For our 20th episode, I had the pleasure to sit down with Mark Stefanski and 3 teens : Adrian, Sophie and Olivia. Mark is a certified instructor for the Mindful School Program, a high school Biology teacher and the Coordinator of this Teen Mindfulness Circle. The program is based on activities developed by Mindful Schools, which are pioneers in youth mindfulness education. The Circle is co-led by teens that are experienced in Mindfulness instruction.
I met with Mark and 6 teens once a week throughout fall. Together, we did mindful movements and meditations, and we connected to our breath. I offered tools to connect and live with our emotions and reduce our stress. I was amazed by their self-awareness, presence and openness. They truly inspired me and gave me hope about our future. As you take a listen, I’m sure you’ll feel the same way.
Couple more things before we get started, we have another semester starting on March 5th and runing through May 7th minus 2 weeks in April. We’ll meet Tuesdays from 5:15 – 6:45 pm at the Open Eye Studio in San Rafael again, thanks to the support of Tarane Sayler. The 8 sessions cost between $100 – $400. We use a sliding scale, and will not turn people for lack of funds. If you or a teen you know might be interested, here’s the link for more info or to register to the Teen Mindfulness Circle.
Also, I wanted to remind you of my workshop coming up on Feb 9th. At the moment of the recording, there’s still a handful a spots left, if you’d like to join me for the deepest relaxation you’ve ever experienced, use the promo code PODCAST15 to save 15% when you register online for Roll, Release and Relax here.
As always, I really appreciate your support. So as you leave a review on iTunes or on your iPhone podcast app, you automatically enter a giveaway. This year, Athleta is continuing to support this podcast in their effort to ignite a community of strong women who lift each other up, and is giving out a 75$ shop card! If you are unsure on how to leave a review check this article.
Ok, here we go! Listen to the episode here :
Thanks you so much for listening and being part of our 20h episode! Our 2019 lineup of guest is incredible, so if you’re not already subscribed, now’s the time! That way you won’t miss anything.
If they’re any subject you’d like to us to tackle this year, or anybody you’re dying to learn from, let me know! I would love to hear from you and create those episodes… Email me at erika.belanger@gmail.com or DM me on Instagram and we’ll talk!
QUESTIONS THEY ANSWERED
- Mark, can you tell us a bit about yourself, why did you start this group? What was your goal?
- How do you define mindfulness?
- As we go around, say your name and explain why did you first choose to join this mindfulness group? What were you looking for? What were your hopes?
- Has your definition or experience of mindfulness changed between the time you first started and now?
- What’s the hardest part of the definition for you? Why?
- How do you use mindfulness in your everyday lives now? Can you give an example?
- How has mindfulness helped you deal with school and the pressures that come with it?
- Have you noticed any impact on your relationships? With family or friends?
- Was there a mindfulness exercise or meditation practice that stuck with you? Do you have a favorite one or one you continue to do?
- What would you say to convince a friend to join?
ABOUT OUR GUESTS
Mark has been a science teacher since 1986. He’s a Teacher Advisor and Project Advisor for the Understanding Science website, winner of the 2010 Science Prize for Online Resources in Education from the American Association for the Advancement of Science. He also serves as Teacher Advisor for the award-winning Understanding Evolution website.
He’s the co-founder of Marin Academy’s Conference on Democracy, the faculty advisor to the school’s Peace and Justice Club and the organizer of The Teen Mindfulness Circle.
Mark also volunteers for the Insight Garden Program at San Quentin State Prison, and he serves as a steward for Rick Hanson’s San Rafael Meditation Group. He has served on several local non-profit boards. *** To protect the teens on this episode, I chose not to share photos or personal information.
Find out more about Mark or the Mindulf School Program here.
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