I was burning out from politics, COVID and underfunded primary care when I unexpectedly got locum coverage and thus a chance to attend one of Mark’s meditation retreats at Hollyhock. Stepping into retreat with colleagues was a profound and transformational process. I wrestled with joy, grief, forgiveness, redemption and by the end of the retreat, I had found a tiny stillness within myself. Mindfulness practice has strengthened my joy in medicine and in life, and empowered me to work for system change.