Today I was invited to support the Blue Star’s Youth Group as they hosted another youth group (from the Shiva Gana Organization). What does it mean to provide support for this kind of day? It means spending time in the space, helping to be a host, to welcome and guide those new to the space, to demonstrate the physical practice as needed, to help facilitate the flow of group sessions.

It was a joyful experience. There was relief at not being the one in charge. There was a relief in just showing up and filling in where needed. It is so interesting to observe how our youth interact with each other, to notice how they have grown together, to appreciate the clarity of their thoughts, words and actions.

Once upon a time I was President of the Blue Star Youth Group! I do not think I was as good a facilitator as our current youth facilitators are. I do not think I was nearly as articulate, as composed, or as eager to learn as our current group of youth. It makes me reflect on how much I have grown as an individual and how much the Blue Star has grown as an organisation.

Topics covered today:

• Role models - the importance of good role models, how they inspire us to be better, how we can become role models as well
• The 3 brains (gut, heart and head)
• Focus, attention, intention
• How we can be guided by our energy in the space

I am thankful that these are all topics that I learnt growing up. While in conversation today I realised that this year marks the 30th year I have been with the Blue Star. Through the youth group, the workshops, and retreats I have learnt so much more than I thought I knew. I consider it to be of utmost importance that we work with our youth to give them this same grounding. I am thankful that education of the youths is a strong part of the Blue Star mission.

There are days when I wonder what will become of us as we get older. Then I spend time with youths, as I did today, and I am encouraged.

Interestingly, we are still in that full moon window and this moon is a playful moon, one where we can nourish ourselves by being around children, where we can gain insight by reflecting on our own childhood. The invitation to assist today was made on Monday, I found out that moon tidbit on Thursday, and today I found myself spending the majority of my day with youth and reminiscing on my childhood and teenage years with fellow Blue Star members. Life can be magical.

peace,

Renee Arundhati