Inner Explorer

?? Hot take: Your Brain called and it's begging you for Boredom: https://buff.ly/3AwqmFb Here's your reminder slip to tackle one thing at a time during this hectic holiday stretch. Science actually shows our brains get their best ideas when we're bored. That anxiety you feel when you're not multi-tasking? That's your brain throwing a mini tantrum because it's addicted to the dopamine hits of constant switching. But trust us, after 10-20 mins of UNItasking, it'll thank you with better focus, creativity, and actual energy left for some holiday parties.

??Thanksgiving (in every season) is about embracing the simple joys and celebrating our loved ones without stress or demand to spend money. So, if you feel pressure building, take a breath and let it go. We are always here for you. ??Celebrate daily in ways that truly lift you up—without the rush or racing. Mindfulness is found in moments, in laughter, cozy gatherings, and warm connections that don’t require a budget.

?? Maureik is from the Southeastern United States and appreciates that mindfulness allows for the space to make good decisions. His first mindfulness experience was in a music class, where my instructor emphasized breathing, and noticed it enhanced his skill at other things.His favorite type of practice is a Body Scan. He is always listening to music, so favorites change often, but right now it’s Love’s In Need of Love by Stevie Wonder. ??Our programs are enriched with a diverse group of narrators, inspiring students & educators to embrace curiosity and open-mindedness.

?? Bookmark this page for Gratitude practice:

3 minutes for just you... ...and a link for later: https://buff.ly/4bCzt50

??We love to celebrate gratitude as a daily habit, not just a holiday tradition; reflecting on thanks for our health, loved ones, & the small moments that make life richer. ??Gratitude can be our constant in a world for rapid changes-growing resilience and connection. Let’s spread love & share what we’re thankful regularly, year-round. When gratitude is the attitude regularly, it can change our brains & bodies.

??Let's talk about Bruno, an 8th grader in Florida, who is a narrator for our Elementary Programs' practices. His passion for soccer brought him to IMG Academy, where mindfulness helps him unwind and connect with himself. Coming from a multicultural family, he speaks three languages, loves traveling, enjoys Brazilian music, and savors his mom’s Argentinian Milaneses. His favorite book is The Energy Bus by Jon Gordon. ??We are grateful to have one of the most diverse line-ups of narrators for our programs, encouraging our students to remain curious and non-judgmental.

World Economic Forum found that mindfulness can also be a key to online security and critical thinking in the metaverse, as it builds focus, unitasking skills, and discernment. When we're fully present, we can: ?? Spot phishing scams or shady links more easily. ?? Pause and think critically before sharing sensitive info. ? Respond thoughtfully instead of reacting impulsively to online content. ??We see that as mindfulness becomes a fundamental part of our collective journeys, finding a place in all areas of our communities, the ripple effect works to expand positive, transformational shifts throughout society. https://buff.ly/4hpMku9

??First step first: We'd love to see you at the SEL Exchange hosted by CASEL (Collaborative for Academic, Social, and Emotional Learning) in Chicago on Thursday! Learn how our evidence-based approach drives resilience, achievement, and well-being across diverse school communities with us!

??We are grateful to have one of the most diverse line-ups of narrators for our programs, encouraging our students to remain curious and non-judgmental. ??Meet Christabel, our narrator for practices in the English Programs! Christabel is a Ghanaian/Nigerian-American opera singer, plant mom, and creative. She enjoys making home cooked meals & can’t go without a little dose of nature once in a while. For her, music was her first form of mindfulness—she'd unwind by listening to my favorite songs after a tough day at school. Her favorite Inner Explorer practices are Gratitude because it reminds her, even on busy days, of all the little things to cherish. Mindfulness encourages Christabel to slow down. Eating mango mindfully is one of her favorite ways to savor the moment!