Thank you, IBME!

While participating in retreats, I have had many unique and unparalleled experiences. These experiences have taught me things about both myself and the world I live in, that I truly had no previous awareness of. For example, I learned the value of having genuine and kind conversations with my peers. I learned a lot about kindness, in general, and most importantly the value of trying to be kind to myself. Meditation and mindfulness allowed me to listen to my mind and body, and the instructions I received from the staff helped me to learn the steps to begin accepting and understanding myself. I think this retreat not only taught me to respect myself but what respecting myself means.
Everything I learned about mindfulness while on retreat was extremely valuable as it provided me with tools and techniques I could take away and apply in my life. I now frequently find myself using these tools in order to implement some much needed mindfulness to the everyday goings on in my world. I am able to manage stress and high anxiety situations (and high school anxiety situations) much more smoothly by bringing a sense of calm awareness to my mind and body. I have also used what I learned about awareness to help me be relaxed while staying alert during times when I need to focus. This has helped me a lot as a student where in school, being focused is crucial for having a successful day of learning.
There is so much about this retreat that I would like to share with the teens in my generation and I often try to. But try as I might, mindfulness and meditation isn't as fascinating as the latest episode of that show their watching. It is, however, far more important. I would love to express the awe I experienced upon first discovering what the IBME teen retreats offered. Going on retreats has truly been the most valuable experience I've had the opportunity to take part in to this day. If there was one solution I could present to teens like me and teens of all backgrounds and stories it would be to slow down, and take the time to learn about yourself, your peers and your world by participating in these retreats.
Mindfulness is such a crucial aspect of living, especially today, when continual exposure to social environments, a competitive economy and a busy lifestyle make it so hard to be aware of the moments your life, and how to appreciate them and be kind to yourself and others.
IBME teen retreats have helped me and countless other teens access this kind of essential awareness. The experiences that I've had on retreat will stay with me forever and they act as much more than a memory, they act as a positive influence on every moment that I choose to look around me with awe, kindness and calmness.