We build a beginning

This year we began our exciting exploration of Planting Seeds as a family practice. We've only just begun to scratch the surface of what we can build together, and yet in this  s h o r t  t i m e  we've learned so much about what it means to gather and practice mindfulness as a family and community in some kind of intentional way. 

With so much thanks and gratitude to ALL OF YOU, we close our season and look forward to seeing you again in the fall

In the meantime we encourage our families to continue a home practice, and explore this and other sites for fresh ways to keep mindfulness a part of your daily life. On our blog you'll find Family mindful challenges, a recommended book list, craft ideas, song videos & other site links... all great ways to keep mindfulness fresh for everyone.

MAY 30th we INVITE YOU to join us 

and the whole Petersham Community as we celebrate

E A R T H   D A Y ... IN MAY!

a Petersham Cultural Council created event**

 beginning at 10:00 am on the common 

come celebrate the Earth with:

Live music

yummy food

Lou's upcycle workshop

 nature talk 

 guided hike

scavenger hunt

  community art project 

trash fashion ball

and more

**this event is sponsored by the Petersham Cultural Council together with volunteers and businesses of Petersham

We deepen understanding

In the mindful kids workshops this season
WE will be be using Meena Srinivasan's book TEACH BREATHE LEARN as our overall guide. Through story, art, music, games, & guided meditation practices relating to a monthly theme, we will focus on exploring for ourselves 3 essential questions...                                     

What is mindfulness?      How can I be mindful?     Why be mindful?

 
In the parents & caregivers forum 
WE gather for a short sitting meditation, followed by a facilitated discussion on parenting issues and mindful family life in relation to a monthly theme, or teaching. 

More about Mindfulness…
"Mindfulness is a way of being, a practice we can engage in. It's not an abstract state; it's a curious nonjudgemental awareness that we try to bring to each moment." Teach Breath Learn by Meena Srinvasan

"Mindfulness is energy we cultivate through kind, present moment awareness. It involves the practice of coming back to the peaceful, compassionate space we all have inside our selves… when we come back to this space repeatedly, it grows. The mind is like a muscle - the more it lies in certain states, the more it will seek them. Mindfulness is a way of training our minds through intentional awareness so that they come back to peaceful and compassionate states more often" Teach Breath Learn by Meena Srinvasan

"Mindfulness is a very effective response to stress and enhances the neurological process called “executive function”, or the ability to organize tasks, manage time, set priorities, and make decisions. Children can benefit from learning to focus their attention, becoming less reactive, and more compassionate with themselves and others."

- Planting Seeds by Thich Nhat Hanh & The Plum Village Community

“Teachers may often ask their students to “pay attention”, but they may not teach them how to do so. The practice of mindfulness teaches students how to pay attention, and this way of paying attention enhances both academic and social-emotional learning.”

- Planting Seeds by Thich Nhat Hanh & The Plum Village Community

“Because meditation is an activity that children can improvise and do for themselves, it is fundamentally empowering.Children learn techniques they can use to sooth themselves when upset, focus when they need to, and just be comfortable and awake in the world”.

- Child’s Mind by Christopher Willard