Approach to Growth

Read Joshua’s interview with Antioch University about social and emotional learning in schools.

Core Philosophy

Social/Emotional wellness is the bedrock foundation upon which all other learning hopes to stand.  

We do not absorb information effectively if we are feeling uncertain, unsafe or overwhelmed.  Our current school system typically operates by triggering a stress response to gain our attention.  This is not optimum.  By exploring a variety of mindfulness skills and practices, students will be better equipped to find their own calm assuredness within the classroom.  Learning outcomes inevitably improve when we can conjure a feeling of safety, which lends itself to deeper focus and information retention.

The most important subject in school is ‘YOU’

While academic subject based learning is certainly worthwhile, what is most relevant to a students scholastic journey is what they learn about themselves along the way.  How do we manage stress, metabolize uncomfortable feelings, set intentions and work towards our goals.  How do we adjust based on what we learn from experiencing the highs and lows of life?  How do we work and learn best?  What inspires and motivates us?  These life long lessons will continue to be relevant well beyond the algebra test, and thus deserve our reflection.

Mentor vs. Teacher

Mentorship is rooted in relationships rather than content.  Unlike a teacher, who provides lessons over a given period, the mentor maintains rapport and ideally provides guidance that stretches multiple life stages.  Rather than completing a course in mindfulness based practices, the mentor will offer an array of strategies based on what is alive and relevant in that current life stage for that given person.  Consistency allows for trust to build as the mentor tracks themes and patterns in the life of the mentee, thus being able to provide insightful guidance to support growth and development.

The Value of Rites of Passage

We must remember the value of meaningful rites of passage rituals in order to support individuals in marking their transition from one life stage to the next.  Ancient cultures understood this.  While the onset of new hormones initiate individuals into adolescence, the emergence from this life stage does not necessarily occur automatically. In our relatively immature culture, individuals seem to linger in adolescence if they ever reach mature adulthood at all. It takes a village and we can learn much from the old ways of bringing children into the fold as contributing adults.