Programs at Xenia

Xenia is the perfect place for the Youth Mentoring programs. It not only provides a safe space, it weaves a certain kind of magic and wisdom in the nature and kindness ever so present. There is a permission that they feel and an acceptance of who they are in each moment. Acting as a bridge - a lifeline in some cases.

"Teaching without words
and work without doing
are understood by very few".
Lao Tsu, Tao Te Ching

Our program is simple yet profoundly important. It is about caring, listening and attention. The nurturing of creativity and soul is so much needed today more than at any other time with the reality of living in today’s high-tech world. As the outer world develops, the inner world calls louder.

Young people can feel that for this moment in time all is well - that there is nothing to fix and nothing wrong. An acceptance builds and they start to remember the love that is in them. It is a graceful and non-threatening approach of allowing. The acceptance creates trust and safety and miracles start to unfold.

It is not about the past here. It is about this present moment from which the future emerges and the past is transformed. The idea is to take the attention off the distress and into the moment. Into the nature and the freedom held therein. Being in the moment provides everything they need.

Sitting by the creek, listening to the frogs would be considered normal. Weaving through the labyrinth or sitting with the trees provides a university of knowledge. So much that it’s hard to imagine it could be this simple. But it is the simplicity that is the key.

In the Youth Mentoring Program we explore what it is unique to each individual and what it is that lights them up. Something is awakened in them and provides a new reference point for their life.

There is also a community service component, which offers opportunities to "give back and be of service". This is a new concept for some of them and the experience of giving is nurtured. This component alone boosts self-esteem and opens them up creatively and spiritually.

After they have completed one program with us they have the opportunity to do some peer mentoring with other youth newly arriving.

Our role is to hold out the container of love, acceptance and safety, into which the spirit of the program leads the way. We are not there to process these students but instead follow the exploration of each moment unfolding. We are there to listen without judgement whilst giving recognition and reverence to each individual journey.

Though these young people love being here and would love to stay forever at first, they start to strengthen and feel a readiness once again for greater stimulation and purpose back in their lives. It is not set up as a place of dependency but more a haven for a new experience. Once they have set foot on Xenia, they know we are here and that in itself, offers great comfort and courage for their journey out into the world. Many of them do return a number of times.