Family Programs

To be added to our dedicated Families & Children distribution list so that you receive email updates, please contact [email protected]

The Ottawa Shambhala Meditation Centre welcomes families and children! Our regular community practices welcome people of all ages, and we are happy to make crafts, toys, change-pads, and other materials available for your small ones. On this page, you’ll find information about past programs geared to parents, children and teens as well as resources for bringing mindfulness practices into your home.

Le Centre Shambhala accueille les familles et les enfants. Nos pratiques communautaires régulières accueillent des personnes de tous âges, et nous sommes heureux de mettre à la disposition de vos petits des bricolages, des jouets, des coussins de change et d’autres matériels. Sur cette page, vous trouverez des informations sur les programmes antérieurs destinées aux parents, aux enfants et aux adolescents, ainsi que des ressources pour intégrer les pratiques de l’attention et de la conscience en éveil à la maison.

 

An adult and two little kids meditate on the floor of a play room.Family Meditation

Our hybrid Tuesday night Mindfulness and Compassion Practice is open to everyone. Please feel free to bring your children with you to the Centre or join us online if an in-person practice is impractical that close to bedtime. There are kids’ books available in the social area.

 

Our Shambhala Holidays: Family-Friendly Community Events

These events are for everyone – babies, children, teens and grown-ups! Come and enjoy. See the calendar for upcoming events.

  • Shambhala Day – Lunar New Year
    • Shambhala Day is a celebration of the New Year and is an important holiday of the Shambhala Community. The date is based on the lunar calendar and is in accordance with the new year of the Tibetan calendar.
  • Midsummer Day
    • A fun day out for the whole Shambhala community to celebrate the summer solstice. We celebrate at a local park with a picnic lunch and fun activities for young and old alike.
  • Harvest of Peace
    • Celebrated at Autumn Equinox, this is a day to cultivate and celebrate community harmony and our collective sense of belonging.
  • Children’s Day
    • Celebrated every year at the Winter Solstice. Join the festivities at the court of the King and Queen of Shambhala.

Shambhala Buddhism marks other Celebration and Reflection days – like the Parinivana of the Vidyadhara (April 4), or Milarepa Day (the first full moon of the Tibetan New Year) – but these four seasonal festivals are joyful occasions for Buddhists of all ages.

 

Shambhala International Programs for Kids and Teens

Family Camp at Karmé Chöling

A magical week for parents and children to spend together with old friends and new in the beautiful rolling green hills of Vermont’s Northeast Kingdom at Karmê Chöling. Click here for more information.

Sun Camp

An outdoor sleepaway summer camp for children ages 10-16. Sun Camp is inspired by and based on the Shambhala Buddhist teachings, but is open to people of all backgrounds and interests. Click here for more information.

 

Resources on the Web

Recommended Books

For Children:

  • Rafe Martin: The Hungry Tiger, The Monkey Bridge, One Hand Clapping (and anything else he’s written!)
  • Jon J Muth: Stone Soup, Zen Ties, Zen Shorts, Zen Ghosts, The Three Questions (and others)
  • Phillip and Hannah Hoose: Hey Little Ant
  • Joseph Anthony: In a Nutshell
  • Susan Kaiser Greenland, Mindful Games Book and Activity Cards

For Teens:

  • Diana Winston: Wide Awake! A Buddhist Guide for Teens

Mindful Parenting:

  • Karen Maezen Miller: Momma Zen
  • Denise Roy: MOMfulness