Living Calm in the Chaos

How do we function and thrive in our life when the days and weeks can be hectic, unpredictable, and sometimes chaotic? As parents, if we stop for a pause (or listen to that inner voice) we may find ourselves asking how to cultivate a family culture that embraces life in its ongoing change, learning how to live in that flow of unpredictability, and having fun and enjoying one another along the way (yes! we deserve that!). Let’s face it, whether we want it to or not, life moves along at a rapid enough pace that if we don’t make time for each other, without meaning to, we’ll miss many (if not most) of the details that create the life we really hope for. So, how does “Living Calm In the Chaos” work?  How do we learn about and incorporate skills that recognize our whole self (mind, body, spirit) throughout the course of a day in a way that cares for the relationship with our self, our partner, and our children?

We gather to learn, practice, and support. We gather together for 9 weeks of self exploration,  group interaction, and family home practice.  Living Calm in the Chaos is intentionally structured so that kids and parents meet separately, in their own groups, for the first 8 weeks and then families come together for the final class. Outside of class is where the practice really takes place. Our homework, individually and collectively as a family, is to practice taking pauses throughout the day, to recognize our emotions and how they manifest in the body and mind, to move in such a way that we are aware of our whole body, to listen carefully, and to communicate with love and patience. Hard work? Yes. But possible and worth your time and commitment! We believe (and know from experience) that one of the greatest benefits about this program is learning from one another. Connecting with other families, listening and sharing stories about life, and learning through each other’s practical weekly experiences gives these holistic efforts a dynamic context for understanding.

Living Calm in the Chaos is based in mindfulness (meditation), movement (yoga, qi gong, and labyrinth), body and emotional awareness (Focusing), and cultivating gratitude, empathy, and compassion for self and others. We discuss various ways of expressing ourselves, managing our personal and family lives, and being present with each other. This program is designed for youth ages 7-12 and their families.

Manitou offers this course in partnership with community and family organizations. Please contact us if you are interested in attending or partnering with us.

2019/2020 offerings:
Living Calm in the Chaos 2020 – Franciscan Spirituality Center, La Crosse, WI