Beginning From Within

I have a very fortunate role at the school where I work on Wednesdays. I collaborate with another youth organization that brings music, science, and technology education into the after-school enrichment program, and I join as an additional outlet for students to explore and engage with. While I'm a strong believer that mindfulness and social-emotional learning are valuable for every child, I've come to believe that choice makes a significant difference. Some students are naturally drawn to mindfulness—the opportunity to slow down, notice what's happening within them, and share their experiences through conversation or expressive arts.

When mindfulness, social-emotional learning, and expressive arts are offered as a choice, the value of the experience increases for both the students and me as a facilitator. Students arrive because they genuinely want to be there, and that willingness creates space for deeper engagement.

This week, I had an impactful moment with a sixth-grade girl.

I had never met her before, but some of the other girls in her after-school class spotted me and asked if they could do mindfulness with me. "Yes, of course!" I said. As we were walking into the classroom, I noticed a girl standing in the corner. She asked what we were doing, and I replied, "Mindfulness. Want to come?" She shrugged and said, "Sure."

The four of us had a lovely experience together. Using a mindfulness card deck, we took turns pulling prompts and facilitating the group's reflection. It was peaceful and sweet, and I could tell everyone was enjoying themselves.

After a while, I wanted to check on another classroom to see if the teacher needed additional support. I asked the girls if they wanted to come with me. Two of them decided to join the music production class instead. The sixth-grade girl wasn't interested in that, and the teacher had the other class handled, so I asked if she'd like to continue doing mindfulness with me.

We brought the cards outside and continued. I pulled a card that invited us into a practice called "Heartfulness," where we placed our hands on our hearts and noticed the sensations and emotions present within us.

I asked her what she noticed.

"Mainly my emotions," she said.

I asked if she wanted to share which emotions were coming up, and she replied, "Anger and sadness."

I acknowledged what she was feeling and shared that I was noticing some nervousness in myself because of circumstances in my personal life.

"Me too!" she said. "That's what I'm feeling. Anxiety."

From there, we began talking about what happens when she feels angry. She shared examples from school and from home. As the conversation deepened, she told me about being the middle child in a family of five. The two older siblings seemed paired off, as did the two younger ones, and she often felt alone in the middle.

She also shared how painful it was not having a relationship with her older brother, the sibling closest to her in age. They had once been close playmates, but now they hardly spoke. As I listened, I realized that this was my entire assignment in that moment.

I didn't need to fix her problem. I didn't need to offer solutions or make anything better. In truth, I didn't have a solution anyway.

My role was simply to be a safe person she could speak honestly with.

I knew this conversation likely wouldn't have happened with other students present. I also sensed that she probably doesn't get a lot of one-on-one time with trusted adults who are genuinely interested in hearing about her inner world.

At the end of our time together, she asked, "Mindfulness next Wednesday, right?"

"Yep. I'm here every Wednesday."

"I wonder what we'll do!" she said excitedly.

My lesson this week is that it doesn't take much.

Sometimes, one of the most powerful things we can offer a young person is our presence. A little one-on-one time. A hand on the heart. A moment to notice what's happening inside. An honest conversation about difficult feelings.

These simple moments build trust, safety, and emotional honesty—which gives us the capacity to continue being brave and open to life.