February 2026 Newsletter

Happy New Year, Sangha Sisters! As I take stock of the rollercoaster year we've just completed and move through the mixed emotions that such reflection brings, my heart eventually lands in a place of great gratitude for this practice and for the strength of this community. Before you jump forward too quickly, please consider this an invitation to take a sacred pause to reflect on all that you've cultivated in your practice in 2025 and to listen deeply for what you'd like to tend to next. Looking back, I'm touched by the extraordinary resilience I've witnessed in this community. Time and again, you've returned to practice with courage and tenderness—even through loss, uncertainty, and fatigue. Your dedication to keeping community care alive has been truly inspiring. Sangha has been our refuge and strength—a beautiful embodiment of what becomes possible when we practice together, drawing courage and compassion from one another as we meet life exactly as it is. I look forward to beginning this year practicing together—grounded in the Dharma, warmed by community, and open with wonder to all that is coming into being. As you look through the upcoming offerings, you'll notice that we've changed some of our offerings, though much will remain the same. We will no longer be holding the Monday Night sit, but we will be adding more series and daylong retreats, some of which will be in the evenings. We are bringing back the BIPOC sit with Ramona Lisa, and it will be held on Saturdays at a more accessible time. Our monthly volunteer meetings have changed, too. Instead of monthly meetings focused on Assaya's business, we'll have occasional hybrid (in-person and online) events focused on building community, with some Assaya business sprinkled in. We look forward to practicing and connecting with you soon! With warm wishes, Kate Munding Guiding Teacher, Assaya Sangha Check this message and upcoming events in: https://mailchi.mp/assayasangha.org/january-2026-newsletter?e=ab8754a2bc

Dear Sangha, As we enter this season of reflection and gratitude, I wanted to share a brief update about our Fall Appeal. Thanks to the generosity expressed at our recent fundraiser, we are already close to halfway toward our $18,000 goal for 2026. I recorded a short message to share my gratitude and to invite you into this effort as we move toward the new year. I hope you’ll take a moment to watch. To play the video, click here: https://vimeo.com/1142137720/af278a7e30?share=copy&fl=sv&fe=ci To support Assaya Sangha: https://assayasangha.app.neoncrm.com/forms/fall-appeal-2025 Thank you for your practice, your presence, and your generosity. This sangha is truly shaped by each one of you, and I am grateful we walk this path together. These funds directly support our community: Re-fund the Diversity, Inclusion, and Belonging (DIB) Fund. Increase the number of in-person and Zoom full- and half-day retreats. Continue our Dharma Series, with some offered in person. Community outreach and marketing to help people who are seeking refuge and connection find their way to Assaya Sangha. Ways to Give Credit Card: https://assayasangha.app.neoncrm.com/forms/fall-appeal-2025 Check: If you prefer to send us a Check, please make your check out to Assaya Sangha and mail it to: 17 El Rincon, Orinda, California 94563 Donor-Advised Fund: If you would like to donate from your Donor-Advised Fund (DAF), please email Katemunding@assayasangha.org for instructions and support. Again, thank you for your support. We hope to see you at the Winter Solstice event on the 21st. Wishing you all well, Kate Munding Guiding Teacher, Assaya Sangha Check this message and upcoming events in: https://mailchi.mp/assayasangha.org/november-2025-newsletter-17447678?e=ab8754a2bc

The Support of the Sangha

Message from Kate Munding about our upcoming November 1st retreat