Families Are Carrying So Much Right Now. This May Help.

[Meena Srinivasan]

Dear Friends/Colleagues in Mindfulness, Education, and Well-Being,

Families are carrying so much right now. As both an educator and parent, I feel this deeply. And as someone helping care for both a young child and aging parents while working full time, I know firsthand how hard it can be to create moments of steadiness, connection, and presence amidst the fullness of life.

Parents today are navigating stress, disconnection, technology overload, mental health concerns, and the daily challenge of simply finding enough time to be together. At the same time, research continues to affirm something many of us already know intuitively: emotionally healthy family systems and strong relationships matter profoundly for children’s learning, development, and well-being.

That’s why I’m excited to share Happy Families Change the World, a NEW 8-week online course rooted in decades of family mindfulness practice from the tradition of Zen teacher Thich Nhat Hanh and developed in partnership with Dartmouth College researchers.

The course offers practical, evidence-informed tools for families seeking more:

• Connection
• Emotional regulation
• Compassionate communication
• Joy and presence in daily life

Families will explore practices such as:

• Mindful listening
• Navigating conflict with greater compassion
• Creating rhythms of connection and belonging
• Building habits that support resilience and well-being at home

This offering feels especially meaningful because it is also the first public offering from the Thich Nhat Hanh School of Interbeing, a new mindfulness-based elementary school opening this fall near Deer Park Monastery in Southern California.

As a lab school, part of our mission is not only to serve children and families locally, but also to share practices, research, and learning more broadly in service of educational transformation and family well-being.

Importantly, 100% of proceeds from the course directly support the School of Interbeing, helping us bring to life an educational model rooted in mindfulness, compassion, nature connection, belonging, and social-emotional well-being.

We warmly invite you to a free public webinar on June 3, exploring:

• What mindfulness in family life can actually look like
• Why these approaches are attracting growing attention from health and well-being researchers
• How contemplative practices can strengthen relationships and support both caregivers and children

Featuring Brother Phap Luu, Sister Phu Nghiem, Dr. Diane Gilbert-Diamond, and Dr. Orlaith O’Sullivan.

We in the AME Community know that transformation often begins with small practices, one mindful breath before reacting, one moment of genuine listening, one ritual that helps a family feel more connected.

If this resonates, I hope you’ll join us, and share with families, educators, caregivers, and school communities who may benefit.

Course begins June 13: Learn more/register here

Many Blessings, 

Meena Srinivasan, Co-founder & Parent, Thich Nhat Hanh School for Interbeing

www.meenasrinivasan.com

Transformative Leader - Keynote Speaker - Author 

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