Community Children and Families

 

The most precious gift we can offer others is our presence. When mindfulness embraces those we love, they will bloom like flowers. ~ Thich Nhat Hahn


Family Newsletter

IMCW is excited to offer the new Family Newsletter for children, teens and parents who are interested in meditation. Subscribe to the family newsletter for information on current sanghas (communities), classes and retreats, book recommendations and other resources.



    

  • Children & Family Mindfulness Meditation Class, Arlington

    Teacher(s):
    Fred Persi
    Location:
    Unitarian Universalist Church of Arlington
    Level:
    All Levels
    Audience:
    5-11 year olds
    Features:
    Short meditations, movement, hands-on activities
    Meeting Frequency:
    2nd Sunday of each month
    Description:

    For 5-11 year olds. The Family Meditation class provides young children with a mindfulness framework to develop healthy responses to the ever-changing world around and inside of them. Children will learn how to express their innate qualities of being present with what is happening, respect for others and nature, loving kindness and compassion. Planting these seeds at an early age can reduce stress as well as sustain and nourish the mind, body and spirit for a lifetime.

    Classes include lessons on basic Buddhist teachings, short meditations, movement exercises and hands on activities geared towards developing mindfulness.

    Parents attend the classes with their children.

    Find Next Meetings:
    Learn more

  • Children and Family Mindfulness Meditation Class, Bethesda

    Teacher(s):
    Ofosu Jones-Quartey, Jennifer Jordan
    Location:
    River Road Unitarian Universalist Congregation, Bethesda, MD
    Level:
    All Levels
    Audience:
    Aimed at 5-11 year olds, but all are welcome
    Features:
    Short meditation, discussion
    Meeting Frequency:
    Monthly
    Description:
    Family Meditation (FM) is a monthly class offered during the school year that provides children in the DC metro area with a Buddhist framework to

    * explore their inner life, 

    * understand the causes of emotional stress, 

    * realize the possibility of inner freedom, and 

    * develop peace, wisdom and kindness. 

    Classes include lessons on basic Buddhist teachings along with discussion and short meditations. Visual aids, visiting teachers, movement, stories, songs and other exercises support the concepts.

    Parents attend the classes with their children. 

    Teacher bios: Ofosu Jones-Quartey, Jennifer Jordan
    Find Next Meetings:
    Learn more

  • Dharma Buds Teen Sangha

    Teacher(s):
    Silvia Garcia Pereira, Laura Parris
    Location:
    IMCW Center for Mindful Living, 4708 Wisconsin Avenue, NW WDC
    Level:
    All Levels
    Audience:
    Teens
    Features:
    Meditation practice, discussion
    Meeting Frequency:
    3rd Sunday of each month, 5-6:30 p.m.
    Description:

    A Spiritual Friends group for teens

    This group is for teens who have been on retreat or have some experience with mindfulness meditation, to support each other in their practice. In a safe and respectful group using mindful speaking and listening, they will have the opportunity to "check in" with each other and explore any questions about their practice or challenges they are facing within their inner lives. We begin each gathering with a silent meditation to clear our minds and bring us to the present moment.

    Please contact Silvia for more information.
    Find Next Meetings:
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  • Teen Mindfulness Class, Arlington

    Teacher(s):
    Jennifer Stanley, Silvia Garcia Pereira
    Location:
    Unitarian Universalist Church of Arlington, lower chapel
    Level:
    All Levels
    Audience:
    Teens, ages 12-19
    Features:
    Meditation practice, discussion
    Meeting Frequency:
    Sundays, monthly
    Description:
    This class will focus on concentration and mindfulness meditation practices that will give teens the tools to settle their busy minds and manage emotional stress in the ever-changing world of relationships. With experiential practices, teens will learn to direct and sustain their attention and become aware of their thoughts. By learning to be in the present moment, they will gain a sense of inner freedom and peace. Teens will also have the opportunity to share their insights and experiences in a safe and respectful group.
    Find Next Meetings:
    Learn more

  • Teen Mindfulness Meditation Class, Bethesda

    Teacher(s):
    Ofosu Jones-Quartey, Jennifer Jordan
    Location:
    River Road Unitarian Universalist Congregation, Bethesda, MD
    Level:
    Beginning
    Audience:
    Ages 12-17
    Features:
    Short meditation, discussion
    Meeting Frequency:
    Monthly, Sundays
    Description:
    For 12-17 year olds.

    The Family Meditation (FM) teen class provides a framework for exploring one's inner life, understanding the causes of emotional stress, and realizing the possibility of inner freedom. We explore key Buddhist teachings and how they can be helpful in navigating life's inevitable challenges. 

    The class includes discussions, short meditations, and the cultivation of skills that promote both a deeper understanding of one's mind and body as well as the development of kindness, wisdom, and compassion. Parents may attend this class with their children but are not required to.

    Teacher bios: Ofosu Jones-Quartey, Jennifer Jordan
    Find Next Meetings:
    Learn more

  • Teen Mindfulness Sangha Meeting

    Teacher(s):
    La Sarmiento
    Location:
    River Road Unitarian Church, River Road & Whittier Blvd., Bethesda, MD
    Level:
    All Levels
    Audience:
    14-19 year olds
    Features:
    Short meditation, discussion
    Meeting Frequency:
    1rst Wednesdays, monthly
    Description:
    The teen sangha provides a framework for exploring one's inner life, understanding the causes of emotional stress, and realizing the possibility of inner freedom. We explore key Buddhist teachings and how they can be helpful in navigating life's inevitable challenges.
    Find Next Meetings:
    Learn more

  • Teen Retreats--iBme

    Teacher(s):
    iBme teachers
    Location:
    Maryland and Virginia
    Level:
    All Levels
    Audience:
    Teens 14-19 years old
    Features:
    Meditation, mindful movement, community, activities
    Meeting Frequency:
    Weekend and weeklong retreats throughout the year
    Description:

    These retreats are a unique opportunity for youth ages 14-19 to experience mindfulness meditation, mindful movement, and community in an atmosphere of acceptance, support and kindness. Youth learn to cultivate self-love, acceptance and resilience and to come into alignment with who they truly are.

    With an experienced and compassionate adult staff and beautiful surroundings, we create a strong and safe container that allows teens to deepen their awareness of self, the world they live in, and the way they interact with others and gives them a toolkit for lifelong mental health and social-emotional well-being.

    Find out more about the iBme programs at their website.

    These retreats are co-sponsored by IMCW.
    Find Next Meetings:
    Learn more