New Years can be an emotional time. We reflect on the past year and look forward to the next. And often, people use it as a time to make New Years Resolutions. I’m not the first person to say this, but: I HATE NEW YEARS RESOLUTIONS. Issue #1: Often they are made out of some form of guilt or to change in some way that we are told we should. Most are not made mindfully or with genuine intention, which is why they fail within days. And when we “fail” at our resolutions, it just

How much do we miss even in one moment? If you are looking for a fun and visual way to start a mindfulness conversation, try this music video from the group OK Go. The song is called "The One Moment" and starts by showing 4.2 seconds in real time. The video then slows those seconds down to show you everything that actually happened. It's really a visual masterpiece. I've watched the video at least 10 times this week and every time it blows me away! This video really illustra

On this chilly Friday, I wanted to take a moment to share a story about something I experienced that warmed me to my core. Think of it as some weekend inspiration. I was sitting at a cafe this morning, working on a mindfulness course I’m taking when I overheard a man next to me. He was on the phone but seemed to be leaving a message. He said, “I know things have been rough recently, but you’re alive. And today, I am celebrating you.” I found myself tearing up thinking of how

A central part of social emotional learning is the “I-Statement" or "I-Message." An I-Statement is a communication tool that helps kids express their feelings during trickier moments. Having a go-to script provides a comfortable foundation that they can use when they may be experiencing difficult emotions. There are many variations of I-Statements, but I’ve always used the following in my 3rd grade classroom: “I feel ____ when you ____ because ____. I would like you to ____.”

We've discussed the basics of Check-Ins, but let’s explore them more in depth. I believe they are one of the easiest and most insightful activities and a foundational part of a mindful practice. Read on for my favorite variations on an essential mindful activity! What is a Check-In? A Check-In is where you take a purposeful moment to pause and reflect on how you are feeling in that very moment. I often say to check in with your head, your heart, your body. I ask every child t