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Welcome to the Mindful Families March Newsletter With practice ideas, articles, book recommendations and upcoming events. Feel free to share. Highl
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Welcome to the Mindful Families March Newsletter
With practice ideas, articles, book recommendations and upcoming events.
Feel free to share.
Highlights include:
Breathe In: Sing Out - A Mindfulness-based Music Circle for Infants, toddlers & Caregivers 8-week program starting April 3, 2014. See full details below.
Breathe In & Shine: Mindfulness for Children (6-9 years) & Caregivers
5 weeks, starting April 3, 2014. |
Practice Idea for March
Pinwheels! Get Ready to Take a deep breath
We all know how beneficial it is to take a deep breath. However, when we are in the midst of a challenging moment, where a deep breath could be helpful, it is not always nice to hear someone remind us to "take a deep breath."
So, why not grab a pinwheel. or hand one to your child, partner, or parent for that matter.
A fun way to take some deep breaths.
Caution: engaging in this practice may lead you to forget what you were upset about in the first place... |
Adventures in Mindful Parenting: Fumbling my way through, one breath at a time...
Brave Parenting: Stories of Intention...
- with bonus stories of Brave Parenting from newsletter readers (thanks for sharing!)
“Bravery is the act of wholeheartedly having the courage, relaxation, and insight simply to be.” – Sakyong Mipham (‘simply to be’ meaning ‘refraining from reacting to the present moment)
“Mama,” my 3-year-old ask, “can I please have this one?”
“Not today, sweetheart.”
“This one?”
“We’re not buying any toys today.”
“This one?”
“We can take a picture if you like and you can take its’ memory home.”
“This one? Oh no. Wait, this one? Why can’t I have this one? I don’t have ANY toy animals at home (my mind is recalling the zoo collection representing every continent on his toy shelf…)
“Can I just open the package and see?” He starts opening the package and I have to intervene to take it out of his hands.
“NOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!!” he cries.
[read full post] |
Book Pick of the Month
Visiting Feelings by Lauren Rubenstein and illustrated by Shelly Hehenberger
A breath-taking book that invites children to befriend their feelings and greet them with care. Reminds me of Amy Saltzman's 'feelings meditation' for children.
It was an instant hit with my 3 year-old! but great for older audiences as well. Also a lovely treat for adults!
www.visitingfeelings.com |
Breathe In, Sing Out: Music, Mindfulness & Fun for You and Your Little One.
Breathe In, Sing Out offers a fun way for parents to practice mindfulness, nurture connection & have fun with their little ones.
In this mindfulness-based music program, Sara teaches both original and classic songs, mindfulness activities and breath practices that are engaging for little ones, while planting seeds of mindfulness, relaxation, awareness, connection, kindness & gratitude.
WHO: For babies, toddlers, preschoolers & caregivers.
WHEN: April 3 - May 29, 2014 (8 Thursdays. No class April 24)
TIME: 10:30 - 11:15 a.m. (16-36 months). 11:30 - 12:15 p.m. (newborn to 16 months)
WHERE: Bloor & Christie area
COST: $160 - includes a copy of "No Ordinary Apple: A Story about Eating Mindfully" (no charge for an additional sibling)
Submit receipt with your 2014 taxes for a CRA arts credit. Ontario Children's Activity Tax Credit & Children's Arts Tax Credit.
Download registration form. |
Breathe In & Shine: Mindfulness for Children & Families
Are you interested in bringing some stillness into your busy family life?
In this 5-week program for 6-9 year-olds, Sara will teach child-friendly mindfulness practices to children and their families that they can then practice together at home. Practices include games, songs, stories, art activities and everyday mindful awareness practices. Mindfulness can help to reduce stress, provide tools for responding to strong feelings such as anxiety, anger, worry & frustration as well as to support connection in todays often-hectic households.
WHEN: Thursdays evenings, April 3 - May 1, 2014 (5 sessions)
TIME: 6:30 - 7:40 p.m.
WHERE: Story Planet. 1165 Bloor St. W. (just West of Dufferin)
COST: $140 for one child and up to 2 parents. Additional sibling fee: $40 - includes all art materials, a mindfulness activity booklet and a free copy of "No Ordinary Apple: A Story about Eating Mindfully."
Sara is a Registered Social Worker (MSW, RSW) and so the program may be covered by some extended benefits plans. Please discuss with your insurance provider.
Download registration form. Download flyer. |
Mindfulness for Teens
Being a teenager is an exciting period of growth but it can feel like we’re living in a pressure cooker. Neuroscience shows us that this period of rapid brain development can also be a time when we are vulnerable to difficult thoughts and feelings that can seem impossible to deal with– but it doesn’t have to be like that. The teen years may be a time of life in which we are at higher risk for emotional and mental health problems. It’s an important time to establish healthy habits to nurture calm assurance as we go through our lives.
Mindfulness for teens offers practical ways to help manage the challenging times, so you can live life to the fullest.
You will learn ways to be more present, less reactive and more compassionate to yourself and the world around as you navigate the ups & downs of the teen experience.
Dates
Wednesday evenings:
April 30 – May 21, 2014 | 6:30 pm – 8 pm
Facilitators
Sara Marlowe MSW RSW and Elaine Smookler B. Mus.
Registration
Fees: $210. This workshop is suitable for teens 13-17 years old. Please register at least one week in advance of the workshop date you wish to attend. |
Interpersonal Neurobiology
with Innovative Therapeutic Practices
Registration.
This breakthrough conference offers a full day with Dan Siegel as well as two days with prominent academics, practitioners, theoreticians, researchers and students in the field of mental health who are working at the intersection of neurobiology, mindfulness and innovative therapeutic practices.
This is an exciting period of transition as the field of mental health reconsiders and re-conceptualizes ideas about mental well-being and what constitutes identity. The field of Interpersonal Neurobiology enables us to understand that the function and structure of the mind and brain are shaped by both individual and social experiences. Faculty will provide cutting edge multidisciplinary views that further our understanding of the complex neurobiology of the human mind. They will offer a variety of clinical approaches and scientific viewpoints that are often inaccessible to clinicians. This conference will integrate the best of modern science with the healing art of innovative therapeutic practices.
Sara will be offering a workshop at the conference. "Twinkle, twinkle, Little Mind. Which Part will we Help you Shine? Mindfulness in Therapy with Children" |
Mindfulness Practice with Children
June 6 & 7, 2014
Part of the Applied Mindfulness Meditation Certificate program at the University of Toronto's Faculty of Social Work Continuing Education
Mindfulness is increasingly being shared with children in schools, community settings and homes throughout North America. Through mindfulness practice, children can develop tools to respond to the stresses and pressures they face in their lives, thus increasing their inner resiliency. This experiential module will offer an introduction to teaching mindfulness to children. Through story, art, music, movement and practice, participants will learn how to share mindfulness with children in age-appropriate, playful and creative ways in educational, community and home settings. Key principles and considerations for teaching mindfulness to children will be explored. Participants will also have the opportunity to engage in practice teaching and further develop their skill and confidence with teaching mindfulness to children.
Registration and info. |
Click Here to view past newsletters. |
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