Family Friendly Sit

Family Friendly Sit is a monthly drop-in family meditation at Seattle Insight in Seattle, Washington. It welcomes families of all ages and is led by Keri Pederson, Community Guiding Teacher, along with rotating facilitators. It meets on the third Saturday of each month, in person only, and registration is not required.

The group is built around a simple idea: parents can practice meditation while their children play nearby, and everyone comes together afterward. Noise and movement are expected here, and the organizers describe the "noisy warmth of family life" as most welcome.

What to Expect

The session runs from 10:00 to 11:30 in the morning and follows a gentle three-part shape.

- 10:00 to 10:10: Arrival and settling in.
- 10:10 to 11:00: Parents' meditation and discussion in the main hall, while children play in the North Room.
- 11:00 to 11:30: Family tea and connection. This part is optional, and you can stay as long as you like.

Keri Pederson and the rotating facilitators lead a guided meditation, followed by open discussion time for parents. A second person supports the children's play in the separate room. Afterward, parents and kids reunite for tea, snacks and conversation.

To make a quiet meditation possible, the group works cooperatively. Depending on how many children come, and on their ages and needs, some parents may be asked to join the kids' room while others practice in the meditation hall. Older children who can sit or read silently are welcome to stay with their parents through the meditation and discussion. Some coming and going between rooms is part of the morning.

About Keri Pederson

Keri Pederson serves as Community Guiding Teacher at Seattle Insight and leads this family sit together with a rotating group of facilitators.

The Setting

The sit takes place at Seattle Insight, at 4001 9th Ave. NE in Seattle's 98105 neighborhood. The morning uses two spaces: the main hall for the parents' meditation and discussion, and the North Room for children's play. Tea and snacks follow when everyone gathers again.

Before You Go

This is a drop-in group, open to all practitioners, so there is nothing to sign up for and no experience is required. Families of every age and configuration are invited. Plan on a flexible morning in which you may step between rooms depending on the needs of the children present.

The organizers want the group to work for every kind of family. If you have specific questions or needs, you can contact Danielle, the person named for inquiries, before you come. Seattle Insight is sustained by donations, and your support of this group and the center's other programs helps more people reach these teachings.