In the journey toward sustainable recovery, we often find that the most profound breakthroughs occur not in isolation, but within the strength of a shared community. Real connection is more than just a social luxury; it is the foundational cornerstone of lasting sobriety and the heartbeat of a healthy, thriving clinical practice. Recognizing the vital need for professional synergy and personal growth, two of North Carolina’s most dedicated recovery organizations, Abhaya Wellness and New Waters Recovery, are joining forces on Thursday, March 26th, to host an event specifically designed to nourish both the body and the clinical mind.
This collaborative gathering serves as a rare opportunity for Raleigh-area professionals and advocates to step away from the daily demands of the field and reconnect with the core principles of healing. While this experience is being offered as a free resource to our community, the nature of the venue means that space is strictly limited to ensure an intimate environment for meaningful conversation. We are currently down to our final few tickets; therefore, we strongly encourage you to reserve your spot immediately via Eventbrite to ensure you don’t miss out on this morning of high-level clinical insight, grounding mindfulness tools, and high-value professional networking.
Event Overview & Logistics
| Detail | Information |
| Date | Thursday, March 26, 2026 |
| Time | 9:00 AM – 10:00 AM |
| Location | 3810 Bland Rd, Raleigh, NC |
| Parking | Free Parking Available On-Site |
| Cost | Free (Registration Required) |
| Registration | Reserve Your Spot on Eventbrite Here |
Common Questions About the Morning Dish Event
What is the Morning Dish event?
The Morning Dish is a recurring networking and educational series hosted in Raleigh, NC. It provides a space for recovery professionals, clinicians, and advocates to connect over coffee and a light breakfast while gaining insights from guest speakers on various clinical and wellness topics.
What will Matt O’Connor discuss regarding mindfulness?
Matt O’Connor, CEO and Founder of Abhaya Wellness, will be exploring Mindfulness in Recovery. This session will delve into how intentional awareness and presence can be used as practical tools to strengthen personal sobriety and enhance clinical practices. Attendees will walk away with a better understanding of how to bridge the gap between “knowing” and “being” in the recovery process.
Is there a cost to attend?
No, this is a free event provided as a service to our local Raleigh recovery community. However, because we provide breakfast and space is limited to ensure meaningful networking, you must reserve your spot via Eventbrite.
The Agenda: Coffee, Connection, and Conversation
09:00 AM – 09:30 AM: Networking & Coffee
Start your morning by meeting with peers in the Raleigh recovery community. We’ll provide high-quality coffee and a light breakfast to fuel a morning of meaningful conversation. This is an excellent opportunity to expand your local referral network and share resources with other professionals.
09:30 AM – 10:00 AM: Matt O’Connor – Mindfulness in Recovery
Matt O’Connor, a seasoned leader in the North Carolina behavioral health space (LCMHC, LCAS, CCS), will share his expertise on how mindfulness acts as a “grounding wire” for those navigating the complexities of recovery. He will provide actionable tools that clinicians can use with clients to foster presence and emotional regulation, even in high-stress environments.
About the Collaborators
Abhaya Wellness is dedicated to providing high-standard, holistic mental health and substance use care. Founded by Matt O’Connor, the center focuses on treating the whole person with compassion and clinical rigor, ensuring that every individual finds their unique path to healing.
New Waters Recovery provides a premier environment for detox and residential stabilization in Raleigh. Their commitment to community engagement makes them a central hub for events like the Morning Dish, where local professionals can gather to improve the standard of care across North Carolina.
Why Mindfulness Matters in 2026
As the landscape of recovery continues to evolve, the ability to remain present is more than a wellness trend—it is a clinical necessity. In an age of digital distraction and high-potency substances, mindfulness helps “short-circuit” reactive patterns, allowing individuals to observe triggers without being controlled by them.
Don’t wait—with only a few tickets left, now is the time to commit to your morning of growth.
👉 Click here to reserve your free ticket on Eventbrite!
