By KARUNA REIFF

Since becoming a mother, I had hoped to take my family one day to a family retreat at a Plum Village monastery.  As a child myself, I had wholeheartedly enjoyed attending several Plum Village family retreats in the U.S., as well as a few summer family retreats in Plum Village, France. Those experiences were always bright, happy spots in my childhood where my connection with Buddhism and Buddhist communities started to grow.

My dream came true this summer when I went with my husband and our two children (ages 10 and 13) to the Family Retreat at Blue Cliff Monastery. The monastery sits on 80 peaceful acres of woodland in the rural Catskill region of Pine Bush, NY-- a lovely change from busy Tampa Bay! Blue Cliff is home to a thriving community of monks, nuns, and lay practitioners who share the art of mindful living with thousands of adults and children every year. 

Karuna and Newton Reiff relax among the Buddha statues at Blue Cliff Monastery.

In the photo above, Karuna hugs her daughter, Metta, in front of the Blue Cliff meditation hall.

We attended a four-day retreat primarily led by the monks and nuns. It seemed part mindfulness retreat (not much silence, though!) and part summer camp. The adults' program included some meditation, a Dharma sharing group, work meditation, and talks/panels on topics such as the Five Mindfulness Trainings, transforming suffering, and Beginning Anew. 

Meanwhile, the children were immersed in their own activities, which often included games like soccer, tag and volleyball.

Miraculously, our 13- year-old son, who typically likes to do his own thing, happily spent almost all day every day with the Teen Program without any complaints. Our 10-year-old daughter joined the children’s program for her age group where she enjoyed playing outside almost all day and learning about things like the Two Promises and Beginning Anew.  

The accommodations were varied and a surprise (at least for us) until we arrived. We were very comfortable in an RV while other families stayed in dorms or camped. Delicious vegan meals were served buffet-style three times daily with enough variety for everyone to be satisfied.  

What stood out the most for me was how quickly all members of my family felt comfortable and happy.

The children instantly sensed Blue Cliff was a safe place where they could wander about and feel free. As parents, my husband and I quickly relaxed our guard as we felt the kindness of the community and knew our children were engaged in wholesome, nurturing activities. 

The retreat watered and planted seeds in the four of us around kindness and living more harmoniously with others. Being with so many other families (250 total people) engaging in this wholesome way of being encouraged us in our practice. And, of course, it was nice to have someone other than me sharing this wonderful path with our family. 

While most of the families that we met live in other parts of the country, connections were made and hopes of meeting again during future summer retreats were expressed. We also had the good fortune of attending with another FCM family, the Sedhains, which made the experience even more special. 

We hope to return for another family retreat at Blue Cliff and hope this article will encourage other FCM families to consider a family retreat at one of the Plum Village monasteries here in the United States. Blue Cliff (NY), Magnolia Grove (in MS)  and Deer Park (CA) monasteries all hold annual family retreats. It’s a great way to vacation together!    

Karuna Reiff lives in St Petersburg where she works as a hospice social worker.  She helps to facilitate the Family Program at FCM.