NEW PARENT-TEEN MEDITATION CLASS:

The "PT class" is meant to be an introduction to meditation and
mindfulness for teenagers as well as a next step after the Family Meditation class.
Besides creating a "teen space" the class will involve more actual
meditation practice.  Like the FM class, parental attendance is
encouraged; however, it is not required.  The PT Class will be at the same
time and place as the FM class: 10:30-11:30 am, RRUUC, Room 14.

Dates for PT Classes (REVISED):
June 15 , July 13, August 10

(Classes will continue into the fall based on the level of interest.)

Teacher and Contact:

Carl Skooglund: (202) 337-0325, cmskooglund@verizon.net 

GROWING UP IS HARD!

Childhood is often thought of as a carefree, “age of innocence,” but there can also be incredible craving, fear, rage, confusion, sadness, anxiety, and frustration. The goal of the Family Meditation (FM) program is to provide a Buddhist framework for children to understand their own inner life, especially why they suffer, and how they can be happy and peaceful instead.

WHAT HAPPENS IN THE FAMILY MEDITATION CLASS?
Classes include a lesson on basic Buddhist teachings, plus discussion and meditation. The lessons seek to shed light on basic Dharma concepts. There is a liberal use of visual aids and exercises to help illustrate the concepts. The meditations are fairly short (2-4 minutes) and are meant to introduce the meditation practice and point the way to concentration, mindfulness, and kindness.

WHO IS THE CLASS FOR?
The FM class is geared to children ages 5-14, although all ages are welcome. Parents attend the classes with their children. This way, the parents are able to see what their children are learning, reinforce the lessons outside of class, or adjust the lessons to suit individual children. Attending class together can help parents and children support each other, and create a sense of being a team.

DONATIONS TO RRUUC
Beginning this year, we will be asking that families who are not registered in RRUUC Religious Education make monetary donations to support the program. The details surrounding this will likely evolve over the course of the 2007-2008 program year.

SCHEDULE AND LOCATION
The classes take place from October through May, from 10:30-11:15 a.m., at RRUUC, in Room 14.

If you are not on the class email list, please contact Carl Skooglund, to verify the class dates and their location: email: cmskooglund@verizon.net; home phone: (202) 337-0325.

NEW TEEN CLASS:

Starting NEXT SUNDAY, April 20, 2008 I'll be leading a class called Parent-Teen
Meditation.  It's meant to be an introduction to meditation and
mindfulness for teenagers as well as a next step after the FM class.
Besides creating a "teen space" the class will involve more actual
meditation practice.  Like the FM class, parental attendance is
encouraged; however, it is not required.  The PT Class will be at the same
time and place as the FM Class: 10:30-11:30 am, RRUUC, Room 14, every 3rd
Sunday of the month.  I make a flyer before the May class (I hope).

Dates for PT Classes:
April 20, May 18, June 15 (second Sunday), July 13, August 10

THE TEACHERS
Carl Skooglund has been practicing Buddhist vipassana meditation with IMCW since 1993 and has taught the FM class since 2000. He and his wife attend RRUUC and have two children, aged 8 and 14. Carl sits on the IMCW Teachers’ Council is currently in the 2-1/2 year Community Dharma Leader (CDL) program of Spirit Rock Meditation Center.

Stig Regli has been practicing vipassana for more than 20 years. Stig is also in the CDL program, and sits on the IMCW Teachers’ Council. He and his wife attend RRUUC and have two children, aged 4 and 6.

Ofosu Jones-Quartey has been practicing meditation for 8 years with an emphasis on vipassana practice and Madhyamaka philosophy. He is a part of the Bhavana Society community in High View, WV. Ofosu is also an accomplished musical artist and founding member of the Buddhist-inspired Hip Hop band, Shambhala. (www.shambhalatrue.com) Ofosu and his wife have two children, aged 2 and 4.

Click here for flier with information about the Family meditation class.