What we’re about
The Family Program consists of a community of families aspiring to nourish a deeper capacity for connection, equity, presence, joy, and resilience within family relationships and the broader world. Since our founding, this sangha has been taught and operated by families for families. The Family Program teachers aspire to provide a safe and inclusive container that honors diversity and supports the cultivation of awareness and compassion within our daily lives.
Family Program Vision
Plant seeds of awareness, compassion and wisdom in the hearts and minds of children, adolescents, parents, and families.
Foster within families the experiential awareness of the interconnectedness of all life.
Share the fundamental mindfulness toolkit with children and parents to help them cultivate self-regulation, inner resilience, social well-being, acceptance, awareness, and compassion amid everyday family life.
Cultivate within families a deeper awareness and exploration of issues around race, culture, and gender.
Help children connect to dharma teachings through age-appropriate and engaging games, mindful moments, skits, stories, and activities.
Nurture and deepen connections within families and the broader family sangha.
Offer parents the opportunity for much needed parent meditation and group meditation.
More information can be found at https://imcw.org/event/?eventId=751
Upcoming events (4+)
See all- Family RetreatSevenoaks Retreat Center, Madison, VA
Share family quality time together in a supportive community at the beautiful Seven Oaks Retreat Center. The retreat programming is for parents, grandparents, and guardians with children ages 5+ interested in cultivating deeper presence, joy, resilience, and connection in everyday family life. Younger siblings may attend as well but must remain with caregivers for the duration of the retreat.
Both beginning and experienced mindfulness practitioners are welcome. The retreat balances engaged activities with free time. There will be time for collective family practice and time for parents and children to break out into groups and engage with peers. During breakout groups, children are grouped by age. Parents will have opportunities to practice meditation together and engage in facilitated adult discussion groups.Retreat activities include skits, games, songs, art, mindful movement, nature activities, a campfire, meditation, and mindfulness talks. During free time, optional activities may include performance workshops, mindful sports, nature activities, mindful movement, arts and crafts, and parent workshops.
Register and get more information here.
