- by Maxine Iharosy

Are you a millennial tired of hearing what's wrong with millenials? Or do you advocate for young adults, recognizing that what we're up against is no walk in the park?

It's no secret that young adults in Canada today are in the midst of a mental health crisis. Many factors have woven a tapestry of anxiety, uncertainty, and frustration that blankets the unique gifts of youth and young adults all across the country. The Sarana Young Adult Program (YAP) is a 6 day immersion, developed with the focus of supporting 18 to 30 year olds through a curriculum based on combining these skills: Mindfulness, Compassion, Inner Leadership, Nature and Food Awareness, in meeting the challenges of our world.

I am proud to call myself a faculty member, a supporter and a young adult.

Our faculty includes a Psychotherapist, Buddhist Chaplains, Naturalists, Yoga and Movement Teachers, a Holistic Nutritionist and Permaculture Educators. Our extended intergenerational community of volunteers, supporters and donors is another reason why this program is so special. Sharing stories and learning from one another's life experience celebrates diversity and acknowledges the value of each individual. Last year we were astounded by the wisdom and insight shared even on our first night together. Our young adults are looking for a place to speak, be heard and be seen. I am 27 years old and understand how liberating it is for confidence when asked to share opinion in a supportive environment where all are rooting for you. Especially from your elders.

And who are we? Sarana Institute is a non-for-profit charity that provides accessible Mindfulness based programs to awaken Compassion for self, others and nature. From ground up in the YAP curriculum we work on developing daily mindfulness practice, laying a foundation for a compassionate, non-judgmental approach to self-reflection and community engagement. This helps us slow down, identify the roots of unhealthy patterns and transform into the fullness of who we are as young adults so we can courageously lead from within.

Environmental ethics, sustainability and food sovereignty are part of what we discuss in circle along with climate crisis and how these big unknowns affect the lives of young adults today. In YAP we spend time with nature, developing relationship through mindful walks, educational hikes and awareness practices. We get our hands dirty in the permaculture garden and interact with the food web. From our mindfulness foundation, we focus on body positive practices to build self-compassion and cultivate nourishing food habits. All meals are either fully catered or prepared by us as a group for educational purposes, and are nutrient dense and allergen sensitive.

And This place? 170+ acres of forest, wetland, meadow and trails that is completely off grid near Chatsworth, Ontario. Digital detox is another big win in our program which includes 5 nights of camping out. We promote unplugging so one can truly connect to their inner leader, be fully present, and take in the experience without all the extra 'noise'.

Donors and program sponsors have made the Sarana Young Adult Program possible. This has allowed us to reduce registration to $795 with all meals, campsites and manuals provided! We are still funding to reach our full goal which will allot for 1 full and as many partial scholarships as possible. Our intention is to be inclusive and accessible in sharing this transformative young adult immersion.

The Sarana Young Adult Program
Walk Your Inner Path
August 10 - 15, 2018
Learn More Here

photos  by Natalie Showfield Howard