The Benji Project

Adolescence is a time of growth and self-discovery. But it is also often fraught with confusion, anxiety or depression. Mindfulness and self compassion can help teens cope more effectively. The Benji Project is bringing to Port Townsend, Washington programs on mindful self-compassion, based on the work of researchers Kristin Neff and Christopher Germer. The core offering is an eight-week program called "Making Friends with Yourself," developed by University of California at San Diego's Center for Mindfulness. The program is aimed at ages 11-to 19 and their parents. "Making Friends with Yourself" shares specific tools to build greater resilience. In preliminary research, this program demonstrated a significant decrease in depression, anxiety, perceived stress and negative mood. The Benji Project offered its first retreat in spring 2017 and plans more workshops for adults, parents and youth this year. "Making Friends with Yourself" is tentatively scheduled to be offered in fall 2017 with a visiting teacher contingent on fundraising. We are seeking local individuals interested in pursuing training and leading this program in the long term