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Cara Lai, MA

Cara Lai spent most of her life trying to figure out how to be happy—or at least avoid total misery—which ultimately led to her spending the majority of her adulthood meditating. She’s explored the wild beauty of the human experience through many adventures in consciousness, including long retreats, chronic illness, and the profound experiences of childbirth and motherhood.

Cara once worked as an artist, wilderness guide, social worker and psychotherapist, but traded it in for an all-out mindfulness rampage. She’s a working mom whose teaching is relatable, authentic, funny, sometimes crass, and accessible for many people. She teaches teens and adults at Spirit Rock, Insight Meditation Society, and Ten Percent Happier—ultimately hoping to get woke enough to bend spoons with her mind in front of large audiences. And to help everyone get totally free.

Upcoming Programs by Cara Lai, MA

Young Adult Retreat (246R25) - On Land

Also Matthew Brensilver, PhD, Vinny Ferraro and Hakim Tafari

August 5 - 10, 2025

Registration opens at 9:00am (Pacific Time) on February 19, 2025, and closes at 11:59pm (Pacific Time) on August 9, 2025. A waiting list will be created if the retreat fills early. Interested in Commuting to the retreat? - learn more below. Needing a scholarship? - see Scholarship offerings information below. Retreat to be held on […]

Young Adult Retreat (346R26) - On Land

Also Matthew Brensilver, PhD, Vinny Ferraro and Hakim Tafari

August 4 - 8, 2026

Registration opens at 9:00am (Pacific Time) on July 15, 2025, and closes at 11:59pm (Pacific Time) on August 3, 2026. A waiting list will be created if the retreat fills early. Interested in Commuting to the retreat? - learn more below. In need of a scholarship? - see "Scholarship offerings" information below. Designed for Young […]

Steadying the Heart: Refuge through the Four Sublime States (358R26) - On Land

Also Oren Jay Sofer, SEP, Yong Oh, Jessica Morey, MA and Hakim Tafari

September 8 - 14, 2026

Registration opens at 9:00am (Pacific Time) on October 7, 2025, and closes at 11:59pm (Pacific Time) on September 7, 2026. A waiting list will be created if the retreat fills early. Interested in Commuting to the retreat? - learn more below. In need of a scholarship? - see "Scholarship offerings" information below. Description The Buddhist […]