Me-to-We: Youth Retreat

In India, when we meet and part, we often say, ‘Namasté’, which means: I honor the place in you where the entire universe resides; I honor the place in you of love, of light, of truth, of peace. I honor the place within you where, if you are in that place in you, and I am in that place in me, there is only one of us. – Ram Dass

Inspired by the ripples from last year, we’re hosting another Youth Retreat, on the theme of Me-to-We. Held in Ahmedabad from August 2-4, this retreat aims to brings together youngsters in the 18-25 age group for an embodied head-hands-heart journey from me-to-we, in the spirit of inner transformation and service.  

Why?

The world’s longest study on happiness reveals that the quality of our relationships is the most important determinant of our happiness. Quantum science confirms what sages have long maintained : we are fundamentally inter-connected to each other and all life.

However, in a "me"-oriented transactional culture, we are rapidly losing our ability to live in alignment with this truth and build thriving relationships. In 2009, the word “unfriend” entered the dictionary and was declared Oxford’s "word of the year." Last year, a major study revealed that 2 billion people globally are so dissatisfied with their communities that they wouldn’t recommend them to anyone.

Market-driven technologies lure us with cheap solutions like the “metaverse” and “artificial intimacy” to fill this void. But can we collectively forge a deeper pathway to rediscover that “place of love and light in which we are one”? 

What?

If “peace is not the absence of tension”, then as youngsters, how can we hold the tension with a calm mind and an open heart – between pursuing our dreams and ambitions v/s being kind and generous; listening to our inner voice v/s expectations of family and society, earning money v/s service, etc. While we don’t have any answers, our hope is that holding a field for a rich, authentic collective inquiry can help broaden our awareness and expand our hearts.

We will also have a lot of fun, singing, dancing, listen to each others’ life journeys, do acts of kindness together, visit Seva Cafe and other inspiring places; meet some uncommon love warriors, and lots more!   

Who?

We expect to have a diverse group of spirited youngsters between 18-25 age group, from diverse economic and social backgrounds across India. Together, our hope is to awaken the bonds of our sacred kinship, while embracing our differences and unique gifts.  To enable depth of engagement, we will be limiting the gathering to 30 participants. While most of the slots are already filled-up, if you feel drawn to the idea of inner-transformation and service, we welcome you to apply and we will get back if we are able to squeeze you in. 

If you'd like to join us, please click on the 'Apply For Retreat' button below and complete the application below (in English or Hindi) and we'll get back to you.