Mindfulness is paying attention to the present moment with kindness and curiosity.
Inward Bound Mindfulness programs introduce young people to mindfulness through guided meditation, mindful movement, small group discussions, and fun group activities. Participants in our programs learn self-awareness, empathy, compassion, and techniques to calm and focus the mind and have mindful communication—the foundations for success in all areas of life. Our programs also include applying mindfulness skills to daily life, connecting with nature, and exploring creative expression.
The Science
Inward Bound was honored to host with Middlesex School a talk by Dr. Dan Siegel on his book, “Brainstorm: the Power and Purpose of the Teenage Brain”.
Research on the impact of mindfulness has shown benefits that include increased self-awareness, improved focus and impulse control, decreased stress and anxiety, skillful responses to difficult emotions, and increased empathy. Research on the impact of Inward Bound retreats has shown teens experience increased self-compassion and life satisfaction and decreased rumination and reactivity following retreat. For more on the science, please visit The American Mindfulness Research Association (AMRA).
Further Reading
Finding Self-Compassion by Sydney Spears, PhD LSCSW
Brainstorm by Dr. Dan Siegel
Wherever You Go, There You Are by Jon Kabat-Zinn
Mindfulness: An Eight-Week Plan for Finding Peace in a Frantic World
by Mark Williams and Danny Penman
The Mindful Way to Study by Jake Gibbs and Roddy Gibbs
The Stress Reduction Workbook for Teens by Gina Biegel, MA LMFT
Mindfulness for Teen Anxiety by Dr. Christopher Willard
Mindfulness for Teen Anger by Dr. Mark Purcell and Jason Murphy
Growing Up Mindful by Dr Christopher Willard
The Mindful Teen by Dzung X. Vo
Everyday Blessings by Myla and Jon Kabat-Zinn
A Mindfulness-Based Approach to Working with High-Risk Adolescents by Sam Himelstein
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Guided Meditations

- FOCUS for Teens by Daniel Goleman
- Free guided meditations and 8-week online course from UCLA Mindful Awareness Research Center
- Free guided meditations by Tara Brach
Listen to recordings from our retreats: