“I feel a lot more hope for my future based on how we all were learning to live in the present moment.” - Retreat participant

Retreatants enjoying one another’s company after eating meditation.

This summer, your generosity funded young adults with limited funds to join the Wake Up retreat at MorningSun practice center in New Hampshire, through the Foundation’s community grants Dharma Outreach Program. Thanks to your support, these young people explored how to incorporate mindfulness, loving speech and deep listening into their daily lives through morning meditations, mindful meals, dharma sharing, juggling, hikes, art, self-reflection exercises and dharma talks. The retreat concluded with a beautiful 5 Mindfulness Trainings Ceremony.

“The Wake Up retreat supported me in a way that I never thought I could be supported. I have never been part of such a wholeheartedly kind community. ... I was able to share my fears, and sufferings, and joys to people I had only known but a day or two, all the while feeling more comfortable sharing than with some people back home whom I have known for multiple years. My heart has never felt that full.” - Retreat participant

After the retreat, some participants also traveled to a social justice event in the state capital protesting human rights violations against immigrants being locally detained, organized by one of the retreatants. Refreshed and grounded from the retreat, the group shared their peaceful, clear, and harmonious energy at the event. When the event finished, the Sangha was sitting on the grass in front of the state capital enjoying some tea and snacks when several of the event speakers and organizers came to join them. The retreatants invited them to join in mindful breathing practices and the organizers loved it!

Practicing sitting meditation during a group hike.