Resilience and Self-Care for the "At-Risk" Community: A Mindfulness-Based Approach

Format

Individual Presentation

First Presenter's Institution

Trainnovations

Second Presenter's Institution

Trainnovations

Third Presenter's Institution

Trainnovations

Fourth Presenter's Institution

NA

Fifth Presenter's Institution

NA

Location

Session 1 (Sloane)

Strand #1

Social & Emotional Skills

Strand #2

Mental & Physical Health

Relevance

Today’s youth face a myriad of challenges. Youth in high risk settings in particular face issues of increased stress, lack of awareness in the present moment, difficulties with self-regulation and impulse control, low self-esteem, inability to deal with conflict, and isolation from social connection. As these adolescents grow into adults and life becomes more complex, they often lack focus and the sustainability required to effectively navigate this terrain. Adolescent brains are still developing during this active period and is related to emotion management which can shape the course of adulthood. Promoting mindful practices and resilience at this juncture may reduce the risk of problematic outcomes for vulnerable individuals and strengthen factors promoting mental and physiological health in general. Mind-body medicine is based on a scientific understanding of the connection among our thoughts, sensations and feelings in direct relation to our mind, body, and spirit along with our relationship to the social and natural worlds where we live. It focuses on the interactions between mind and body and the powerful ways in which emotional, mental, social and spiritual factors can directly relieve stress and improve overall health. This particular approach is grounded in practical, evidence-based skills for self-care and self-awareness including group support. These skills can be used with individuals, groups, and entire populations and make use of people’s strengths; encourage them to experiment with their own abilities; enhance their sense of control; and are interesting and fun. When we engage in this process ourselves and share it with others, we serve our highest purpose and contribute to life-enhancing and enduring changes.

Brief Program Description

Facilitator(s) will present strategies for mindfulness-based interventions through educational and experiential exercises. Session includes an introduction to mind-body skills within a group context and focus on approaches for self-care and integration into at risk communities. Attendees have an opportunity to learn and share while making use of personal strengths, encouraging experimentation, enhancing a sense of control, and allowing joy in the process.

Summary

One path to better “HEALTH” and well-being is grounded in practical, evidence-based, mind-body techniques for self-awareness, self-care and group support. Emphasizing practices such as mindful breathing, movement and imagery in a group setting respects and enhances each person’s capacity for self-knowledge and self-care. Participants will learn to recognize the signs of physical, mental and emotional effects of stress, anger and trauma within themselves and others and explore some simple and assessible techniques to counteract the negative impacts of these effects. These tools can be easily integrated and shared with others. A summary of topics to be addressed are:

  • Understand basic theory and practice underlying mind-body medicine
  • Learn about foundations, effects, and benefits of mindfulness
  • Understand physical, mental and emotional aspects of stress
  • Understand the benefits of mindfulness in alleviating effects of stress
  • Learn to use self-regulation techniques such “soft belly” breathing and imagery
  • Learn specific ways to incorporate mindful awareness as part of self-care and to share with the communities served

Included will be an introduction to strategies focused on teaching participants how to provide a safe environment and structure to appropriately meet young people where they are, assist them in practicing new skills and encourage acceptance, honesty and authenticity “HEART”. These form a foundation for helping adolescents where they struggle most and support them in building their social, emotional and coping competencies wherever they find themselves in the moment.

Evidence

Mind-body skills are scientifically validated to restore physical and psychological health. A mind-body approach can help to heal individual trauma, reduce stress and build community resilience. The scientific literature on these approaches is now rich and robust. Studies have shown the power of mind-body techniques to balance the over-activity of the sympathetic branch of the autonomic nervous system (“fight or flight” and “stress” responses) which is implicated in many physical and emotional conditions, with parasympathetic nervous system stimulation that promotes relaxation. More recently, these techniques have been demonstrated to create beneficial changes in many of the body’s physiological responses (including blood pressure, stress hormone levels, pain response and immune functioning) and to make a significant clinical difference in conditions as diverse as anxiety, depression and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Further studies supporting the effects and impact of mindfulness strategies and group support are available from the Center for Mind Body Medicine at https://cmbm.org.

  1. Walsh F., Traumatic loss and major disasters: strengthening family and community resilience. Fam Process. 2007; 46(2):207-227.
  1. Goldbeck L, Schmid K. Effectiveness of autogenic relaxation training on children and adolescents with behavioral and emotional problems.
  1. J Am Acad Child Adolesc Psychiatry 2003 Sep; 42(9):1046-54. Barnes VA, Bauza LB, Treiber FA. Impact of stress reduction on negative school behavior in adolescents. Health Qual Life Outcomes. 2003; 1:10.
  1. Evans GW, English K. The environment of poverty: multiple stressor exposure, psychophysiological stress, and socioemotional adjustment. Child Dev. 2002; 73(4):1238-1248.

Biographical Sketch

Melinda Miller, Director

With 30 years’ experience in the world of work and her focus on leading teams through successful, healthy project implementations, she brings the “calm” to work. Melinda was a key facilitator for the creation of the El Sol Neighborhood Resource Center. This community collaboration included work community groups, Catholic Charities, and Florida Atlantic University for the development of a center that provided a facility for day laborers and helped the Town to address numerous neighborhood issues. She was recently certified by the Center for Mind Body Medicine. Melinda participated in Comprehensive Wellness Program for Broward County Public Schools February 14th and Beyond.

Mother Theresa once said, “We can all do small things, with great love, and together we can do something wonderful.” My passion is to help others realize their potential and the power of doing the “small things, with great love” so that together we create impactful changes for a compassionate and attentive society.

Marcy Koch, Creative Director

She currently functions as change management specialist to assess, define, and guide activities to establish organizational effectiveness and sustain culture change. Her extensive work with youth is evidenced by her work with the Florida Art Education Association, National Art Education Association, American Alliance of Museum Education, Harvard University Project Zero Certification 2015 and 2016, Certified Work Readiness Trainer, WorkEssentials ©-Life Skills Counselor, and FAEA Museum Educator of the Year Award 2016 through her previous employment with the Norton Museum of Art. Marcy is also a co-facilitator for the WOW, Are You Ready program. She was recently certified by the Center for Mind Body Medicine. Marcy participated in Comprehensive Wellness Program for Broward County Public Schools February 14th and Beyond.

“I am passionate about cultural awakening and transformation knowing there are many ways to approach the journey. It’s essential that we grow; not only for ourselves but to also create cultures that will benefit future generations. I’m passionate about supporting others through open inquiry, deep listening and discernment.

Trina Pulliam, President

Trina started Trainnovations in 1995 to provide services and programs which guide, assist and build people to move from Better to Brilliant. We do this by enhancing soft skills, implementing positive and desired change and improving the health and wellbeing of applicants, employees and their organizations. Our combination of services helps build the capability and capacity of people toward long term sustainable results.

“My purpose is to accomplish meaningful work for myself and others through responsible and ethical living. I strive to model behavior that inspires innovation, learning and development and consistent performance for health and well-being.”


Keyword Descriptors

Mindfulness, Emotional Intelligence, Social Connection, Self Regulation, Self and Group Care Integration, Mind Body Health, Resiliency, Stress Reduction, Calm

Presentation Year

2019

Start Date

3-4-2019 10:30 AM

End Date

3-4-2019 11:45 AM

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Mar 4th, 10:30 AM Mar 4th, 11:45 AM

Resilience and Self-Care for the "At-Risk" Community: A Mindfulness-Based Approach

Session 1 (Sloane)

Facilitator(s) will present strategies for mindfulness-based interventions through educational and experiential exercises. Session includes an introduction to mind-body skills within a group context and focus on approaches for self-care and integration into at risk communities. Attendees have an opportunity to learn and share while making use of personal strengths, encouraging experimentation, enhancing a sense of control, and allowing joy in the process.