Youth retreats
Mindful Living for the Next Generation
In spring 2024, a series of three weekend retreats brought young people together in remote log cabins in the woods, for a chance to slow down, reflect, and build habits for a balanced and meaningful life. The goal was simple: to give youth in America direction and motivation, along with practical tools for navigating school, work, and a fast-moving world.
The retreats were organized in three cities over three weeks: a boys' retreat (ages 13-16) in Atlanta, a girls' retreat in Seattle, and a boys' retreat (ages 17+) in the Bay Area. About 20 participants attended each.
Unplugging to Reconnect
Each weekend began with introductions and ice-breakers. Participants then set aside their devices for the full 48 hours. Many described the experience, in their own words, as liberating.
A Mentor's Story
In the opening session, the retreat leader, Mk Ramanujam, spoke openly about his own formative years: the questions, doubts, and conflicts he faced as a young person, and how guidance from a mentor helped him through them. Because he shared real experiences, the participants saw their own challenges reflected in his story. Many left feeling they had found hope and a role model.
Intelligent Living Sessions
Around the campfire, participants joined sessions on Intelligent Living, covering life skills for a complicated world full of distractions and manipulation. Groups of four or five each read a chapter from the Intelligent Living book, written by volunteers and based on a video series by Mk Ramanujam. They then shared what they learned in group discussion. Topics included:
Acceptance
Time, Energy, and Attention
Intellectual Cardio
Efforts vs. Results
Balance and Community
Participants also played sports and stayed physically active, which is essential to overall well-being. Organizers planned nutritious vegetarian meals for both days. The weekend closed with each participant giving a short speech on what they took away and sharing personal commitments to daily, weekly, and monthly practices for a happier, more purposeful
Morning Routine
Mornings began with a dedicated hour of yoga and stretching, followed by mindfulness meditation, group reflection, and a moment of quiet intention. Participants also learned a simple morning routine and discussed key principles for personal growth, along with techniques for visualization and focus.
Evening Practices
Evenings included group singing, reflective readings, and a lesson on taking part in community gatherings. Participants also learned simple daily routines that build strength and balance during demanding days.
A Five-Minute Mindfulness Practice
Participants learned a short meditation technique paired with breathing exercises, the "6-3-2" practice. It uses a focused breathing pattern to quiet the mind, followed by one minute of silent observation. Practiced daily for six months, it can bring noticeable change. Many were surprised that a routine of five minutes or less could create such calm and clarity for the day ahead.
Gratitude Journaling
Each night ended with a few minutes of writing in a gratitude log. The leader's guiding thought: "Show me a grateful person, I'll show you a happy person." Participants committed to making this a nightly habit.
Exploring Consciousness
One highlight was a discussion of nearly two hours on the nature of consciousness. Drawing on ancient philosophical texts, personal anecdotes, and the interplay of science and philosophy, the session left participants with a new sense of curiosity about the potential for happiness and awareness within each of us.
