Inward Bound: Teens Wake Up to Mindfulness, Themselves, and Each Other
By La Sarmiento | Nov 6 2011
Joe Klein, Inward Bound Mindfulness Education (iBme) teen retreat leader for the last four years, has a depth of practice and wisdom that inspires and empowers young people to practice mindfulness in their daily lives. Joe encouraged experienced teen practitioners at last April's teen retreat to share with the sangha their take on the precepts. The maturity and groundedness of the practice of the teens that had been to previous retreats was striking. They created a safe and strong container for the new teens on the scene. It was one of the best talks on the subject I'd ever heard!
Last February, Jessica Morey, teen meditation teacher and now Executive Director of Inward Bound Mindfulness Education (iBme) approached me. She said, "La, I love the way you teach. I think you'd be great with teens. Do you have any experience working with them?" I told her, "I have absolutely no experience and am actually afraid of them!" My mantra for the past year has been "Feel the fear and walk towards it."
iBme invited me as their guest to the April weekend teen retreat in southwestern VA, joining about 18 teens from all walks of life from the ages of 13-19, and a staff of 6 adults. Joe laid out the format of the weekend: Noble silence from lights out through halfway through breakfast, free time, a 2-hour practice period which included guided instructions in sitting and walking meditation, small group discussions, workshops in massage therapy, qi gong, and a nature walk, lovingkindness practice, and a wisdom talk. The mix of noble silence and interactive exchanges definitely works well for a group of very energized teen yogis: It inspires me to try it out with adults one day!
The summer teen retreat was probably one of the most inspiring, moving, and powerful experiences I've had in life.
~ La Sarmiento, IMCW Teacher
After being motivated by this weekend experience, I was asked to co-teach the summer iBme weeklong with Jessica and Joe. Despite my doubts and insecurities, I decided to jump in. (Walk towards the fear!)
The summer teen retreat was probably one of the most inspiring, moving, and powerful experiences I've had in life. Thirty-nine teens participated with 15 incredibly loving and caring adult staff at the beautiful Sevenoaks Retreat Center in Virginia on one of hottest weeks in July.
What I witnessed unfold during that week was what can happen when young people are given a space where they are fully accepted for all of who they are and where their perspectives are heard, seen, honored, and taken seriously. Through this container, their natural wisdom and compassion flows.
The projection I had of teenagers was totally blown to pieces. Their earnestness and commitment to practice (though they are the squirmiest of yogis!) is exemplary. Each time I sat in front of them in the meditation hall, tears would begin to well up in my eyes as I saw a piece of our future on this planet cultivating stillness, mindfulness, presence, peace, compassion, and love. During the metta practice, many of the teens would begin to cry as they offered metta to themselves as well as each other. And afterwards would wrap arms around each other in consolation. I'd never seen anything like that at an adult retreat. The depth of connection within themselves and each other (including the adults) on these retreats is astounding. Mix that all in with sports and games and even an exploration of gender dynamics and we discover an incredible manifestation of how we can all be together in this often troubled and confused world.
At the closing circle of the retreat, many teens expressed deep gratitude for the opportunity to practice, to feel a deep sense of belonging, and insight into what creates suffering in their lives. I know of no greater gift than awareness to give a young person.
I am no longer afraid of teens. I bow in deep respect to them and their journeys.
If you have a teen or know of a teen between 14-19 that would be interested in the iBme Teen Retreats or if you would like to make a donation to support iBme in continuing to offer these life-transforming retreats for teens, please check out the iBme webpages.
Registration is now open for the iBme Teen Retreat at Sevenoaks December 28-January 1. Jessica, Joe, and I will be teaching.