Inward Bound Mindfulness

10/07/2025

For those in need of safe spaces and a reminder that there is compassion, still, in this world... join us on retreat this New Year's.

Embrace the magic of Inward Bound mindfulness retreats as you ring in a new year and set intentions for yourself and a hopeful future.

December 28 - January 1
Northeast or Northern California
Tuition is on a sliding scale & scholarships are available!

For more details and to apply, visit us at inwardboundmind.org/teens (link in bio)

10/01/2025

Last call - registration closes today! Seeking a few days of refuge and relaxation in nature? This is your opportunity.

We know times are tough, for so many reasons. This retreat is your chance to build up resilience and compassion to face the immense challenges of our time.

Come connect with fellow BIPOC young adults, talk about what is on your mind and heart, and walk away feeling restored. The mindfulness skills you learn on retreat and the friendships you make will last a lifetime.

For all details, including scholarship options, register today at www.inwardboundmind.org/refuge (link in bio)

Deadline to register is today, October 1st!

09/11/2025

Registration is closing soon for our mindfulness retreat just for BIPOC young adults, Refuge & Relaxation. Don't miss this opportunity!

Want to bring a friend? Go for it and get $50 for you, $50 for them when you apply.

For details and to apply: inwardboundmind.org/young-adult-retreats/norcal/
(link in bio)

09/08/2025

Whether you are an educator, social worker, or counselor, you play a pivotal role in caring for youth, helping them navigate the complexity of life. And you need care, too. Empowering Youth, Starting with You is just for you.

Join us for this 2-day intensive mindfulness workshop, offering more than just classroom or session strategies. It will be a dedicated space focused on how mindfulness can better support you and integrate into your youth-serving work.

You will get to:
- Dive into mini sessions from our Mindfulness Teacher Training curriculum
- Build up your relational mindfulness skills
- Share and connect within small groups
- Engage in mindful movement sessions
- Hang out with teachers and attendees over dinner

You will gain:
- Strengthened abilities to stay present, manage stress, and build effective connections
- A deeper understanding of practical mindfulness skills
- The confidence to apply your honed skills within your work
- Walk away feeling reset, renewed, and empowered!

Event details:
October 17-18
Santa Monica, CA
Bring a Friend - $50 for you, $50 for them (register for more details)

Register today!
inwardboundmind.org/empowering (link in bio)

07/22/2025

Registration is now open for Refuge & Relaxation, a 4-day mindfulness retreat for BIPOC young adults.

Embrace this chance to relax, connect, and immerse in nature. Learn lifelong mindfulness skills, build compassionate community with fellow young adults, and restore your faith in humanity.

October 10-13, 2025
Shelterwood Collective, Cazadero, CA
Tuition of $300, $400, or $500 (three tuition tiers)

Limited spots available!
Learn more and apply: inwardboundmind.org/refuge (link in bio)

07/22/2025

[podcast episode!]

Bringing Mindfulness to Youth and Those Who Support Them

In this episode of the Passionist Earth and Spirit Center podcast, Inward Bound Executive Director, Erik Osugi, and Programs and Community Engagement Lead, Nikki Cistac, talk with host Kyle Cramer about the transformative power of mindfulness for a richly diverse community of young people.

Have a listen --> www.earthandspiritcenter.org/inward-bound-mindfulness-bringing-mindfulness-to-youth-and-those-who-support-them/

Thanks for having us, Passionist Earth and Spirit Center!

Inward Bound Mindfulness is a nonprofit organization offering intensive mindfulness retreats to youth across the country. In this episode, Inward Bound Executive Director Erik Osugi, and Nikki Cistac, the lead for programs and community engagement, talk about the transformative power of mindfulness....

07/03/2025

Don't miss out on our last teen retreat for the summer! Apply today for our SoCal retreat. Scholarships are still available for SoCal applicants.

Deadline to apply:
July 6 for first-time attendees
July 9 for returning attendees

Apply: inwardboundmind.org/teen-retreats/southern-california/

06/30/2025

It was the last night of a mindfulness retreat. Five teens sat in a circle under the stars — sharing their stories, listening deeply, and holding space for one another. One of them later wrote: “It was so incredibly relieving and meaningful.”

Over the past 15 years, Inward Bound retreats have been a turning point for thousands of teens—a moment to find calm, connect, and feel good again. But for many teens – especially those from marginalized or low-income communities – these retreats are out of reach without your support.

That’s why we’re asking you to join our scholarship campaign.

Our progress: $23,708
Our goal: $50,000 for scholarships
What it funds: 1 week of mindfulness, connection, nature, and healing

Jonathan Haidt’s new research warns that today’s youth face a perfect storm of screen addiction, loneliness, and declining mental health. But the antidote isn’t complicated. It’s presence. It’s belonging. It’s play. It’s being understood.

You can give that to a teen today. Thank you for holding space for young people — not just in spirit, but in action.

donate now: inwardboundmind.org/donate
venmo: https://account.venmo.com/u/inwardboundmindfulness

06/25/2025

When Ivy (*not her real name) arrived at our retreat, she barely spoke. She walked slowly, hunched over with her hoodie covering her short bob. Her mom—worried sick about Ivy’s bouts of anxiety and recent hospital visits for organ damage—almost didn’t let her attend.

Then, one day, something changed when Ivy shared a poem about how others saw her as fragile and weak, but how strong she truly felt inside. How she was determined to conquer her fears. Another teen scooted over and said, “I loved your poem”. That small gesture sparked a friendship, and something in Ivy began to shift.

Ivy started arriving first at all the activities. She began volunteering to speak in front of the group. She started laughing more easily. On the final night, Ivy even got on stage to … sing at the talent show. Today, Ivy is flourishing. She left with more than just a confidence boost; she is still best friends with the teen who sat beside her that fateful day.

This is what happens when teens get the chance to heal, connect, and be seen for who they are.

Will you help us offer that chance to more youth this summer?

Your gift brings scholarships to teens like Ivy who simply need space to shine.

inwardboundmind.org/donate

06/24/2025

This summer, a teenager will sit under the stars and — maybe for the first time in years — feel deeply seen, supported, and at peace. One young person recently told us:

“I opened up and was happy with myself, and I haven’t seen myself like that since I was a little kid.”

At Inward Bound, we create that kind of space. A safe space without phones, without everyday stressors, and without judgment. Just real connection, mindfulness, nature, and a chance to be who they are. Right now, that kind of space isn’t just helpful — it’s essential.

Jonathan Haidt’s The Anxious Generation warns us that rates of teen anxiety, depression, and self-harm have more than doubled in the past 10 years. It’s even worse for marginalized communities who feel under attack in the current political climate. Haidt writes, “They’re so lonely compared to any previous generation.” He calls for less screen time, more in-person connection, more play, and deeper emotional skills.

Inward Bound has been doing this for 15 years, and we need your help to do more.

We’re raising $50,000 to fund scholarships for low-income and marginalized youth to attend our summer retreats. These teens need what our programs offer: focus, resilience, community, and a safe place to just be themselves.

Will you make a gift today?

🌱inwardboundmind.org/donate (link in bio)

or venmo us @ inwardboundmindfulness

06/17/2025

LAST CALL if you wanted to attend our Northeast Teen Retreat!

Deadline to apply:
Friday, June 20 for first-timers (this Friday!)
Thursday, June 26 for returning alumni

06/03/2025

We are committed to supporting a reconnected generation of young people.

Donate today to our Teen Scholarship Fund, so every teen can attend life-changing mindfulness retreats.

Make a gift — link in bio 🫶🏼