MINDFUL MOMENT

Dear SEML in OST Community,

It is truly astounding how many forms mindfulness can take in our daily lives and in the lives of kids. As we think about what we offer in our programs, it’s important to remember that many types of activities that happen each day can be done in mindful ways. Many things can be useful in bringing ourselves and kids into the present moment.  In this 2.5-minute meditation from Johns Hopkins Medicine, https://youtu.be/-V3OU_NF4qs, a single spring themed image is utilized to engage us in mindful seeing. Remembering that everyone responds in different ways to a variety of practices, consider how many different types of opportunities are offered in our programs.  How many of our five senses can be used to bring us deeper into an experience—to help us reflect on our daily moments in new ways? What is offered for staff and kids to engage in seeing, hearing, touching, tasting, and smelling in mindful ways? 

This can even be infused into activities we already do each day; through our intentional conversation, we can turn “ordinary” moments into mindfully aware moments.  

During an art experience:

• “How does the marker feel when you pull it across your paper?”
• “How would you describe the sound of the colored pencils on this paper?”
• “What do you like about drawing together?”

During a snack time:

• “What type of texture is that on your tongue?” 
• “I wonder which types of food today have a fragrance?”
• “What’s this flavor like?” 

A spring themed poem to remind us that we do not need to feel guilty for taking a moment appear for ourselves, to breath, to take and create space for ourselves to exist even during or after long and trying seasons where we have and are showing up for others in so many ways.

Crocuses In Spring

No matter how long the winter, nor how deep the snow remains;

No matter that the rest of spring’s new life hides still beneath the earth,

The crocus in bold protest, pushes through and takes in spring’s first breath.

It takes this moment for itself, makes this moment for itself, unapologetically.

Amidst the snow, bravely reaching for new spring sun,

the crocuses in spring.

FINAL CELEBRATION OF MINDFUL MARCH

Mindful March Trainings Raffle Winner

In a Final Celebration of Mindful March…from the participants who attended all 4 training sessions in the Mindful March Series of Trainings, we have drawn our raffle winner! 

Congratulations to Jodi McCallion, Site Director at Rochester Child Care Center!

SEL RESOURCES FROM ACROSS NH

If you would like to request a training for your staff that goes into depth on

either or both of these guides, please email acrossnh@seresc.net or call (603) 206-6848.