Children have much to teach us about staying present in the moment. Young people begin life deeply present to their emotional experience and attuned to the world around them. Yet as they grow, their minds become increasingly busy. School, family, social, and socio-economic pressures, adverse childhood experiences, and/or other traumatic events can all interrupt children’s ability to connect with and manage their emotions. They often learn to stop trusting their own sense of self, sometimes withdrawing, acting out, or otherwise struggling.

Mindfulness can be a powerful tool for helping young people to develop self-awareness, resilience, and self-regulation. Neuroscience research has shown that regular mindfulness practice has long-term benefits as well, such as increased concentration, improved performance and creativity, and better management of stress, anxiety, and depression. For the adults in young peoples lives, mindfulness can help us stay more centered, grounded, and calm, better able to authentically engage with the children in our care.

I myself was introduced to yoga and meditation in my elementary school years, and both have been powerful tools accompanying me throughout my life. Since 2005, I have practiced meditation in the Kwan Um School of Zen, ultimately becoming a Dharma Teacher and leading regular public practices. In 2021 I completed my 200 hour Yoga Teacher Training, with YogaX, a Yoga Alliance certified program through the Stanford School of Medicine’s Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences. I incorporate yoga and mindfulness into my educational programming with youth.