Paper short abstract:

Based on ethnographic fieldwork undertaken at mindfulness-based retreats for Australian teens, this paper examines the retreat as a site of intimacy between teens, staff, the retreat space, and the role of ritualised practices in forming an intimate space for self-exploration and sharing.

Paper long abstract:

Adolescence is a particularly challenging period, with significant social and academic pressures, as well as concerns around future employment, social comparisons and body image. The proportion of young Australians with mental health issues has risen over the past decade, however few young people seek professional help (McGorry 2014). Young people most commonly go online for support and information regarding their mental health, as it is safe and stigma-free.

Mindfulness-based programs have become an increasingly popular approach to enhance the emotional well-being of young people. However, the context in which these programs take place poses significant challenges.

This study looked at a 5-day mindfulness-based retreat program, using participant observation of two retreats and follow-up qualitative interviews with some of the attendees, to evaluate the impact of the retreat on the attending adolescents. This paper will discuss these findings, which suggest that the accepting environment of the retreat that encouraged open sharing, as well as the structure of the program, enabled the development of affectionate relationships between all those attending, both staff and teens. It explores the role of the retreat space and program in creating an intimate and supportive environment for adolescents to investigate themselves, which they were able to access both in solitude (through their meditation practice) and in relation to others (through group discussions). This paper builds on current knowledge around the application of mindfulness for young people in their development, while presenting examples on the importance of undertaking any self-exploratory practices in a safe and supportive environment.