Raindrops, Cherry Blossoms and Ryōkan: February Children's Program at Green Gulch Farm Zen Center

We celebrated the mid-way point to spring yesterday with a new season of Children's Program at Green Gulch Farm Zen Center. 

The first part of the teacher's talk featured the Soto monk Ryōkan who lived much of his life as a hermit.  He's remembered for his calligraphy, poetry, love of children, and eccentric ways... playing games and filling his rice bowl with violets and dandelions. 

After the talk, we walked through the light rain noticing cherry blossoms and daffodils in bloom. 

Children were then guided through a short meditation... listening to the rain and the sound of the bell...  noticing in-breath, out-breath, and the gap in between.

Older children were then invited to try calligraphy and brushstroke with ink.  Younger children used crayons to draw what they noticed on the walk and their experience of listening to the rain.

We read the book, "No Ordinary Apple" -- a story about mindful eating... then enjoyed apple juice and apple muffins prepared earlier that morning by some of the children in the Green Gulch kitchen.

Our next program meets Sunday, March 2nd.  We meet outside the zendo at 10am.  Advanced registration is not required.  Participating families are invited to stay for lunch in the dining hall.

Hope to see you next time!

With metta,
Chelsea