Mindful Families Series to focus on 'Everyday Blessings'
Rather than focusing on “perfect” parenting techniques, the program emphasizes the inner work of becoming more conscious and compassionate with both ourselves and our children. By doing this inner work, parents can create more peaceful and authentic family relationships.
Blue Mountain School is looking forward to another year of offering mindful parenting support time for reflection and connection through its Mindful Families Series with facilitators Sarah McCarthy and Jagadisha Rotella. Sessions begin this Wednesday, Oct. 22.
This year's series will use “Everyday Blessings: The Inner Work of Mindful Parenting” by Jon and Myla Kabat-Zinn as a guiding text, bringing together parents who want to cultivate more presence and intentionality in their family lives.
The Mindful Families Series creates a welcoming space where parents can step back from the demands of daily life to examine their own reactions, patterns, and values.
The school said in a release this week that rather than focusing on “perfect” parenting techniques, "the program emphasizes the inner work of becoming more conscious and compassionate with both ourselves and our children. By doing this inner work, parents can create more peaceful and authentic family relationships."
Participants in the series benefit from guided discussions based on the Kabat-Zinn book, which explores how mindfulness principles apply specifically to raising children. The program also provides practical tools parents can use in everyday moments, from managing challenging behaviors to creating presence during routine activities like mealtimes and bedtime.
Mark J. Harris
Floyd County Farm Bureau
(540) 745-2021
335 E. Oxford St.
Floyd VA 24091
Beyond learning techniques, the series offers something many caregivers need: community. Families meet with others facing similar challenges and joys, reducing the isolation that often accompanies parenthood and building a supportive network of mutual understanding.
The program also addresses parental stress and self-care, helping participants develop skills for responding thoughtfully rather than reacting impulsively to difficult situations. Families learn to honor their own needs alongside their children's, recognizing that their own well-being matters too.
602 East Main Street
Floyd Virginia
540-745-8686
Everyone is welcome to participate, and purchasing or reading the book in advance is not required.
Facilitators will provide summaries at each session so all participants can engage fully in the discussions. The school will also work to have copies on site for families who need them.
Those interested in obtaining their own copy can visit the Book House (132 N. Locust St.) in downtown Floyd or order through an online seller.
The series meets monthly from 4-5:30 p.m. on the following dates:
- Oct. 22
- Nov. 13
- Dec. 3
- Jan. 15
- Feb. 11
- March 11
- April 15
- May 7
Blue Mountain School provides free after school care for registered families who participate.
Non-enrolled neighbors are welcome to join, and can register for childcare for children ages 2.5 and up.
To register and get more information about the Mindful Families Series, contact Blue Mountain School at contact@bluemountainschool.net and visit www.bluemountainschool.net.
Blue Mountain School is located at 470 Christiansburg Pike in Floyd.