Mindful Moments – Project 11’s 21 Day Challenge:
I have been incorporating mindful breathing exercises into my day since 2003, when I first learned about all of the benefits from my Sports Psychology professor. Over the years I was more than happy to continue to share this practice with my Middle Years students. The practice has not only helped foster my students’ creativity, focus and productivity, but it has also provided my students with a healthy coping strategy when dealing with stress or anxiety. Students felt the benefits of having clarity and felt empowered with resiliency, when obstacles surfaced in their lives. Project 11’s focus is to create a stage of empathy, promote positive relationships, self-esteem and increase students’ self-awareness! And incorporating a mindful moment is one of the ways that has helped students reach these goals.
We invite you to join our Project 11 classes, as we carve some time out in our days to incorporate a “Mindful Moment”. We would love to encourage everyone to set 10-20 minutes aside to feel what it’s like to incorporate a moment of calmness into your schedule for at least 21 days! Carve out a moment, just for you. This alone can be a challenge, we know; But you might just surprise yourself and see that it CAN be possible!
If you’re ready to try something new or if you just want a helpful kick-start to get you back into being more present and conscious in your life, as it unfolds in front of you, then this challenge might be exactly what you need, right now! Research has shown that not only can practicing mindful breathing help increase happiness and help you enjoy life to the fullest, but if practiced regularly, it can also increase the grey matter concentration in the brain, help regulate moods and reduce your risk of Alzheimers or vulnerability to illness.
All you need to do is find a quiet space, where you can focus on your breath! You can listen to our samples below to help you get started OR if you prefer, you can might want to listen to some of your favourite soothing music in a comfortable space!
Good luck on your personal mindfulness challenge!
Take care,
SUZI FRIESEN
Director of Educational Programs
True North Youth Foundation
AUDIO DOWNLOADS
Mindful Moments led by Keith Macpherson & Suzi Friesen.
Keith’s bio: http://keithmacpherson.ca/about/
Suzi’s bio: https://www.nhl.com/jets/info/foundation/suzi-friesen
At the end of each Mindful Moment, you’ll hear a student or a member from our True North team reflect on how they feel after each practice. Be sure to listen for Craig Heisinger’s response at the end of #1, #6 & #8! Craig Heisinger, aka “Zinger” is our Senior Vice-President & Director of Hockey Operations/Assistant General Manager of the Winnipeg Jets & also serves as the General Manager of the Manitoba Moose. Zinger is a really busy guy & is finding creative ways to implement Mindful Moments in his daily life, so don’t be afraid to think of creative ways to incorporate Mindful Moments into YOUR daily routines! All the Best!
Mindful Moment #1 – Download Audio (Suzi leads, Zinger shares at the end)
Mindful Moment #2 – Download Audio (Keith leads, Middle Years student Teighan shares at the end)
Mindful Moment #3 – Download Audio (Suzi leads, Chris Kreviazuk shares at the end)
Mindful Moment #4 – Download Audio (Keith leads, Glen LaFrenais shares at the end)
Mindful Moment #5 – Download Audio (Suzi leads, Katie Ferniuk shares at the end)
Mindful Moment #6 – Download Audio (Keith leads, Zinger shares at the end)
Mindful Moment #7 – Download Audio (Suzi leads, Middle Years student, Teighan, shares at the end)
Mindful Moment #8 – Download Audio (Keith leads, Zinger shares at the end)
GRADE 5/6 INTERMISSION VIDEOS
Music and Rhythm #2 – Watch Video
Classroom Yoga #1 – Watch Video
Fun with Food #7 – Watch Video
Relaxation Techniques #4 – Watch Video
Laughing Yoga #3 – Watch Video
Aboriginal Dancing #5 – Watch Video
Fun with Fitness #6 – Watch Video
GRADE 7/8 INTERMISSION VIDEOS
Fun with Food #5 – Watch Video
Relaxation Techniques #6 – Watch Video
Fun with Fitness #3 – Watch Video
Art Energy #5 – Watch Video
Classroom Yoga #2 – Watch Video
Hip Hop with HP #2 – Watch Video
