Children and Families

 ~ FAMILY MEDITATION CLASS IN WASHINGTON, DC ~

GROWING UP CAN BE HARD

“If you don’t think the idea of rebirth is scary, think of having to go through adolescence all over again”

– Thanissaro Bhikkhu (a Buddhist Monk)

You don’t have to believe in rebirth to appreciate that growing up can be hard. The goal of the Family Meditation (FM) class is to provide young children with a Buddhist framework to 1) explore their inner life, 2) understand the causes of emotional stress, 3) realize the possibility of freedom, and 4) develop the Buddha’s path of peace, wisdom and kindness.

WHAT HAPPENS IN THE FAMILY MEDITATION CLASS?
Classes include lessons on basic Buddhist teachings along with discussion and meditation. Visual aids, movement, stories, songs and other exercises support the concepts. The meditations are “bite-sized’ and are meant to introduce the basic practices of serenity, insight, and kindness. More information on the goals, methods and teaching philosophy of the class.

WHO IS THE CLASS FOR?
The FM class is geared to children ages 5-12, 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.

SCHEDULE AND LOCATION
Classes are returning to River Road Unitarian Church in Bethesda. Parking is difficult–please read the parking regulation signs to confirm you have a legal space and be mindful that you are not blocking neighborhood driveways.

This class does not meet in the summer.  Classes resume on October 24, 2010.

If you are not on the class email list, please contact Ofosu Jones-Quartey, b.infinite@gmail.com and my phone is 240-422-3168, to verify the class dates and their location.

THE TEACHERS
The class is led by Jennifer Jordan and Ofosu Jones-Quartey. More information about the teachers.