Youth Curriculum, 2-22-26

Announcements:

Parents, you and your child or teen are warmly invited to join me in exploring the spiritual practice events offered at our center. These experiences are designed to help youth and families connect more deeply with themselves and each other. Practices include Qi Gong, Community Meditation, and Sound Bath—any of which may grow into a meaningful ritual you share and build upon as a family.

We will begin our spiritual exploration on Thursday, February 26, from 5:30–6:30 PM with a beginner-friendly Qi Gong session led by Kent.

If you have any questions about your child or teen’s participation, please connect with Adrienne. We look forward to sharing this experience together.

February Theme: Interbeing, Belonging, and the Power of Love
Week 4 Value: Intimate with the Infinite
Affirmation: I am intimately connected with the Infinite within and around me.

Curriculum Overview:

This week invites youth and teens to experience connection not as an idea, but as a lived awareness. Through intentional movement and quiet reflection, they explore how stillness and energy coexist within them. By blending play with presence, youth discover that love and connection are always accessible—steady, grounding, and personal.

Spiritual Lesson:

Connection is not something we earn—it is something we awaken to. Youth explore the idea that the Infinite (Life, Love, Source, Spirit) is not separate or distant but alive within their breath, body, and awareness. By slowing down, they learn that stillness strengthens clarity and that movement can be mindful. This lesson emphasizes inner trust, belonging, and spiritual confidence.

Spiritual Practice: Ripple Awareness Pause

Youth participate in a guided movement sequence combining slow walking, balanced poses, breath awareness, and intentional stretching. This embodied practice teaches regulation, presence, and calm strength. Youth learn that they can return to their breath and body anytime they need grounding.

Active Listening: Book / Music / Video

Younger Children (Ages 4–7)

• Book: I Am Peace — Susan Verde
  Introduces mindfulness and inner calm in simple language.
• Music: “A Million Dreams” (Greatest Showman – instrumental version)
  Encourages imagination and inner connection.
• Video: Short mindful movement story (Cosmic Kids yoga segment, 3–4 minutes)

Children & Preteens (Ages 7–12)

• Reading: Short guided reflection on “Where do you feel calm in your body?”
• Music: “Golden” – Harry Styles (instrumental or reflection segment)
  Encourages joy and self-expression.
• Video: Brief mindfulness animation (Headspace-style breathing clip, 3–4 minutes)

Teens (Ages 13–16)

• Reading: Excerpt or reflection on inner awareness and self-trust (teacher-guided)
• Music: “Saturn” – SZA
  Encourages contemplation about growth and deeper connection.
• Video: Short reflection on presence and awareness (TED-Ed mindfulness clip)

Creative Expression: Heart-Centered Reflection Art

Youth choose a word, color, or symbol that represents love or connection to them. They create a small card, stone design, or folded paper emblem to keep as a reminder. This tangible reminder reinforces that connection is internal and portable.

Connecting: Shared Stillness Circle

Youth gather in a quiet circle. One by one, they share their chosen word, color, or symbol. After each share, the group pauses for one collective breath. This practice strengthens belonging, respectful listening, and shared presence—allowing youth to experience connection in real time.