PLANTING SEEDS OF HOPE: THE MINDgarden PHILOSOPHY
March 19, 2024
Ah, childhood—the days of endless exploration, where every corner held a new adventure and the world felt boundless with possibility. Now, imagine if in addition to those adventures, we were equipped with a toolkit—a little something to guide us through the storms, to stand tall in the face of challenges, and to find beauty in every moment. That's the essence of MINDgarden, a philosophy that envisions a world where every child is empowered with the tools for mental wellness from the very start.
MINDgarden: Cultivating Brighter Futures for Our Kids
At its heart, MINDgarden isn’t just about teaching; it’s about nurturing. It’s about ensuring emotional literacy is as fundamental as learning to read and write. And here’s why it truly matters:
• Mindfulness: It’s not just a trendy term; it’s about teaching our kids to savor every moment, finding joy in life's simplest pleasures.
• Emotional Intelligence: Giving our children the vocabulary to express their feelings, and reassuring them that it’s okay to feel, and okay to share those feelings.
• Resilience: Showing them that stumbling isn’t failing—it’s an opportunity to learn, grow, and stand up even stronger.
• Community and Connection: Helping them understand that while they are unique individuals, they are also part of a greater whole—a community where each person matters.
Why MINDgarden is Essential Now, More Than Ever
In a world that’s rapidly changing, our children face new and complex challenges. MINDgarden serves as a guiding light in these turbulent times, helping our kids navigate stress and anxiety, and find their footing in moments of chaos. It’s about laying a foundation so sturdy that no matter what life throws their way, they can weather the storm and emerge even stronger.
Bringing MINDgarden to Life: Everyday Magic
MINDgarden isn’t about grand gestures; it’s about finding magic in the little things:
• Starting the Day Mindfully: Take a moment each morning to share a quiet moment with your child—watch the sunrise, or simply express gratitude for the day ahead.
• Exploring Feelings Together: Create a ‘feeling wheel’ with your child, helping them understand the rich tapestry of emotions and empowering them to express themselves.
• Stories of Strength: Bedtime isn’t just for fairy tales; share stories of real-life heroes who faced challenges head-on, inspiring resilience and determination.
• Sprinkling Kindness: Encourage acts of kindness, no matter how small, showing them that even the tiniest gesture can make a big difference.
The MINDgarden Journey: Walking Hand in Hand
MINDgarden isn’t a solitary journey. It’s a path we walk together with our children, learning from each other every step of the way.
By planting these seeds early on, we’re not just nurturing healthy minds; we’re fostering compassionate, resilient, and empathetic individuals prepared to tackle the world with open hearts.
By planting these seeds early on, we’re not just nurturing healthy minds; we’re fostering compassionate, resilient, and empathetic individuals prepared to tackle the world with open hearts.
Let’s not just dream of a brighter future for our children; let’s lay the groundwork for it, one mindful step at a time. Welcome to MINDgarden—where every child’s journey to mental wellness begins.
Hello, Marhaba! My name is Christine Glasper. I have been a school counselor for 15 years, a private therapist for 9 years and an administrator for 8 years. I am a wife and a mother of 3 beautiful kids. A counselor deeply impacted my life in middle school and my love for working with school age kiddos and young adults was born. Over time that has developed into a drive to open doors of opportunity for my students, to provide a safe space to explore oneself and make life improvements to my clients, and to support teachers, parents and the community at large in our collective efforts to make the world a better place. I am a huge believer in “teamwork makes the dream work”, “be[ing] the change you wish to see”, the Serenity prayer and the golden rule. I’m blessed and thankful to be working with MINDgarden and the Kalasho Education and Youth Services because there are so many mission aligned people here; and only great things can happen when you put a lot of good people together in one place. I look forward to meeting you, dear reader. Have a good day!
Hi, My name is Sabika Sheikh. I am a Counseling Psychology Therapist, offering mental health counseling services at Kalasho Education & Youth services. I’ve always believed that healing isn't just about talking through challenges, it’s also about finding joy, connection, and moments of lightness, even during difficult times. Over the years, working with clients facing cancer, depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, relationship struggles, and children navigating big emotions, I’ve seen how powerful recreational activities can be in the healing process. What excites me most about MINDgarden’s setting, is the chance to blend my counseling back ground with opportunities for people to express themselves, build confidence, and rediscover happiness in safe and creative ways. Whether it's through group activities, art, play, or simply encouraging someone to try something new, I love creating spaces where people can feel sup ported while also experiencing joy. This work is a natural fit for me because I genuinely enjoy helping others not only process their challenges but also celebrate their strengths. I am honored to bring both my heart and my skills to MINDgarden!