Inward Bound Mindfulness

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 🫶🏼

05/08/2025

[deadline soon] Scholarship Requests for Summer Teen Retreats!

In alignment with our mission, we aim to help every teen attend retreat, regardless of their financial situation.

Thanks to our Teen Scholarship Fund and the dedicated generosity of our donors, scholarships are available for this summer’s retreats!

Need support to attend retreat? It’s easy to request one – simply enter your scholarship amount directly within the application form **by May 16th**.

All requests made by May 16th will be prioritized in our review process. Requests made thereafter will be assessed as remaining funds allow.

So don’t wait, complete your application and submit your scholarship request today!

Apply here: inwardboundmind.org/teens (link in bio!!)

04/15/2025

bring a friend on retreat: $100 for you, $100 for them!

Time and time again, teens and parents share how transformative our mindfulness retreats are.

Whether teens love the friends they make, the authentic sense of community, their connection with mindfulness teachers, their newfound meditation skills, or the freedom to sincerely be themselves... teens discover how rare this kind of space is.

Our hope is that every young person gets the chance to experience this for themselves. So, bring along your friends!

Apply today for a summer teen retreat, and get $100 off your tuition cost and $100 off for them. Discount applied on top of sliding scale tuition or scholarship amount.

Start your application today to qualify for "Bring A Friend". Make sure your friend applies, too. We hope to see you on retreat!

apply: inwardboundmind.org/teens (links in bio)

04/10/2025

Craving a retreat for a few days? Want to get off the grid, enjoy the quiet of the woods? Calling all young adults for an immersive mindfulness experience.

Take this opportunity to unplug, enjoy the serenity of the Blue Ridge Mountains, and learn mindfulness skills to last a lifetime. Forge connections within a compassionate community of mindfulness teachers and fellow humans.

Details:
- June 17-20, 2025
- Seven Oaks Retreat Center in Madison, VA
- sliding scale tuition: $400-$750
- limited scholarships available
- for young adults ages 18-35
- shuttle available from Charlottesville airport
- apply by June 1

save your spot! apply at inwardboundmind.org/virginia/

virginia young adult retreat Four days of rest & mindfulness within the beautiful Blue Ridge Mountains. apply now restoration on retreat Take this rare opportunity to gain uninterrupted and genuine […]

02/26/2025

Calling all young adults looking to retreat this Spring!

Four beautiful days.
Three starry nights.
In the woods of Northern California.

Take this opportunity to unplug and rest, immerse in nature, and learn timeless mindfulness skills.

Only 15 spots available, so save yours today!
To learn more and to apply, visit:
inwardboundmind.org/norcal (link in bio)