Mindfulness tones the spirit just as exercise conditions the body.
– kelly k
Strength & Conditioning Workout
Week 1 workouts were GREAT! We had lots of repetition with basic movement as we focused on TRX strap adjustment, form, and technique. Everyone should be challenged during the workout, finish feeling like a rockstar, and also feel a little sore the next day. 🙂
Yin Yoga & Mindfulness Practice
Mat sessions have been brief, consisting of 1 – 3 yoga postures. Lights are turned low, eyes are closed, and teens are given time to decompress while turning inward toward self-awareness, regulation, and compassion. This part of class should feel like a GREAT BIG HUG! Interestingly, like adults, some teens are most challenged by the high-energy workout and others are most challenged during their reflective time on the mat.
Connection Dialogue
This week, we’ve used journals to list personal stress and have made connections between:
- Stressful experiences
- Internal dialogue & feelings
- External meaning and response
We’ve taken an objective look at #2 and discussed how internal dialogue and feelings are unique to each of us and are shaped by genetics, past experience, and connection with others. We’ve identified how our internal dialogue (what we tell ourselves) has the power to shape the external meaning of many things, including stress.
Questions teens were prompted to write about
- List what you experience as stress in your life.
- What feelings do you associate with each stressful experience or situation on your list?
- What do you do to cope with these feelings?
- Take a look at your stress list. What is your internal dialogue like? Are you kind to yourself? Are you demanding? Do you have unrealistic expectations? Would you talk with a friend the same way?
