As part of a year-long contemplative leadership fellowship, Audrey attended an assembly in Dharamshala to receive a blessing from His Holiness the Dalai Lama and connect with the other fellows from around the world who are exploring the roles of compassion and love in creating a more peaceful world. He shared with the group this message: “Let love, compassion, kindness, and humility be at the core of how we navigate the world. If we are truly committed to building a peaceful world, then compassion is the very foundation for this.”

In addition to the residence of HH the Dalai Lama, the group visited the Tibetan Children’s Village, the Tibetan Museum, the Tibetan Library, and a Tibetan musical performance. The Dalai Lama’s ability to see “exile as an opportunity” inspires us to see the challenges of the present moment as an opportunity – for awakening, for connection, for love.

Throughout this year, Audrey will have the chance to connect monthly with the other fellows, mentors, and teachings on how to incorporate compassion into our work. Thank you to the Dalai Lama Fellowship, UVA Contemplative Sciences Center, and the Renee Crown Wellness Institute at the University of Colorado Boulder for this incredible gift.