On Saturday January 17th, families gathered at Dharma Bum Temple for our monthly Family Sangha, which meets on the third Saturday of every month. Family Sangha offers a welcoming space for parents and children to slow down, connect, and practice mindfulness together in community.

Designed to be accessible and inclusive, Family Sangha allows families to explore Buddhist teachings in ways that feel grounded and relevant to everyday life. While adults spent time in meditation and discussion, children gathered in their own space to learn about emotions, kindness, and awareness through story, conversation, and creative expression.

During the children’s class, volunteers led a thoughtful lesson centered on emotional awareness using the book Grumpy Monkey. The story opened the door for an honest conversation about feelings, especially those grumpy moments that show up for all of us, no matter our age.

“In our kid’s class we read Grumpy Monkey and had a thoughtful conversation about feelings, especially those grumpy moments we all experience sometimes. The children learned that it’s completely okay to feel grumpy or upset, but it’s important to notice how our feelings affect others. We talked about ways to feel our feelings without spreading our grumpiness, and how kindness and self-awareness can help us through tough moments.”

Following the story, the children participated in a self-portrait activity, drawing themselves as they look and feel when they’re grumpy. This creative exercise encouraged self-expression and reflection, helping the kids recognize how emotions show up in their bodies, faces, and expressions.

“After the story, the kids participated in a self-portrait activity where they drew themselves when they’re feeling grumpy. This was a great opportunity for self-expression and emotional reflection. We discussed how our faces, bodies, and expressions can show how we’re feeling, and how recognizing those signs can help us pause and make kinder choices.”

The session gently reinforced an important message: all feelings are welcome, but how we respond to them matters.

“Overall, it was a meaningful social-emotional learning experience that encouraged empathy, emotional regulation, and the message that all feelings are okay—but how we act on them matters.”

-Lisa Johnson-Kogan, Class Lead

Family Sangha continues to be a place where families can practice together — learning tools for emotional awareness, compassion, and connection that extend far beyond the walls of the temple. We’re deeply grateful to our volunteers who make these gatherings possible and to the families who show up each month with openness and curiosity.

Family Sangha meets on the third Saturday of every month at 11:00AM, parents and kids are welcome!