Circle,Online Courses ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://www.clearskycenter.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/2.png ORGANIZER;CN="Clear Sky Center":MAILTO:contact@clearskycenter.org END:VEVENT END:VCALENDAR