Workshops & Seminars
Sample of Available Programs for Parents, Guardians, and Caregivers
Extravagant Love: Our Children, Ourselves
This twelve-week online seminar explores parenting as the discipline of meeting our best selves, again and again. We will consider the concept of extravagant love as a set of actions, rather than feelings, and reflect on specific commitments and practices that can strengthen our relationships with our children and ourselves. [ more ]
Happy Minds, Wise Hearts: A Mindfulness Retreat for Moms
As busy moms, we know that our families depend on us for many things. Because we tend to focus more on others than we do on ourselves, we're less likely to know that our happiness also depends on us. It's true. We grow our own happiness through our daily actions: the things we say and do, the choices we make, the people we spend time with, and the ways in which we take care of ourselves and others. As simple as this sounds, it's not easy. But it is something we can learn. [ more ]
Seven Habits of Highly Ineffective Parents: What Doesn’t Work and Why
Did you ever try to hurry your child out the front door only to find that it takes even longer than usual to leave the house? How about feeling terribly stressed or embarrassed because you think you can’t control your child? In this seminar, we will review seven parenting practices that are particularly ineffective, creating stress for parents and children alike. We’ll discuss why these behaviors are problematic and learn alternate, healthier strategies for connecting with and nurturing our children. [ more ]
Educators, Preschools, Daycare
Teaching As Contemplative Practice
A professional development program for pre-K - 12 educators. Available for schools and school districts.
Good Morning, Mr. Sun: Meditation for Young Children
In this 45-minute class, children will learn about meditation, practice paying attention to breath, and experience three different sitting meditations. We will end the class by reading a children’s story and singing a song. Children should wear comfortable clothing. Meditation pillows will be provided. [ more ]
Everyday Mindfulness for Teachers
This 90-minute session, designed for teachers and caregivers of young children, explores mindfulness in the context of daycare and preschool settings. After a brief introduction to the concept and purpose of mindfulness, participants will experiment with four classroom vignettes to develop applied understandings and skills for everyday use. We will end the session with time for reflection and a participatory discussion.
[ more ]
Faith Communities
Blessings, Bells, and Sunshine: Meditation as Prayer for Children
In this 45-minute class, we will focus on meditation as a form of prayer. After a brief introduction to meditation and forms of posture, children will practice paying attention to breath and experience three different sitting meditations. We will end the class by reading a story and singing a song. Children should wear comfortable clothing. Meditation pillows will be provided. For children aged 2-5 with parent participation; older children are also welcome. [ more ]
Mindfulness: The Soul of Parenting
In this parent education seminar, participants will develop understandings about mindful, intentional parenting as a spiritual discipline. They will learn to examine their own parenting behaviors and develop skills and strategies for acting consciously and relationally with their child(ren). Participants are invited to share, discuss, and analyze real life parenting experiences from a mindful perspective. Parents and guardians will explore their intentions and contemplate ways to nurture mindful parenting at home. [ more ]
The Invitations
This online seminar examines parenthood as a path to spiritual growth. During the course, we explore three invitations along this path "Passionate Presence," "Seeing Anew," and "Compassionate Witness"; and six related practices, including awareness, intention, and empathy. Participants engage course content through contemplative questions and experiential exercises. Each week, students are encouraged to gently bring this material into their daily lives and to share reflections and experiences through online discussion. [ more ]