With much gratitude and metta to Noah Stepp for this heartfelt sharing about his experience in the FCM Family Program and recent transition to the Teen Program

Almost 4 years ago my mom started going to FCM. At first I wanted nothing to do with the Center. I had never enjoyed any of the other Sunday schools I had attended and didn’t want to go to another one. One weekend a family gathering was led by Diane Powell. I made my first mindfulness jar! When we were driving home I realized it wasn’t as I thought it was going to be. Then the Family Program started. I was one of the first kids to go and I was excited! I made a commitment to myself that day that as long as mom went to the Center I would go to the Family Program. 

These are just a few of the many things I have learned:

• How to ring the bell
• How and why to bow
• Mindful eating
• How to notice your emotions
• Using a mindfulness jar
• Feeling where feelings are in my body
• Life of Buddha
• Lineage of Buddhism and how Fred connects us to it all
• Thich Nhah Hanh
• How to use the breathing ball
• Mindful walking
• Yoga
• The Two Promises
• Given my Dharma name
• Songs from Plum Village
• What mindfulness really means to me

I turned 13 in February and have now moved into the Teen Program. I attended the Mindful Teen Half Day Retreat and one Sunday Teen Program. It has been a great transition for me. I want to thank everyone for guiding me along this path. A special thanks to Betsy, Suzy and Karuna for being my Dharma teachers. You all have taught me a lot and I always felt supported by you. I also want to thank the sangha. You have listened to me “check-in” about what we have done and learned while attending the Family Program. Your supportive listening, kindness and laughter is so appreciated. I would look out at everyone smiling at me and it always made me feel so good!

Deeply bowing,

Noah 

Source of All Goodness