Dharma Kids

The city I live in has very little Buddhism for children. Zero to be precise. So, this is my attempt to bring a little Dharma to the children of Kelowna. I’m not a nun or a monk, just a lay practitioner. However, I am a teacher, with lots of experience working with children. I’m all that we have for now–it’s me or no Dharma Kids.

At the last retreat I attended with my sister (following the teachings of Thich Nhat Hahn), we decided that our children would truly benefit from regular Sangha meetings and mindfulness lessons. Thus, Dharma Kids was born. It may just be my sister and I, our children, my nephew ( yes, nephew, whether you know it or not, we need your genius to help out) and a few of their friends who come, in the beginning, but it is a beginning. I’m basing the hour on Planting Seeds teachings by Thich Nhat Hahn and the Plum Village Community. I am also throwing in a little of my unique teaching style: perhaps a little meditation dance…

I am excited to be the one inviting the bell for our first meeting. Inviting the bell during Sangha is a way for all to stop and listen to the Buddha within, calling us home–away from distractions and back to the essence of being at peace within oneself and the world. It is a very meaningful practice, so it is an honour for me to initiate this ritual. 

The hour will include a little meditation, songs, games and fun. I’m looking forward to it. I have never taught Dharma before, so this requires much preparation. I’ve asked to be advertised at the Yoga House, CBC, Castanet, The Waldorf School and Urban Harvest. I’ll try a few more places too. Let me know if you have any more advertising ideas. Wish us luck…