Meditate and Connect: A Monthly Lunchtime Pause for Reflection and Community

Meditate & Connect is Compassionate Houston’s long‑running monthly virtual gathering — a simple, 30‑minute pause in the middle of the day to breathe, reflect, and reconnect. Beginning in 2026, we’re introducing a refreshed format that brings a different partner organization or community leader to guide each month’s session.

This rotating model allows us to offer a rich variety of voices, practices, and perspectives while staying true to the heart of the program: a welcoming, inclusive space for recharging your mind and spirit, and connect with our larger community. Whether you join every month or drop in when you can, Meditate & Connect offers a gentle uplift and a moment of shared presence in the week.

april Meditate & Connect:

Date: Thursday, April 16 | 12-12:30 PM.

Led by Ryan Makhani, an Ismaili Muslim Educator

Registration closes on Wednesday, April 15 at 6:00 PM.

NOTE: You will receive your Zoom link at 8:00 AM on April 16.

Each 30‑minute session follows a simple, consistent flow:

  • Welcome

  • Intention or Reflection to guide the session.

  • Guided Meditation. A secular and inclusive practice suitable for a diverse community.

  • Connection & Sharing

> Register Here

After you register once, you’ll stay on the list for future months. We’ll email the Zoom link the morning of each session. To be removed from the list, email us at info@compassionatehouston.org

As we step into 2026, this renewed format reflects our theme:

Find the Good. Put It in Motion. Add Your Voice. Each facilitator brings their own voice, and each participant adds to the collective good we’re cultivating together.

All are welcome, whether you join every month or drop in when you can.

We look forward to seeing you in one of our upcoming monthly gatherings.

Facilitators & Community Partners

Here’s a look at the facilitators and partner organizations leading Meditate & Connect in 2026. Each month features a different voice from our community, offering their own approach and perspective.

  • January 28: Rev Michael Gott, Unity of Houston

  • February 12: Rev Gena Davis, YogaMass

  • March 18 : Farida Meguid, The Jung Center/Mind Body Spirit Institute

  • April 16: Ryan Makhani, Ismaili Council of SW USA

  • May 12: Travis Hicks, Insight Meditation Houston

  • June 10: Octavio Hernandez, The Houston Bahá’í Community

  • July 8: David Brown, The Change Lab

  • August: TBA

  • September 10: Stuart Nelson, Institute for Spiritualty and Health

  • October 8: Rev Laura Mayo, Covenant Church Houston

  • November 9: Marci Sharif

  • December: TBA

A previous program on “Greeting the Unwelcome” was inspired by Rumi’s poem The Guest House. Enjoy a reading of the poem by actress Helena Bonham Carter, filmed during the lockdown summer of 2020 in Wiltshire, England.