My Story and Purpose

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Mindfulness can be simply defined as the intentional action of being fully present in the moment.  Mindfulness practices such as yoga, mediation, deep breathing and spiritual study invite us to slow down and step back from the stimulation of daily life.  These practices encourage us to tune into all that we may be experiencing in any particular moment, such as the beating of our heart, the feel of our skin or breath, the way that the light looks coming through a window, or even the slight sound of the breeze.  When we intentionally tune into these physical and environmental subtleties, our bodies and minds begin to change.  Meditative practices have been shown to lower heart rate and drop cortisol levels in the body reducing the stress and tension that accumulate over time.  The mind’s reaction to mindfulness practices yields a sense of calm and clarity that allows us to process emotional states as well as perceive the feelings of others around us.  Mindfulness is available to everyone who can breathe, and can be a game changer in the way that we manage stress and conflict in our lives.

When I first began my work as a school counselor I realized that much of my work day was going to be about conflict resolution.  I was expected to help both students and staff resolve conflict in a kind and productive way.  Without fully realizing it at first, I saw that my own practice in mindfulness allowed me to perceive conflict as normal and nothing to fear.  For years I had learned to approach any personal conflict that might arise with the initial act of slowing down and being curious about the situation.  Without much effort, I found myself able to hear all the sides with empathy and communicate in ways that asserted my own feelings while being compassionate to the feelings of others.  It did not take me long to see that my almost twenty years of practicing yoga and meditation had cultivated a personality of patience, understanding and curiosity.  Public school demonstrated a culture of reactivity, in which I witnessed both students and adults becoming frustrated, loud, mean and angry during relatively minor conflict situations.  Others would ask me how I stay so calm in upset situations, or thank me for listening to their side without judgment.  During my very first counseling position at an elementary school, I immediately began to implement mindfulness and restorative practices with positive results.  I wanted kids to understand that conflict is a normal and unavoidable part of life, and can many times yield positive results when managed compassionately.  I also wanted youth and adults to understand that the way we approach conflict is a choice.  We can ultimately control our actions and reactions to support healing rather than resentment or anger.  Imagine how mindfulness practices might change your business, school or corporation.  Imagine an environment where conflict feels productive and actually brings people closer together.

Mindfulness practices cannot be acquired by a quick training or a manual.  One yoga class, although arguably transformative, will not give one a permanent state of calm nor will a single meditation experience keep cortisol levels down forever.  The term “practice” suggests just that; something ritualistic that can become a regular part of one’s life.  In order for mindfulness practices to transform individuals and ultimately groups, they must be embodied.  They must become part of how we move through the world.  In a group setting, a mindfulness intervention might look like an 8 week series of yoga and deep breathing classes infused with various reflective practices.  This could be combined with teachings around the neurobiology of mindfulness and/or an introduction to spiritual teachings supported by mindfulness.  If you or your corporation would like help with conflict resolution, yoga and meditation sessions would be accompanied by restorative practices that would be customized to your unique needs.  Please reach out for a free consultation to explore how mindfulness can change your work environment and ultimately your life.