A quiet sanctuary within Banyan
A place for the things you don't always tell adults.
Friendship, feeling left out, being yourself, family stuff, school, growing up. Bring the question. A small council of wise voices will sit with it.
A note before you begin
The Grove is a quiet place to think things through — not a place to replace the people who love you. The best council on earth is the grown-ups in your life who know your name, your favorite food, and what you looked like when you were five. They will not always say the right thing. Try them anyway. Pick one — a parent, a grandparent, an aunt, an uncle, a coach, a teacher — and tell them what is going on.
If something is making you feel unsafe — bullying that won't stop, anyone hurting you, thoughts of hurting yourself — please tell a trusted adult right now. You will not get in trouble for telling.
What's on your mind?
The council will speak one at a time, then together. This may take a moment.
Your Grove council
Real people who once stood where you are standing. They will speak plainly — never to tell you what to do, only to sit with you while you figure it out.
Maya Angelou
Confidence, dignity, finding your voice
Anne Frank
Being yourself, hope, growing up
Mary Oliver
Paying attention, curiosity, wonder
Thich Nhat Hanh
Calm, kindness, being a good friend
When you close this page, go find someone who loves you and tell them what you wrote here.
That is the real council. We are only the bench under the tree.