Taking Care of Ourselves and Others During Difficult Times
February 20–22, 2026
with Paul Norton and the Mindfulness Community of Milwaukee
In times of uncertainty, it is easy to feel ungrounded and overwhelmed. Many changes in our world can seem threatening, leaving us unsure of how to move forward. This retreat offers space to slow down, reflect, and explore practices that support resilience, healing, and compassionate presence. Together, we will look at ways to weather life’s storms while cultivating inner strength and extending care to others.
Program Highlights:
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Practices for grounding and resilience in challenging times
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Reflection on personal and collective healing
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Guidance on transforming struggle into growth
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Supportive group sharing and contemplative space
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Tools for extending compassion to others while caring for yourself
Your Guide for the Journey
Paul Norton
Dr. Paul Norton teaches mindfulness in a variety of settings, including schools, prisons, and for various groups at Milwaukee Mindfulness Center. He is certified to teach Mindfulness-based Stress Reduction, as well as various other modes of meditation and awareness practice. He is the guiding instructor and one of the founding members of the Mindfulness Community of Milwaukee. The Community was founded as a nonprofit in 1998. He is a core member of the Order of Interbeing, an organization founded by Thich Nhat Hanh, a Vietnamese monk, that is devoted to supporting mindfulness practice.
He was a pediatrician who has worked extensively with Children’s Hospital of Wisconsin since beginning his residency in 1978, up to his retirement from clinical practice in 2016. Most of his work was in general pediatrics, but the last 10 years was devoted exclusively to developmental behavioral pediatrics. He has lived in Wisconsin since 1974 and has two adult children. He is presently learning Spanish and improving guitar skills. He is available to counsel on matters relating to mindfulness at paul.norton@milwaukeemindfulness.com