In It’s Not You, I talk a lot about how meditation and Buddhism helped me manage the stress of being single in a society centered around couples and families. My Buddhist studies have continued to help me stay sane in world that is—let’s face it—pretty nuts.

Since the book came out, many people have asked me for recommendations on how to start their own meditation practice, so I want to tell you about the best introductory course that I know of.

It’s called The Art of Being Human, and will be taught by a wonderful teacher named John Ankele at Sky Lake Lodge in Rosendale, N.Y., next weekend, starting on the evening of Oct. 3.

I will be a volunteer staff member at the retreat. I’m not being paid and have no financial stake in this. I won’t be doing a reading or selling books; I will be washing dishes, straightening cushions, serving water to the teacher and whatever other tasks need attending to.

The reason I will be there is simple: I am delighted for the opportunity to work with John, who is my personal meditation teacher, and hear his extremely insightful and humane talks. I also love being at Sky Lake, a beautiful mountain lodge here in the Hudson Valley.

Sky Lake is a very easy bus ride from New York City—it takes less than two hours. And one of us will pick you up at the bus stop when you arrive.

You can get more information about the class here.