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Book Study: Radical Acceptance
I started reading Radical Acceptance after listening to Gwyneth Paltrow interview Dr. Tara Brach on her Goop podcast. I loved that they did the RAIN practice together and given my own background in researching protocols, I think it is an important one to share. The RAIN protocol is a practice to try whenever you are…
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Mindfulness Monday: Mindful Snowflakes
Today we made Mindful Snowflakes. I gave each of my students a piece of white paper and scissors. We followed this video: Once the students created their snowflakes, I asked them write down the things that are weighing on them (school, work, friend drama, etc.) on the snowflake. I was so excited when my class…
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Mindfulness Monday: Singing Bowls & Sound Baths
Today I introduced the idea of “inviting the bell” the my classroom using the Tibetan singing bowl I have and I also posted a link to the crystal singing bowl sound bath I like to listen to when I need to calm my nervous system. I explained to my students that I struggle with anxiety…
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Realistic Expectations
The pressure of having a magical holiday season can weigh on those of us who struggle with our mental health. I see some of my students struggle during this time of year because the inequities among families are even more apparent than ususal. Whether it is mentioning the cost of gifts, extravagant trips, or large…
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Mindfulness Monday: Pura Vida Coloring Pages
It can be hard to return to school after Thanksgiving break and the four weeks until Christmas break will be very challenging which is why I love that Pura Vida has mental health awareness and other holiday coloring pages that are free to download. You can fin them here: https://www.puravidabracelets.com/blogs/the-pv-scoop/pv-coloring-sheets I love to promote companies…
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Progress Report
I am happy to report that I finally got the chance to do the Pebble Activity with my department. I almost talked myself out of it a number of times throughout the day but when we met as a group, I asked them if I could practice it with them and they agreed! I feel…
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Mindfulness Monday: Gratitude Pumpkins
Just in time for Thanksgiving, our activity today is creating a Gratitude Pumpkin. What you will need: -orange and green construction paper -scissors -sharpies -stapler Instructions: Give students three strips of orange construction paper and a cut out of leaves from the green construction paper. Have students use a sharpie to write what they are…
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Micro-dosing Mindfulness
Before I embraced my own practice, I was intimidated by the concept of mindfulness. I never envisioned myself meditating or checking in with my emotions throughout the day. If you do not think you have the time or interest in mindfulness -I get it. I didn’t try anything mindful until I was desperate. So, consider…
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Shout Out!
This shout out goes to my paraprofessional during A block, Deb Seamans. She not only participates in my Mindfulness Monday activities, but she also shares her own mindfulness ideas with me as well. Here is a picture of a mindfully painted rock she uses to inspire hikers in the woods. Keep up the great work…
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Mindfulness Monday: Mandala Painting
Thank you to my colleague, Christine Lord, for introducing me to Mandala painting. In Sanskrit, Mandala means “circle” and the art represents the symmetry of the universe. It reminds us that everything is interconnected and it is a peaceful way to decrease negativity in our lives. We tried it out today and it was a…