Organizational consulting can include
As more and more research becomes available indicating that we can actually learn habits for being happier, more engaged, more emotionally balanced, and more connected, schools are increasingly looking to teach well-being as an explicit part of their program. This takes many forms, from wellness programs for teachers, individual classroom instruction, or school-wide habits.
When a whole community adopts these practices, sharing a common language and purpose, the impact increases exponentially. Caring for caregivers first (teachers, paraprofessionals, administrative staff, etc.) allows for these adults to show up with children in a different way and to serve as models, so I advocate the International Positive Education Network’s model in which adults “learn it” first, then “live it,” “teach it,” and finally “embed it” into school culture.
PROGRAMMING. Providing professional development, parent workshops, assemblies, talks or other conversations about mindfulness, positive psychology, positive education, and the science of flourishing
STRATEGY. Developing a plan at the whole-school, district-wide, or institutional level based on the best research to encourage well-being in organizational practices, norms, programs, and culture; this can be a one-time session to help chart your course or familiarize yourself with the research in the fields of mindfulness and positive education, or it can be ongoing consulting to support you in embedding meaningful change into your school community or organization
SUPPORT. Supporting staff in their own mindfulness or wellness practices, or in their teaching practice to incorporate mindfulness and positive education into existing programming and curricula
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for students
Mindfulness-based coaching for adolescents can help with
In an age of constant connection, it can be very difficult for students to develop some of the skills that contribute most to their success and wellbeing. And yet, learning these skills is relatively simple process–although it takes time and effort. One-on-one coaching allows students the chance to learn the skills to be more productive, resilient, and connected both to their work and in their relationships.
Mindfulness-based coaching for students is not tutoring, but the focus of our work can be on building executive functioning skills that will set you up for academic and personal success, and we can use schoolwork or other tasks as a way to practice paying attention in the moment, finding motivation, dealing with discomfort and distractions, both internal and external. There is a significant body of research around improved academic and behavioral outcomes as one benefit to practicing mindfulness.
BALANCE. Learning to self-regulate and bounce back from difficult experiences or emotions
ATTENTION. Learning how to focus on the things we actually want to give our attention to and actively resist distractions instead of being carried away by them
WELLNESS. Creating healthy routines and healthy habits–both of mind and body
SELF CONCEPT. Identifying strengths and learning to capitalize on them in our work and play
RELATIONSHIPS. Navigating “drama”, conflict, or difficult people (adults or peers), cultivating more compassion and empathy, and finding the good in others
ORGANIZATION. Becoming more organized and creating systems to keep on top of many different obligations in our lives
PERFORMANCE. Remaining calm and centered in the face of stressful, high-stakes situations including test-taking, presentations, athletic competitions, theatrical productions, an argument, or just everyday life
CALM. Learning to quiet the mind/body when anxious or critical thoughts are excessive, & learning to deal differently with boredom & the impulse to be constantly entertained, stimulated, or connected
ADDITIONAL SPECIFIC POPULATIONS. Strategies for working with Tourette Syndrome, tics, and other nervous system vulnerabilities, as well as with ADD/ADHD, without chemical interventions or in tandem with medications with the goal of relying less or not at all on them.
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for parents
Some of the ways that mindfulness- based coaching can support parents include
Being a parent is one of the most exciting and rewarding experiences we can have in life, but at times, it’s also the most difficult! Amid the highs and lows of it all, it can be helpful to slow down and be aware of our own inner experience so that we can be respond thoughtfully (rather than react automatically) to our children. This approach, where short-term struggles are opportunities for our children to learn and grow from their mistakes and setbacks, can help us focus on long-term growth and help our children build resilience.
PERSPECTIVE. Focusing on our children’s strengths so that we can help them build on what is working well for them rather than feeling we have to nag or dwell on perceived “faults” and “flaws”
SELF-CARE. Caring for our own needs as a caregiver (busyness, stress, satisfaction, etc.) so that we can better meet our children’s needs from a place of wellbeing
CHALLENGES. Supporting children through behavioral or academic struggles by cultivating our own calm and stable presence when our sense of patience, compassion, or connection are challenged
PRESENCE. Being there with our children and attentive to what is happening in the present moment so we can better respond to their needs, connect more closely, and savor more deeply
ADMISSIONS. Managing the very natural worries that arise around high school or college admissions process by cultivating a long-term perspective and a view on the process as one that builds skills like resilience, independence, and self-knowledge–all of which contribute to well-being down the road
DISCIPLINE. Finding the most helpful balance between setting safe, supportive boundaries and allowing adolescents the independence they need in order to grow
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for individuals & professionals
Short-term situational coaching or longer-term coaching aimed at making a broader shift around any of the following areas
Mindfulness has become a bit of a buzzword, and is now commonly seen in settings ranging from hospitals to executive boardrooms. More and more people are discovering the many benefits that mindfulness and meditation can have in their professional and personal lives. One-on-one coaching provides the opportunity to learn the basics of a mindfulness practice, and more importantly, to apply it to our own lives.
SELF-CARE. Creating breathing space, healthy routines, and time for yourself amidst busy-ness, stress, or anxiety, so that you can properly recharge your battery to feel and do your best
HABITS. Using willpower coaching to create new rituals that serve us better or bring much-needed change using evidence-based principles of goal-setting and habit formation
LIFE SHIFTS. Using a strengths- and values-based approach to make professional or personal shifts (small or large) that bring a greater sense of satisfaction and purpose and that foster work-life integration so that what you do is in alignment with what you believe and what nourishes you
PAIN MANAGEMENT. Studies have shown that mindfulness can be a helpful complement to traditional approaches in coping with chronic pain or other physical discomfort
MOOD. Inclining the mind away from its natural tendency to look for what’s going wrong instead of what’s going right; allowing space to process and be with difficult emotions or experiences so that they can move through us, and being compassionate to ourselves as we do so.
RELATIONSHIPS. Personal and professional, setting expectations and boundaries, allowing space for the other party to make choices, separating self from taking ownership of others’ actions. etc.