Connecting Teens and Mindfulness

January 2020 iBme Updates

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created at the Virginia New Year's Teen Retreat

Dear Friends,

This year we celebrate 10 years since iBme was founded with a simple vision of connecting teens and mindfulness. How hard could that be?

As we look back, we are filled with gratitude and amazement at the community of people who have contributed to bringing this vision into reality. Together, we have worked very hard and have had an incredible impact on the lives of so many teens, parents, and educators.

Looking ahead, we are passionate about the opportunities that 2020 holds for connecting teens and communities with the transformative practices of mindfulness.

We welcome your interest, support, and participation!

—The iBme Team

Summer Retreats Are Online!

IBme is offering 11 teen retreats for 15 to 19 year-olds this summer. The first retreat starts June 21st in Northern California and the last one starts August 15 in the Pacific Northwest. This year, we are hosting two retreats for Teens of Color, one on each coast. We are also hosting two retreats in the UK.

It's not too early to start thinking about summer plans. Take a look and sign-up for email reminders — or jump in and start the application process. We look forward to welcoming a whole lot of new and returning teens this summer.

View Teen Retreat Calendar >>

My son hasn’t stopped talking about how great his experience was. He definitely came home more confident and comfortable with who he is.
—Parent of a teen retreat participant

Young Adult Spring Break Retreat
March 7–11
step outside your routines

Calling all 18 to 32 year-olds!

iBme, in partnership with Koru Mindfulness, invites you to step outside of your routines and join us at the beautiful Sevenoaks Retreat Center in Virginia's Blue Ridge Mountains. Through both formal meditation periods and relational mindfulness activities, we will create space for each other and learn how to calm the mental chatter of everyday life.

What last year's participants had to say:

"I learned to look deep inside me and find the authentic self." —Zijun
"I learned to not lose the present by focusing on the future." —Christine
"I felt freedom in experiencing silence." —anonymous
"I found a community of acceptance and support that everybody shared and teachings that coincided with that." —Gabriella

Young Adult Spring Break Retreat
March 7–11, 2020
Madison, Virginia

Don't wait: Deadline for registration is February 21!

See More/Register >>

Mark Your Calendar!
May 16 = iBme Reunion

WELCOME!
10th Anniversary Reunion in DC

All teens, veteran teens, parents and staff are invited to join La Sarmiento, Joe Klein, and other beloved teachers and staff for a daylong reunion event in commemoration of iBme's 10-year anniversary.

Tell your friends!!

Get the info here >>

New Podcast Episode

Susan Stiffelman is well-known as author of the best-selling Parenting Without Power Struggles and Huffington Post's "Parent Coach." In this recent episode of her podcast, she spoke with iBme Executive Director Jessica Morey about the positive impact of mindfulness retreats on teens. Listen in and hear:

The surprising results of teaching self-compassion to teens
Why contemplative practice is particularly powerful for teens
What happens when teens on retreat unplug from technology.

Take a listen >>

Spreading the Word

WANT TO LEAD SCHOOL-BASED MINDFULNESS INITIATIVES?

There needs to be a place for adolescents to begin to figure out their minds and cultivate skills that lead to happier and healthier lives.

Today’s teens face ever-increasing stress, anxiety, and pressure. Mindfulness in schools offers one solution. Mindfulness Director Initiative (MDI) matches interested schools with highly qualified Mindfulness Directors and supports thriving cultures of mindfulness in school communities.

Applications are now being accepted for Mindfulness Director candidates (closing soon: visit the MDI website and reach out today if you're interested!).

Read about MDI on our blog >>

Our New Year's Retreats

92 teens, meditation, and a whole lot of fun!

The most important thing I learned is that you don't need to feel like an expert at meditating or experiencing empathy. You just need to be present and that's where the change starts.
—Eva C.

iBme welcomes and celebrates human diversity in all forms regardless of race, color, ethnicity, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, ability, personal appearance, or religious/spiritual affiliation.

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iBme is a 501c3 registered nonprofit that guides young adults in developing self-awareness, compassion, and ethical decision-making through in-depth mindfulness programs.