Calming the Mind: Joy of Living Level 1 - Hybrid (cUS.MSN-H-J1-260320)

About the Joy of Living Level 1

Meditation enables us to transform all experiences, even difficult emotions and painful thoughts, into sources of joy. The modern world has become fascinated with the practice of meditation. With all the hype and glossy images on magazine covers, it would be easy to think that meditation is about sitting in the right posture, using a special technique, or forcing the mind to be calm or relaxed all the time. But the real power of meditation isn’t in the method. It’s in shifting our perspective.

The key to this shift in perspective is awareness. In this workshop we will learn to transform our experience by exploring sensations, thoughts, emotions, and even awareness itself as supports for meditation.

This program offers step-by-step instructions that will benefit those new to meditation and inspire those who have an existing practice. The schedule for this workshop includes video teachings by Mingyur Rinpoche, presentations by Tergar Guide Kasumi Kato, as well as guided meditations and discussion. It is suitable for people of all faiths, as well as both beginning and experienced meditators.

When :

March Friday 20 - Sunday 22, 2026

Friday 6:00–7:30 pm – Welcome & Body AwarenessNote: Opening session, Mingyur Rinpoche video, guided meditation, and small-group connection.

Saturday 9:00–10:30 am – Recognizing Awareness

10:30–11:00 am – Break11:00–12:00 pm – Inner Balance & The Waterfall12:00–1:30 pm – Lunch1:30–3:00 pm – Non-Meditation: Letting Go3:00–3:30 pm – Break3:30–5:00 pm – Awareness in Daily Life

Sunday 9:00–10:30 am – Short Times, Many Times10:30–11:00 am – Break11:00–12:30 pm – Integration & Dedication

Cost :

it will be the same for ONLINE & IN-PERSON attendance:

Sponsor - $180

Regular – $135

Reduced – $80

Please note that no one will be turned away for lack of funds. If the fees listed are challenge, please contact us at madison@community.tergar.org and we will be happy to offer further discount.

Cancellation Policy:

Please cancel at least 24 hours in advance so we may have an accurate attendee list.

If you have any further questions please contact communityprograms@tergar.org.

Meet the Guide:

Kasumi Kato is an experienced educator and meditation practitioner. She holds two master’s degrees from the University of Wisconsin, where she taught the Japanese language for nearly two decades.

Kasumi’s interest in meditation began in her childhood in Japan, where she learned to meditate from a young age. In 2011, she encountered Mingyur Rinpoche’s teachings and has been practicing under his guidance ever since. She has completed over a year in solitary meditation retreat, in addition to many group retreats in the Tergar community. Kasumi has also studied with some of the most respected teachers in the Tibetan tradition, including Tsoknyi Rinpoche, Jetsun Khandro Rinpoche, and Thrangu Rinpoche.

Kasumi currently works full-time for Tergar International as a curriculum specialist, developing Tergar meditation and training programs. She also leads Joy of Living workshops and Path of Liberation retreats around the world and oversees the activities of Tergar Japan.

Outside of her professional work, Kasumi lives with her husband Cortland and stepson, CJ, in Madison, Wisconsin. In her free time, Kasumi enjoys personal retreats, traveling, and hiking in nature.