What can emerge when a diverse group of teenagers and youth are given a gift of unconditional love and presence? With most of them meeting each other for the first time, how close can they get in just a couple of days? 

This week we bring to you reflections by a participant from a 'Moved By Love' Youth Retreat that happened earlier this month: 

"What a 2.5-day retreat in Ahmedabad taught me about giving, silence, and strangers who stop being strangers.

There’s a line in Vinoba Bhave’s biography that gave this retreat its name: “The sole purpose of all my work is to connect heart-to-heart.” I didn’t know that when I filled out the application. I only knew that the questions on that form weren’t the kind you answer quickly — they sat with you, turned you inward, asked you to be honest before you’d even met a single person who would be in the room. That was the first invitation. I said yes to it without fully knowing what I was saying yes to." [Read More]

Title: The Gift of Nothing
By: Patrick McDonnell
For: 3+ years

This book tells the story of two friends, Mooch and Earl. Mooch wants to give Earl a gift, but doesn’t know what to give him. Earl already has everything he needs. Mooch’s search for the perfect gift reminds children of how much they already have and encourages them to spend time with someone they love. The greatest gift we can give, the book teaches, is friendship not things. 

Reach out to a friend, family member, neighbour, colleague or even a stranger if you feel called to and offer a gift of presence. Reflect on what shifts within you when you offer your presence and a listening ear to someone without any expectation in return.