Continuing the blessing of St Paul: "may your spirit, life and body be kept blameless for the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ" [1 Thess 5:23]
Mrs. Bobbie Hall, Class instructor and Department Chair
writes: Mind and Body Wellness is a new class offered at Notre Dame Preparatory School in Pontiac, Michigan, USA
http://www.ndpma.org, a school of the Society of Mary since 1994. The class is a physical activity-based class designed to help students improve not only their physical health, but also give them an opportunity to learn and practice improving their mental and spiritual health. The class begins with the basics of breathing for the purpose of centering the mind and energy flow within the body; students learn to combine their breath with movement, learn to breathe through difficult situations, and learn to quiet their mind and body through simple meditation.
Christian yoga is the main form of practice during the class. The goal during yoga practice is to challenge yourself physically, but not to feel overwhelmed. At this "edge," the focus is on breath while the mind is accepting and calm. Yoga also develops inner awareness and it focuses attention on the body's abilities at the present moment. Yoga helps develop breath and strength of mind and body. When we shift our focus from the outside inward, we learn to push away distractions and any anxious feelings. This practice allows us the opportunity to listen more attentively to God's teachings and provides us with a more conducive opportunity for stress management and better overall health and wellness.
The class is offered within the Health and Physical Education Department of the school. Many of the students find it the most peaceful and relaxing part of their day. Two seniors in the class, Brooke and Erin, commented that doing yoga at the beginning of the school day allowed them to reflect and clear their heads and has improved their overall mood for the day. They also mentioned that the breathing techniques really helps them get through the school day with less anxiety. The focus of the class is on stretching, breathing and mindfulness allowing students a break from their usual hurried pace, social media and screen time. Another student, Sarah, shares this thought with just about every other student in the class, "This class taught me new coping mechanisms for rough days and to always come back to breathing." The skills and practices from the class are meant to be carried over into other parts of life and to be developed into lifelong habits. Natalie, a senior in the class says, "yoga has taught me to see the positive side of things… I cannot always control what happens, but I can control how I react to it." Another senior, Dani, says, "Thank you for teaching me to breathe through the hard movements and to let go of everything negative. This is an experience I wouldn't ever trade." Focusing on breathing, stretching and meditation can be practiced almost anywhere at any age in life, leading to a sense of peacefulness in the midst of each day. Several other students commented on how excited they are to have found something they can do and benefit from for the rest of their lives.
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Gummi bears caramels donut carrot cake carrot cake chupa chups bonbon tootsie roll.
Gummi bears caramels donut carrot cake carrot cake chupa chups bonbon tootsie roll.
Gummi bears caramels donut carrot cake carrot cake chupa chups bonbon tootsie roll.
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