Skymind is an invitation to recognize and rest into the brilliant wholeness of our being – spacious, radiant, loving. It is also a pathway to meet all that arises – however beautiful or terrible – with a vast mind and an open heart.

These potent teachings, drawn from the work of 11^th century Tibetan yogini Machig Labdrön and the Mahamudra lineage of Tibetan Buddhism, can inspire and support us within the intensity of modern life.

Join Charlotte and Pieter in conversation with Steve Varley, Managing Director at the Garrison Institute, for a virtual evening talk, discussion, and brief practice, as they share some of the gems of their recently released book Skymind: The Radical Path of Open Awareness (Shambhala Publications, 2026).

Charlotte and Pieter will also lead an in-person retreat on the subject October 28-31, 2026. More information here. 

***The Zoom link will be emailed within 24 hours of signing up*****

Steve Varley serves as the Managing Director at the Garrison Institute. In this role, Steve is responsible for the comprehensive strategy and support of the Garrison Institute’s efforts to apply the wisdom developed from contemplative practice to modern problems, with a special interest on the translation of individual practice to community, organizational, and systems-level problems.
Steve’s previous experience includes leadership roles at prominent organizations such as National Public Radio (NPR) and the University of North Carolina. His leadership at UNC Pembroke resulted in record-breaking fundraising years and was defined by his orientation of service and partnership toward the local community and the Lumbee Tribe.
Steve also served as President of the UNC Pembroke Foundation, an independent organization with endowment management and fundraising responsibility, where he oversaw millions of dollars in annual grantmaking for students with financial need.
Previously, Steve served as associate dean of advancement at Yale University, completing a long term of service in health-related fundraising and global health initiatives. Prior to Yale, he was the vice president of development at Gardner-Webb University, where he spearheaded the Higher Ground capital campaign, the university’s most successful fundraising effort in its history.