Mindful

For those working in schools, or with youth, this can be an exciting and anxious time of year as many are or have already returned back to school. Back to School can bring with it an amazing sense of new beginnings, and there can also be worry about reconnecting with peers, academics, extracurriculars, sports, and all of the other stressors of school. I think we can all remember what is was like for us when we were younger! Maybe it is even like that for us now, but with our work-life balance! The reinitiation of all of these activities can be ungrounding for youth and their caregivers. The heightened stress will definitely show up in our helping relationships with them.

Therefore, there is an inherent need to ground ourselves, to practice mindfulness with an intention of staying centered. By learning how to settle into the present moment, with equanimity, and heartfulness (which is another word for “mindfulness”), we can offer this loving presence of ourselves to youth or to anyone else in our life.

The great meditation teacher, Thich Nhat Hanh, says “The most precious gift we can offer others is our presence. When mindfulness embraces those we love, they will bloom like flowers.”

I don’t know how that quotes touches you, but for me I think that it is a most sacred wish for those I love and care about- for them to “bloom like flowers.”

It turns out that it does not have to take too much time to get grounded. I also know that many of you likely spend quite a bit of time at work either at the desk or sitting in a chair. Therefore, this month we will be transforming the desk chair into our yoga mat with a simple chair yoga practice. I put together a video to support you in your practice. 

Check out the video! Enjoy!

Please read our site Disclaimer below before participating in any experientials on this site.

Practice adapted from:
Le Page, J. & Le Page, L. (2005). Yoga Teachers’ Toolbox

Posture List:

OPENING BREATHING
SEATED CAT / COW
EAR TO SHOULDER / EAR AWAY FROM SHOULDER
SHOULDERS UP AND DOWN
SCAPULA RELEASE
LATERAL BEND, SEATED SIDE STRETCH
FRONTAL PLANE HEAD CIRCLES
SHOULDER ROTATING FORWARD, LOOK PAST FORWARD SHOULDER
SEATED BACKBEND
SEATED TWIST
SEATED FORWARD FOLD
CLOSING REST

Disclaimer and Liability Waiver

Please review the following User Agreement carefully before using the exercises on this (YouTube video host for ELSPAP Mindfulness and/or mindful.stanford.edu.com) site.

ELSPAP Mindfulness and/or mindful.stanford.edu.com (and where indicated John Rettger, PhD) strongly recommends that you consult with your physician before beginning any exercise program.

You should be in good physical condition and be able to participate in the exercises.

The information and services provided on ELSPAP Mindfulness and/or mindful.stanford.edu.com is NOT designed to be used as “treatment” information, assessment, interventions, or advice. None of the information on this website represents medical treatment for physical or mental disorders. Dr. Rettger does NOT provide yoga services that are “therapy”. These statements override any other information you may read elsewhere on this website that suggests otherwise.

If you are seeking information about medical or mental health treatment, please contact your physician for appropriate referrals.

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