Artwork by Anni Betts from Breathe Like a Bear
 

As I type this, I’m sipping hot broth to soothe my wicked head cold (‘tis the season, as they say). 

Feeling under the weather, with the shorter days and chillier temperatures–it’s…

For the first time in ages, I have a new guitar! It’s a Martin (if you know, you know) and I’m SO fired up about it.💥 

I forgot how inspiring it can be to have a sparkly new instrument–as soon…

Artwork by Anni Betts from Breathe Like a Bear

Be honest–are you holding tension in your shoulders right this minute?  

Stress from all the things: hectic schedules, financial pressures, scary world events, you name it–-lives in our bodies, and for…

Artwork by Anni Betts from Peaceful Like a Panda
 

One of my favorite yoga teachers likes to say that movement is simply a vehicle for sensation in the body, and that that sensation is a tool for self-awareness.

The movement…

Artwork by Anni Betts from Breathe Like a Bear
 

The results are in from our survey of thousands of educators: the number one struggle in the classroom is engagement–getting and keeping students’ attention, and helping them listen and focus. (If…

Artwork by Anni Betts from Listen Like an Elephant
 

Anyone else ever feel bewildered when your kids ask you a question that you’ve already answered three times? (“Um…I told you where the soccer ball/clean towel/vacuum was…were you not LISTENING?!”) 

Listening…

Artwork by Anni Betts from Breathe Like a Bear

If you’ve been under a blanket of persistent, sticky late-summer heat, the thought of cool water probably sounds pretty great about now (especially if you’re landlocked like I am). But water…

Art by Anni Betts from Peaceful Like a Panda
 

I’ve talked about the power of positive affirmations before–how simple and fun they are to do with young children, and the science behind using them.  

But hmmm….if only there was a…

Photo by Bruna Saito

If you’ve ever observed a first responder act calmly and efficiently during an emergency, you may have wondered: how are they able to remain so calm?  

Because they practice their responses, over and over, BEFORE an…

Sign at Newport Folk Festival entrance
 

I was reminded this weekend of the incredible, magical power of music. 🎶

At the Newport Folk Festival it was UNBELIEVABLY hot–some would say miserable–but it didn’t matter. Brilliantly talented artists brought people to…

Art by Anni Betts from Peaceful Like a Panda
 

One of my favorite mindfulness exercises to teach young children is tracing each finger up and down, taking a long deep breath in and out each time. Some educators call it…

Photo by Hilary Murphy
 

I often encounter people who seem to think that mindfulness is a “grownup” thing. That it’s too “serious,” or too abstract a concept to teach to children.  

I’m sure you can guess what my response is…