St. Catherine School
Students from K4 through 8th grade are learning contemplation techniques. So are their teachers. On the day I visited, Deb Selm from Core/El Centro was teaching the students yoga breathing exercises. By using simple stretching while making animal sounds, the K4 class was engaged and relaxed. The Yoga Makes Me Strong routine was especially fun. The students ended their class with breath work. She asked the students how they felt after doing the routine, suggesting that they might feel stronger and more energized. They agreed that’s just how they felt. The power of suggestion took hold.
Core/El Centro developed this ten-week program to work with students for half an hour one day every other week. The mind/ body connection can help to keep negativity away and give them practices they can use every day. Prior to working with the students, Deb worked with the teachers. Some of the teachers were aware of the value of mindfulness. At the teacher meeting, they did a couple of exercises including listening to the chimes and noticing when the sound ended and the breath of joy for tension release in times of transition. The classes go through May 26.
