World Meditation Day with Gurudev — Live at Sanford Yoga & Community Center

Saturday, December 21st | 9:30 AM – 11:00 AM
A rare global meditation experience, streamed live from NYC

In a world that feels increasingly heavy — with conflict, uncertainty, and collective grief rising around us — it has never been more important to gather, breathe, and realign ourselves with clarity and purpose. This World Meditation Day, we invite you to join us for a truly extraordinary event.

For four decades, Gurudev Sri Sri Ravi Shankar has inspired millions to discover the power within; transforming individuals, communities, and nations. From ending wars and facilitating the surrender of militants to revolutionizing education, and empowering farmers, Gurudev has used meditation to bring about profound change. His efforts have transformed countless lives of prison inmates, rural women and have also helped build drug-free campuses for youth, foster corporate well-being, and promote global harmony, impacting millions in over 182 countries.

This year Gurudev will lead a live, global meditation from New York City. And Sanford Yoga & Community Center will be one of the partner locations to stream this experience directly, with members of Gurudev’s team joining us in person to guide the session.

What to Expect

9:30 AM — Arrival, grounding, and orientation
We’ll begin by centering ourselves in the space, learning about Gurudev, and expanding our understanding of World Meditation Day and its global significance.

10:00 AM — LIVE Global Meditation (45 minutes)
Together, we will join thousands around the world in a powerful, heart-opening meditation guided by Gurudev himself. This is a unique opportunity to experience his teachings and presence in real time.

11:00 AM — Closing & Community
Following meditation, we will gather for coffee, donuts, and connection. Stay to meet others, share reflections, and build community.

Why This Matters

In a time when the world is on fire, collective stillness becomes an act of resilience. When we meditate together, we strengthen our nervous systems, raise our collective consciousness, and reignite our capacity to lead with love, clarity, and courage. This is how we meet the moment. This is how we leave our imprint on the world.

You Are Invited

Whether you are brand new to meditation or a long-time practitioner, this gathering is a chance to pause, breathe, and reconnect with yourself and your community.

This event is free, open to the public, and truly a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.

Learn more about World Meditation Day:
https://www.artofliving.org/in-en/world-meditation-day

Saturday, December 21st | 2:00 PM – 3:30 PM
No prerequisites required. All are welcome.

As ICE activity continues across North Carolina — and fear, stress, and uncertainty rise with it — our community has shown incredible courage by coming together, learning together, and preparing to protect one another. Now, we’re deepening that work.

Join us for an advanced community training designed to strengthen your understanding of immigrant rights, expand your practical skills, and support your own wellness as you step into community care.

This 90-minute workshop is led by Brava NC and the Education Justice Alliance, two organizations on the front lines of immigrant justice and community defense.

In This Training, You Will Learn:

Cultural competency essentials
Better understand the communities most impacted by ICE and the cultural contexts that shape their experiences, fears, and needs.

How to support community patrols & neighborhood response teams
Learn deeper skills for observing, documenting, and safely responding to ICE activity while keeping yourself and others protected.

How to care for your own mental health and nervous system through this work
Community defense requires grounded bodies, clear minds, and sustainable practices. We’ll explore ways to manage overwhelm, avoid burnout, and stay emotionally regulated as the political climate intensifies.

Who Should Attend:

• Anyone who attended our first Know Your Rights training

• Anyone who didn’t attend — no prerequisites needed

• Anyone who wants to be better prepared to support neighbors

• Anyone feeling overwhelmed, scared, or unsure of what to do

• Anyone who believes in community care as a form of resistance

Why This Matters:

Our community is safest when we are informed, connected, and empowered. By learning together, we build the skills — and the collective resilience — needed to navigate this moment with clarity, confidence, and courage.