Young Adult Life Camp 2025: Cultivating calm and peace
2025.01.31編輯
As winter settles over New York, a group of young people aged 18-35 come together for a Life Camp. Hosted by the Oneness Truth Foundation, and co-organized by Bliss and Wisdom Foundation of Culture and Education, this year is our first attempt to create a college camp located in Honor's Haven Retreat.
From 3rd -5th January 2025, over 67 participants coming from the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, Singapore and Taiwan gathered together for chances to reflect, connect, and grow. This is a time where we can transform some of our anxiety and stress about the current globe, into peace and joy. Sometimes, we just need some time to slow down and breathe.
The Camp revolved around themes of gratitude, positive thinking, mindfulness, and sustainability. Through workshops, activities, and drama, we allowed ourselves to relax and explore the possibility of genuine happiness. Indeed, both volunteers and participants felt the influence of simply writing gratitude cards and appreciating simple things in our lives.
One of the most popular courses is Morning Mindfulness, where participants were invited to set aside their phone and gently reconnect with the calmness within. While mindful eating and mindful walking may seem trivial in our daily routines, they carry the profound potential to transform how we experience life. Through the guidance of Venerable Qing Xiu, participants brought full awareness to each step and every breath, paying full attention to the ground, the lifting and falling of our legs.
Environmental issue remains one of the most pressing concerns in today's society. Yet, the growing awareness of ecological destruction can sometimes lead to eco-anxiety—a sense of helplessness in the face of global challenges. Rather than being overwhelmed, we can choose to take meaningful steps by exploring plant-based diets, supporting organic farming, and embracing plastic-free purchasing habits. As the saying goes, "You can't do all the Earth needs, but the Earth needs all that you can do." Big changes often begin with small, mindful choices.
Life is filled with doubts and uncertainties, and having a wise mentor to help unravel them would be a true blessing. Through Heart-to-Heart Dialogue and Group Hangout, participants shared their deeply personal and often unspoken questions with the Dharma masters and fellow participants.
Through our courses and retreats, we hope to enrich ourselves and our participants, so that we are able to cultivate a greater sense of calm and clarity to navigate today's fast-paced, ever-changing world.
