It couldn’t have arrived at a more perfect time. An unexpected message caused my phone to buzz near the end of my work day. Do you want to lead a retreat for teens at my farm?

Three weeks later, a small busload of high schoolers walked into her barn while we chatted about the agenda. They were ten minutes early, and more prepared than I had anticipated. My agenda for the day was defined, but loosely. With plenty of room for options, I had not wanted to assume we would share a yoga class together. Instead, I had factored in time for yoga-ish activities.

Imagine my delight when I realized I needed to make a quick wardrobe change and set up the space in the loft while my eager yogis enjoyed a light breakfast of yogurt and fruit downstairs. Reluctance had not arrived that morning on the bus, only eagerness and anticipation.

It is rare that I define anything with the word perfect, but as the quiet magic of connection threaded through the morning, I knew each one of us was where we needed to be. If a small group of teens can willingly leave their phones in a box for three hours to practice yoga together, gather leaves and stones to happily create nature mandalas, and harvest lavender in the hot sun with joy, then how could I define a morning with any word other than perfect?

I want to share some of the beautiful mandalas that were created during our day together. And, if you happen to find yourself near Warner, New Hampshire in the future during lavender season, do stop by Pumpkin Blossom Farm. It is truly a place of beauty and wonder.

Nature Mandalas Created During the Teen Retreat at Pumpkin Blossom Farm in Warner, NH