About us
Greatwoods Zen is a mindfulness Community and peaceful retreat setting on 28 acre meditation gardens. We promote peace, mindfulness, and community!
Who We Are:
We are a community of people interested in the art of mindful living and engaging compassionately with ourselves and the world. Mindfulness is the energy of being fully alive and awake to life, as it unfolds in each moment. Because of the busyness and distractions of everyday life, we forgot how to slow down and touch the miracles of life that are happening all around and within us every day. Together as a community, we support one another to practice mindfulness - that is, to rest, rejuvenate, reflect, and remember to come how to ourselves.
We respect everyone’s root spiritual traditions, and accept people of all faiths. Any one from any religion is welcome to attend and learn how to touch their own spiritual heritage even more deeply with a depth of mindfulness. People of all racial, cultural, and ethnic backgrounds, and of all genders and orientation are welcome.
The days of mindfulness will be facilitated and led by David Viafora, an Order of Interbeing member and student for 20+ years of Zen master Thich Nhat Hanh. Roger Grosswald owns the beautiful meditation gardens and his deepest wish is for others to receive deep nourishment and healing in the gardens.
What We Do:
Every day of mindfulness, we offer a variety of practices for people to learn the art of mindful living. We begin by guided sitting meditation indoors, followed by mindful walking outside in a very beautiful and refreshing natural setting of forest and ponds. We listen to a teaching about mindfulness based on Buddhist wisdom teachings, followed by a group discussion. We finish with a simple lunch together that is offered by Greatwoods Zen.
Where We Meet:
Our gatherings take place upon the gorgeous 27 acre preserve of forest, ponds, and wetlands of Greatwoods Zen. We may walk or sit near a quiet duck pond, or saunter to the top of a small hill to overlook the forest. When the weather is too cold or raining, we will stay inside. All gatherings initially take place in the meditation hall at 8015 Sullivan Drive. Greatwoods Zen is located on the east side of Charlotte, in the “Hickory Grove” neighborhood.
Current Schedule:
* Saturdays 10am - 12:30pm (lunch included)
Our meetings may be adjusted in response to input from members like you. All feedback is welcome.
We look forward to you joining us!
Upcoming events
2
Special Day of Mindfulness: Art of Mindful Tea Blending & Nature Walk
Greatwoods Zen, 2631 Buckleigh Dr., Charlotte, NC, USThis special day of mindfulness invites you to step away from the pace of everyday life and return to a slower, more attentive rhythm—guided by breath, nature, and the quiet wisdom of plants.
We’ll begin by gathering in circle with a short meditation to arrive in the body and settle into presence. After brief introductions, we’ll move into a silent, mindful walk through nature, allowing the senses to open and awareness to gently deepen. As we walk, we practice listening—to the wind, the earth beneath our feet, and the subtle ways the natural world communicates.
Returning from the walk, we’ll enter a guided sensory meditation with a selection of herbal allies. Through touch, scent, and direct experience, each participant will be invited to intuitively choose the herbs that feel most resonant, creating a personal tea blend.
Together, we’ll craft our teas and sit in a simple tea ceremony as the herbs steep. We’ll share about the medicinal and traditional qualities of the plants, and the long-standing role of herbal tea as both nourishment and gentle medicine. As we sip, we’ll close in reflection and gratitude for the plant world and the practice of slowing down enough to listen.
What to expect:
• Short sitting meditation to arrive and ground
• Silent, mindful nature walk
• Guided sensory meditation with herbs
• Intuitive tea blending (you’ll create your own blend to enjoy)
• Tea ceremony and shared reflectionNo prior experience is needed. You are welcome exactly as you are—come with curiosity and a willingness to slow down.
Facilitator
Shawn McStravick, founder of Anam Cara Path, is known for her gentle and intuitive presence, creating spaces where people feel safe to slow down, listen, and reconnect with themselves. In this gathering, she shares her love of plant wisdom and mindful ritual through an accessible, grounded approach.Donation (Dana):
This gathering is offered in the spirit of community and accessibility. While the event is supported by a host stipend, donations are warmly welcomed to support the continuation of this work and the sharing of plant wisdom.Suggested donation: $15–45.
Donation link:
https://my.cheddarup.com/c/greatwoods-zen-donations/items6 attendees
Past events
137
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