The combination of curiosity of breath support (while studying vocal pedagogy) and my mothers anxiety lead me to this path of mindfulness. I started with breathing techniques to "calm" the mind and body (i.e. rhythmic breathing, pranayama, ocean breath, tumo... you name it). I found it to be beneficial for me but not for others who suffer with anxiety. There were also some prerequisites to utilizing some advanced breathing techniques such as dietary choices, fasting and timing of the day. Again for me, I enjoyed the challenge and finding the balance but I decided to keep searching for other "methods" of self-care. I came across a this video during my undergraduate degree called Room to Breathe. A women taught this self-care practice in a low-social economic school in the bay area. Of course students were hesitant to this idea but when they got in the rhythm of her guidance they found a sense of peace.

From there I took my own prerequisites to become a certified mindfulness instructor. Unfortunately, after the pandemic the mindfulchools.org was no longer accepting applicants to finish their program. Though they still offer amazing courses for teachers. I didn't see that as big of a Delma as most might think because that piece of paper reflects a short amount of academic study. The real work is still being done in the privacy of my own heart and my own mind. Years of mindfulness practice has opened my eyes and provided a me with equanimity. Things do not bother me as much as they use to. Of course I can still get mad, sad, frustrated but I don't hold that emotion. I allow it to flow and just let go.

“Between stimulus and response, there is a space. In that space is our power to choose our response. In that response lies our growth and our freedom.” -- Viktor Frankl

Mindfulness is honestly become a super power in that it develops more space between the stimulus and how one responds. Before I would be reactive and my emotions would strike after the stimulus. Now there is space and I have time to choose how I will respond. As for my mother, she has adopted some of the mindfulness breathing techniques and mindful walking and has found inner strength that she didn't feel for some time. Today I continue to get deeper into my mindfulness practice. It brings me to a place of stillness though there might be chaos around me. There is so many things that distract and pull us away from this... right now. If you have any questions about music or mindfulness reach out via email I would love to have a conversation with you.

Before you read anything else just rememebr that you are enough...

Mindfulness is not a silver bullet, it will not help "manage" your class. Rather it is a practice that allows you and your students to be present and be more self-aware. That way they can learn to "mangae" themselves instead of rely on others. These are long term tools that we are developing. Of course there will be some hesitation. You can't just rip off the skin of a snake, it will shed in time. If the teacher practices what they are teaching then the students will start to follow the heard and practice together. If the teacher does not practice mindfulness and tries to teach it, don't expect great results. Students can smell inauthenticity from a mile away. It is important to be a positive role model and showing students through your actions that this can be a valuable tool. It is a lifetime of practice. I do believe that certifications are valuable but the real work is in the privacy of your own heart and mind. 

Levels of mindfulness: (Breathing meditation)

1. Take 2 deep breaths

2. Focus on your belly and make your belly move with your breath (Relax shoulders)

3. Take 5 deep breaths while tracing your fingers (think the word breath)

4. Focus on your breath (or part of body that moves while breathing) for 30 seconds with eyes close
   * Note if your mind wanders think the word "thinking" then come back to your breath

5. Same as level four... 60 seconds

6. Same as level four... 5 minutes

"Other Techniques" 

• Rhythmic Breathing: Inhale 4, hold 4, exhale 8 (could use instruements to lead)

• Ocean breath: Inhale slowly, and exhale on a "Shhhh" longer than the inhale