Earthsong Organic Farm & Retreat Center

Frequently Asked Questions

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) about Earthsong Teen Meditation Retreat

1) How long have teen meditation retreats been going on in this country? How about the Earthsong one? Organized teen meditation retreats have been taking place since the 1940’s, starting with Christian church retreats, followed by Buddhist teen retreats since the 1980’s. Earthsong’s teen meditation retreats began several years ago.

2) What is meditation and what are the origins of it in this country? Meditation is a practice of training the mind that can lead to a state of higher awareness and associated physical, psychological and spiritual benefits. The behavioral components usually include relaxation, concentration and/or attention, improved states of awareness, suspension of mental “chatter”, and maintenance of a “self” observing attitude. Eastern meditation was brought to this country in 1893 by Soyen Shakyu, when he lectured on Zen Buddhism. Transcendental Meditation came to this country in the late 50’s, followed by Tibetan Buddhism in the 70’s. Christian meditation in some form was probably practiced in this country from the 1600’s when the original Christians arrived. Native American contemplation and meditation began many centuries before that.

3) How do teenage issues and development fit into your program? One of the key developmental challenges in adolescence is to create a stable identity and associated positive self-image that can be carried forward into adulthood .During this process, teens regularly ask themselves: “ who am I?” “how do I fit in? “am I normal?”, “am I valued?”, and “am I lovable and loving?” In our retreat, we focus on many of these developmental issues, especially during small group processing. Meditation, itself, often leads to a more open and sharing state of mind. In this setting, teens can experience a “mirroring” of themselves through others and derive a more accurate picture of who they are and what steps may be taken to resolve conflicts that are now in one’s awareness. Also, any experimentation with negative identities and problem behaviors can be identified and processed in this therapeutic setting. Teen problems such as depression, anger, abnormal fears, anxiety, educational failure, family disruption, ADD, poor peer choices, acting out or other oppositional disturbances, and accountability and taking responsibility issues may arise in the retreat setting. The retreat staff and teens together process whatever arises and seek solutions in this warm and respectful milieu. If needed, recommendations can be made for additional professional follow-up in the teen’s home community.

4) Are there any spiritual or church background requisites for entering the retreat? Is any prior meditation experience necessary? No. No particular church or spiritual background is necessary for the retreat. Similarly, no prior meditation experience is needed.

5) Will the meditation retreat go against my religion? Our retreat center does not promote any particular religion or spiritual path. We respect all religious backgrounds. Contemplation and meditation have been an integral part of Christianity, Buddhism, Islam, Hinduism and most spiritual paths.

6) Does intensive meditation have any risks? In the vast majority of cases meditators report positive benefits, although there are certain cases where intensive meditation can worsen symptoms, such as in those with predisposing psychiatric disturbances. For instance, in those with schizophrenia, there could be a destabilization with intensive meditation. Qualified staff monitoring is an important aspect of our teen and adult retreats.

7) How does meditation work? What’s the research? Meditation works by training the mind to enter a calm-abiding state, and to gain insight into the nature of the mind. An experienced meditation teacher is crucial in this process. The taming and training of the mind leads to many fruitful results across the entire range of human activity. Research shows that there is a progression of brain wave changes from our usual waking Beta state to the slower/calmer Alpha state; then in seasoned meditators, a progression to the deeper Theta state. “Awakening” within meditation appears as high amplitude gamma oscillations associated with brain synchrony. Functional MRI shows increased activity in parts of the brain (such as the left prefrontal cortex) having to do with emotional regulation and improving empathy/compassion.

8) How did the Earthsong Teen Meditation Retreats begin? Beginning in 1989, the Insight Meditation Society in Massachusetts started teen retreats, and were subsequently organized in California in 2002. For a more complete history, please consult the extended FAQ available at the Earthsong Retreat Center website, www.earthsongretreat.com. In 1995, due to a longstanding vision of Maury Cooke, there was the creation of the Gregory Lin Cooke Memorial Fund, which helped purchase some 75 acres in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains in Southwest Virginia. This blossomed into an organic farm and retreat center over the ensuing years. The retreat center is one part of the larger entity, Center for Community Development, wherein Maury Cooke is Chairman of the Board.

9) What goes on at a retreat? Usually there are 15-20 teens aged 14-19 participating in each retreat, which takes place in the midst of pristine wilderness where there are few distractions. They are introduced to each other, the staff and their accommodations. They then review retreat guidelines, the daily schedule and commitment to the five precepts of moral conduct. Sessions of sitting and walking meditation and periods of silence are complimented with twice daily small discussion groups and movement practices such as Yoga and Qi Gong. In addition, teens are offered a choice of 2-3- workshops each afternoon on such topics as African Drumming, Tibetan Art, Creative Writing, Drama and Nature Walks .The latter include plant identification with a teacher to help identify edible and medicinal wild plants. Courses in the Ecology of Mindfulness ( led by Cameron Stallings, resident and Land Manager) and another in the traditional sacred art of mask making and other art therapy ( presented by Emily Dawn, Earthsong artist in residence) are offered this year as well (see extended version of FAQ for details) Each day concludes with a talk from the teaching staff that focuses on mindful living. The retreat schedule begins with a 6:30AM wake up, followed by sitting meditation. Breakfast starts at 7:30, followed by cleanup (mindfully based). Formal sitting meditation begins at 9:15 followed by a question and answer period. Walking session meditation begins at 10AM, followed at 10:30 by another session of sitting meditation. Walking meditation is reintroduced at 11AM followed by a small group discussion. Lunch is served at 12:30, and then there is free time from 1 to 2:15. Mindful movement meditation is from 2:15-300PM, followed by the fourth sitting meditation session for a half hour. Workshops take place at 3:30. Dinner is served at 5:00. There is an hour of free time, and then compassion, (or metta, a meditation which focuses on cultivating loving kindness for self and others) meditation starts at 6:45 PM, with yogic stretching at 7:15. A Dharma talk is scheduled for 7:30.Then there is an evening snack, followed by another small group discussion at 8:30PM. This is followed by the sixth sitting meditation and chanting at 9:30 PM. Lights out is at 10:30! The retreat does not permit any use of alcohol or drugs. Students are encouraged to stop use of all tobacco products, and assistance is given if there is a desire to cut back or stop. Teens make commitments to follow the five precepts, each beginning with-“knowing how deeply our lives intertwine”1) I undertake the commitment to protect life 2) I undertake the commitment to take only what belongs to or is given to me. 3) I undertake the commitment to use my sexuality wisely and protect relationships and will abstain from sexually oriented conduct 4 ) I undertake the commitment to speak truthfully and kindly 5) I undertake the commitment not to harm others or myself with alcohol or drugs. Confidentiality is stressed throughout, as well as observance of appropriate social and personal boundaries, and respect for the beliefs and rights of others. The atmosphere is one of acceptance, openness, support and kindness. Because of the intensity of the structured meditation sessions and small group processing, there is a rapid period of therapeutic learning and self discovery. Obstacles to growth are analyzed and methods of healthy change are discussed. Many individual and group techniques and “games” are utilized to promote growth, self exploration and the creation of a cohesive supportive community. The group games of “if you really knew me”, and “hot seat” are two of the most popular and effective. Other group games include “energy ball”, “impermanence drawing”, “rainstorm”, “mirrored intention”, and “circle of support” .These games are summarized in the retreat manual for teachers.

10) What if any publicity have you had about your program? The Virginian-Pilot has had two feature articles recently, one on Maury Cooke and his local pioneering in the meditation area (July 12, 2008), and the other being an article giving a full description of the benefits of the teenage retreats (July 26, 2008), written by a teen who had just graduated from the last Earthsong teen retreat.(July 6-12,2008).(http://hamptonroads.com/2008/07/silence -helps-teens-turn-feelings-self-knowledge). An article on that retreat also appeared in the Roanoke Times and can be read at http//www.roanoke.com/extra/wb/169903. Another article which appeared in the Floyd Press and is found on Loose Leaf Notes Blog (http:www.looseleafnotes.com/notes/2008/08/earthsong_teen_meditation_retr.html)

11) What are the costs and are there scholarships? The 6 day teen meditation retreat is $500.00, and the three day retreat is $125.00.This covers 20-40% of lodging, meals, teacher’s fees and other expenses. It does not cover transportation to and from the retreat, although we do help with arrangements for pickup and drop off from local bus and train stations, as well as regional airports. The Earthsong Retreat Center is seeking funding for scholarships and is working to make the retreats accessible to all. In the interim, the Center will make every effort to be of help to those who cannot attend a retreat without some financial consideration.

12) Can you say something more about the staffing of the retreat? Yes, we are blessed by the individual teachers and how they work together as a team. We have an excellent staff-to-student ratio. Usually there are four to five primary teachers plus other staff directing the retreat. Our teachers are well qualified as national experts in the area of teen meditation. They are Tempel Smith, Marvin Belzer, PhD, Erin Hill, Jason Murphy, CSAC, Jessica Morey, Pascal Auclair and Dori Langevin, PsyD.More information on each teacher is available on the longer version of the FAQ at the web-site.

13) How do I sign up, and how do I get there? You can fill in an application obtained from either our brochures or our website (www.earthsongretreat.com). Directions are given at the website. If there are any questions, please contact Maury Cooke at 757-4770610, or Joe Klein at joklein@swva.net.

*more detailed answered to these questions are available at the website.

CCDI/ Earthsong Organic Farm and Meditation Retreat Center(EOFMRC) Narrative (Oct 20, 2008)

The Center for Community Development (CCDI) was originally formed and incorporated as a non-profit organization {501(c) (3)} in 1990 with the mission of “bringing people and opportunity together”, and to be a catalyst for neighborhood revitalization through affordable housing and community involvement. CCDI is also a Community Housing Development Organization that is certified by the Virginia Department of Housing and Community Development. CCDI’s housing division helps low and moderate income individuals and families become First Time Homebuyers through the development of newly constructed and rehabilitated homes in neighborhoods that are in need of revitalization. These opportunities have been provided through its three offices in the Hampton Roads area for the past seventeen years. Since 1997, CCDI has been the catalyst for the construction/revitalization of over 100 homes throughout Hampton Roads and has returned over $10,000,000 in real estate to Hampton Roads Municipality tax rolls. Partnerships have been created with HUD, the Virginia Housing Development Authority, Virginia Dept. of Housing and Community Development, the City of Portsmouth, Newport News Redevelopment and Housing Authority, Wells Fargo Foundation, Empowerment 2010, Portsmouth Self-Sufficiency Project/Oasis Opportunity Center, and Second Chances. The Small Business Assistance division, also known as the Microenterprise division, began in 1995, and this allows entrepreneurs to develop, sustain and expand their small businesses. For example, in 2006, 34 loans in the amount of $282,667.00 were made to 13 small business owners in this region. This resulted in 64 jobs being created, with 49 being retained. Four of these businesses were start-ups. This division has since its inception generated 2.5 million dollars in loans, the average being $7000.00. Locations for these loans have included Portsmouth, Chesapeake, Suffolk, Norfolk, Virginia Beach, Newport News and Williamsburg. Partnerships include the USDA, US Small Business Administration, Hampton Community Development Corporation, the Virginia Peninsula Chamber of Commerce, Virginia Tourism Commission, Hampton Roads Chamber of Commerce plus the above partnerships, among a number of other partnerships. There have been a number of grants made to CCDI over the years from the SBA, USDA, and Virginia Enterprise Initiative among others.

CCDI began the development of the Urban Arts Center (UAC) in 1994. In this Center, those from ages 6 to 66 plus receive instruction in the technique and culture of art form, including Dance, Steel Pans, Ethnic Drumming, Creative Writing and Youth Development. The UAC offers year round after school programs primarily for high school students in the Hampton Roads(7 Cities) area, as wee as a six week summer Performing Arts Academy; Performances and workshops are offered in these communities throughout the year. In 2006, Tom Miller, an adjudicator at the Panorama Steel Pan Competition said of the UAC that it was “a supreme model as to how music should be made as a community”. The UAC has enjoyed many friends and grantors who have remained since its inception.

CCDI is funded through a variety of Federal, State and local public and private resources .CCDI’s mission is “to be a catalyst for neighborhood revitalization through affordable housing and community involvement”. The organization has been successfully meeting their objectives through the capable stewardship of Maury Cooke, the founder and Chairman of the Board of CCDI, and Bruce AsBerry, MHS (Master of Human Services) President and Chief Operating Officer of CCDI. The talented staff bringing the goals and objectives to reality include: Lindsey D. Sciancalepore, Finance Manager; Monique P. Harrell, Program Director, Microenterprise; Suzanne Ramus-Jones, Senior Program Specialist with Microenterprise; Steven Hagwood, Site Manager for Microenterprise; Kimberly R. Williams,HDFP, Program Director, Housing; Andrea Thompson, Mortgage Specialist; Jason Schreiber, Manager, Urban Arts Center; Charisse Spencer, Consultant , Urban Arts Center.

In 1995, due to a longstanding vision of Maury Cooke, there was the creation of the Gregory Lin Cooke Memorial Fund. Through the generosity of Audrey and Maury Cooke and other community visionaries two farms of some 75 acres each were acquired, located in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains in SW Virginia. One tract of 75 acres has blossomed into the Earthsong Organic Farm and Meditation Retreat Center (EOFMRC). The Farm is situated in Patrick County and the organic farming was initiated by Scott and Kendra Snow, who were family friends of Audrey and Maury Cooke’s children. With the help of many volunteers and investors, seven cabins have been constructed along with two teepees. Organic Foods are grown on the land. Since then, we now have a resident land manager and artist-in-residence currently living on the land. They both engage in and teach primitive skills and wilderness experience, hide tanning, plant identification including medicinal herbs, canning, art therapy, mask making, and sustainable living. They also teach workshops during the retreats.

From the inception of the EOFMRC, Maury Cooke envisioned developing teenage retreats, primarily for teen wilderness experience and the development of meditation skills. This vision has come to a beginning fruition, and there have been several Teen Meditation Retreats. These have been staffed by national experts in developing and conducting meditation retreats for adolescents. Some of the staff include: Marvin Beltzer, Professor of Logic, Philosophy and Logic at Bowling Green State University who has helped develop youth retreats at the Insight Meditation Society; Erin Hill is a master teacher of yoga and meditation to youth in California and is the founder of Deeper Still Meditation Group. She is involved in the Stepping Stones Project as well; Tempel Smith was a monk in Burma before organizing Young Adult programs at the Buddhist Peace Fellowship and has led adult and teen retreats for ten years; Jessica Morey teaches Forest Yoga and co-leads a meditation group in Washington DC.; Jason Murphy runs mindfulness groups for young adults in California and is a licensed addictions counselor; Joe Klein, LPC, CSAC is a youth expert who has extensive experience in mental health treatment, substance abuse treatment, and has conducted meditation retreats for teens in the SW Virginia area for years. He is the retreat manager.

How did the vision for the Earthsong Organic Farm and Retreat develop? Why the focus on teens? Why meditation? One answer is embedded, not surprisingly, in the personal experiences of Maury and Audrey Cooke themselves! Maury and Audrey had two sons. One of them, Gregory Lin Cooke, unexpectedly died at age nineteen. This was a profoundly shattering experience for Maury and Audrey as well as their son Maury Jr., no less the extended family and close friends. Gradual healing occurred and emerging from the pain and suffering was a vision to help teens develop and reach their full potential. Additionally, there was a deepening of Maury and Audrey’s spiritual growth which led to a more intensive focus on their long standing meditation practices. These practices have always embraced Christian, Hindu and Buddhist religious paths. It was, then, from the personal tragedy of their teenage son’s death and their many years of meditation experience that there arose the vision for the Earthsong Organic Farm and Meditation Retreat Center that would primarily serve as a youth meditation retreat center.

Another reason for the emergence of the teen focus at the retreat center relates to the experience with the Urban Arts Center. Maury Cooke and the CCDI staff noticed that, while the learning and enriching experience associated with the teen programs for African drumming, Dance and Creative Writing was very valued by all the participants, it did not seem to reach consistently teens at the deepest levels of their being; it did not lead to consistent basic changes in their fundamental outlook, or their mental and spiritual development. Therein, Maury Cooke saw a need for CCDI to develop a division to reach teens at a more connected and profound level. This led to the mission of the Earthsong Organic Farm and Meditation retreat Center being to help youth develop to their full potential through the meditation retreat programming. The project name for this effort, which also includes grant seeking and other financial funding, is the Youth Meditation Initiative.

Up to this time, there have been four highly successful teen meditation retreats, the last being the Fall 2008 retreat. The Earthsong Teen Meditation New Year’s Retreat is scheduled for Dec 28, 2008 through Jan 2, 2009. These retreats have been given very favorable publicity in local newspapers in the state, no less by commentary on internet sites.

For instance, this year’s July 6-12 teenage meditation retreat was an example of the Retreat Center truly meeting its mission and goals. There were 18 teens who came from different parts of the country The primary teaching staff this year were Tempel Smith, Erin Hill ,and Jason Murphy, CSAC all from California; Marvin Belzer , PhD, from Ohio and Jessica Morey from Washington, D.C.. Joe Klein, LPC, CSAC, the program manager of the retreats is from SW Virginia.

. The meditation retreat followed an intensive daily format (see brochure) The actual group techniques utilized to facilitate self discovery and group process are a blend Gestalt and other experiential methods. We have found that one of the most important and unique strategies is the deep and often spontaneous transformation of teens through the interaction of intensive meditation and group process. Our plan is to develop research utilizing objective standardized testing instruments, and interviews of teens before and at intervals after the retreats that will help confirm the benefits that have been noted in commentaries made by the staff and teens alike. Our discussions with the Chairman of Counselor Education at Radford University are moving in the direction of creating research collaboration in the near future.

Furthermore, CCDI/ Earthsong Retreat Center has entered into discussions with some of the primary teachers from the San Francisco Bay Area in California that staff our retreats. We have discussed the possibility of a national organization that would help bring teen meditation retreats to yet a larger number of adolescents, and set up a model of training new teachers in the highly successful program that has been utilized in these retreats.

Because of the scope of the vision and mission of Earthsong Organic Farm and Meditation Retreat Center and the need for support therein, a full time grant writer and program/ administrative consultant was hired in June 2008. It is hoped that this will further ensure the foundation and sustainability of the entire meditation retreat project, and the Youth Meditation Initiative (project name/grant applications) in particular.

If we are successful in this phase of our development, there is good reason, as we outline in our Executive Summary, that the Earthsong Organic Farm and Meditation Retreat Center can become a model for teen meditation retreats in many other parts of the country.