Mindfulness and Nervous System Regulation

Connected on Every Level: Building Connection for Students, Staff, and Communities

Educating Mindfully Members: Please continue this conversation in our Member Online Community [https://cosem.mn.co/spaces/9301347/feed] for the opportunity to earn PD/CEU hours. Learn More. [https://www.educatingmindfully.org/credits] Episode Overview: The episode is focused on the framework component of Mindful Social-Connection within Educating Mindfully's Mindfulness-Based Learning Framework [https://www.educatingmindfully.org/framework]. Erin Shook and Lindsey Frank discussed the importance of mindful social connection for happiness and well-being. They shared the difference between social awareness and social connection. Their conversation included the impact of technology, disconnection, supportive strategies, and embedding play for students AND adults.  Mindful Resources:  Educating Mindfully Website [https://www.educatingmindfully.org/] Mindfulness-Based Learning Framework [https://www.educatingmindfully.org/framework] Educating Mindfully's Book [https://www.educatingmindfully.org/book]  Educator and Leader Embodiment Cards [https://www.educatingmindfully.org/product-page/mbsel-educator-leader-embodiment-cards](Mindful Social-Connection Practices) Student-related: The Anxious Generation [https://www.amazon.com/Anxious-Generation-Rewiring-Childhood-Epidemic/dp/0593655036]Let’s Mingle Cards [https://www.amazon.com/Conversation-Starters-Classroom-Learning-Materials/dp/B08L72PPLR] (guided question prompts) First Five [https://www.edtomorrow.com/today/](daily email that promotes socialization between students—it’s FABULOUS!) Loosli Learning TPT [https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/store/loosli-learning/category-classroom-community-amp-engagement-341738] (Erin highly recommends these resources!) Self-related: Reclaim Reflection Questions [https://docs.google.com/document/u/1/d/1TZWoEWCgSf-fiF-mbbEXBLaA5PuazaXwA_ketnHfu1w/edit?usp=sharing&urp=gmail_link] (one of the focus points of her Educator Mom Group coaching program) Boundary Podcast [https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/ep-10-the-fence-at-the-cliff-boundaries-for-teachers/id1827854214?i=1000725511171] (She loves this short analogy from Matt Weld’s podcast--Matt was on our Learncast, too!) Overwhelm Podcast [https://www.melrobbins.com/episode/episode-335/] (great Mel Robbins podcast) If you’re interested in learning more about building mindful social connections with your students or self, please feel free to reach out to Erin Shook at teachwell.bewell6@gmail.com She also has a LinkedIn and Instagram account where I post teacher-wellness related content @teachwell.bewell Guest Bio: Erin Shook is a high school teacher with over 17 years of experience, and is passionate about creating supportive environments where students thrive academically and personally. Known for her innovative teaching that combines psychology content with life skills, like self-awareness and social connection, she also brings her perspective as a mom of four to help educators balance career, family, and well-being. Erin is committed to promoting mental and physical wellness for teachers and students alike, fostering connection, self-awareness, and personal growth both inside the classroom and beyond.  Become a Mindful Partner [https://www.educatingmindfully.org/partners]

Empowering Educators and Communities through Mindful Self-Regulation

Educating Mindfully Members: Please continue this conversation in our Member Online Community [https://cosem.mn.co/spaces/9301347/feed] for the opportunity to earn PD/CEU hours. Learn More. [https://www.educatingmindfully.org/credits] Episode Overview: The episode is focused on the framework component of Mindful Self-Regulation within Educating Mindfully's Mindfulness-Based Learning Framework [https://www.educatingmindfully.org/framework]. Carrie and Lindsey discussed the importance of Mindful Self-Regulation in educational settings. Carrie shared her personal experiences as a former classroom teacher and her current work as a professional learning facilitator. They explored how mindful self-regulation supports other elements of the Mindfulness-Based Learning Framework. Carrie emphasized the need for educators to create their own "menu" of regulatory practices that work for them, while Lindsey highlighted the importance of creativity and autonomy in implementing these practices. They also discussed how transitions and systemic pressures can impact educators' ability to regulate themselves and their students.  This inspiring episode validated our emotions and our path, and affirmed that "We all can become a mountain range of presence together." through Mindful Self-Regulation.  Episode Resources:  Educating Mindfully Website [https://www.educatingmindfully.org/] Mindfulness-Based Learning Framework [https://www.educatingmindfully.org/framework] Educating Mindfully's Book [https://www.educatingmindfully.org/book] (Chapters 27, 28, 34, 35) Educator and Leader Embodiment Cards [https://www.educatingmindfully.org/product-page/mbsel-educator-leader-embodiment-cards](Mindful Self-Regulation Card Practices) Harvard Health Article: Self-regulation for adults: Strategies for getting a handle on emotions and behavior [https://www.health.harvard.edu/mind-and-mood/self-regulation-for-adults-strategies-for-getting-a-handle-on-emotions-and-behavior] NARM-Informed Professional Training [https://narmtraining.com/narm-basics-training/?gad_source=1&gad_campaignid=21900658546&gbraid=0AAAAACWCte65O8ESPxBano_MNizTzbp4A&gclid=CjwKCAiA2PrMBhA4EiwAwpHyC22FAAp3uLS0N24NY8udCXv7JYKc-tjwjTTjjIxU2hWHD8_1D_d6uRoCjs0QAvD_BwE] Dr. Dan Siegel's Window of Tolerance [https://www.nicabm.com/trauma-how-to-help-your-clients-understand-their-window-of-tolerance/] Invitations:  Saying, "I choose to..."  Creating a menu of practices that cultivate Mindful Self-Regulation  Taking a minute to intentionally transition before/after learning  Guest Bio: Carrie Rohrbach is an educational, writing, and spiritual thought-partner, offering support to individuals and communities. She is a former classroom teacher with over 20 years of experience teaching and tutoring. Carrie is pursuing her doctorate in Transformative Action in Education and her dissertation considers the use of Tarot cards as a means of mindful self-inquiry to heal from the trauma of educational burnout and systemic oppression. She is a NARM trained trauma-informed professional and a registered yoga teacher and social-emotional learning facilitator through Breathe for Change. Carrie currently works as a professional learning facilitator at a Sacramento-based nonprofit. Become a Mindful Partner [https://www.educatingmindfully.org/partners]

The Space Between Doing and Being: Reclaiming Your Inner Connection

Educating Mindfully Members: Please continue this conversation in our Member Online Community [https://cosem.mn.co/spaces/9301347/feed] for the opportunity to earn PD/CEU hours. Learn More. [https://www.educatingmindfully.org/credits] Episode Overview: The episode is focused on the framework component of Mindful Self-Connection within Educating Mindfully's Mindfulness-Based Learning Framework [https://www.educatingmindfully.org/framework]. Matt and Lindsey distinguished how mindful self-connection is different from self-awareness by emphasizing embodiment. They highlighted that this process is not linear but a continuous cycle. Matt emphasized that mindful self-connection requires flexibility and understanding that transformation can occur at any stage. They explored strategies and how educators' internal states and emotional literacy influence school climates, the importance of self-connection for fostering safety in educational settings, barriers to mindful self-connection, and the importance of mindful self-connection in the face of technological and societal changes. Episode Resources:  Educating Mindfully Website [https://www.educatingmindfully.org/] Mindfulness-Based Learning Framework [https://www.educatingmindfully.org/framework] Educating Mindfully's Book [https://www.educatingmindfully.org/book] (Chapters 27, 29, 33, 34, 35, 40) Educator and Leader Embodiment Cards [https://www.educatingmindfully.org/product-page/mbsel-educator-leader-embodiment-cards](Mindful Self-Connection Card Practices) How We Feel App [https://howwefeel.org/] Feelings Wheel Example [https://feelingswheel.com/] Restorative Practices Resource [https://www.iirp.edu/restorative-practices/explained] Nonviolent Communication Tool [https://nonviolentcommunication.com/learn-nonviolent-communication/4-part-nvc/] Tethered & Whole Podcast and Newsletter (MatthewWeld.com) [https://www.matthewweld.com/] Books:  Atlas of the Heart: Mapping Meaningful Connection and the Language of Human Experience [https://www.amazon.com/Atlas-Heart-Meaningful-Connection-Experience/dp/0399592555] Set Boundaries, Find Peace: A Guide to Reclaiming Yourself [https://www.amazon.com/Set-Boundaries-Find-Peace-Reclaiming/dp/0593192095] Permission to Feel  [https://www.amazon.com/dp/1250212839/?bestFormat=true&k=permission%20to%20feel&ref_=nb_sb_ss_w_scx-ent-pd-bk-d_k0_1_11_de&crid=1FJI7EIF5DSS7&sprefix=permission%20] How Emotions are Made [https://www.amazon.com/How-Emotions-Made-Lisa-Barrett/dp/1328915433] Mindfulness in Plain English [https://www.amazon.com/Mindfulness-English-Bhante-Henepola-Gunaratana/dp/0861719069] Full Catastrophe Living [https://www.amazon.com/Full-Catastrophe-Living-Revised-Illness/dp/0345536932] Guest Bio: Matthew Weld is the Social Emotional Learning (SEL) Coach for Illinois’ SEL Hub #5, where he leads regional and statewide initiatives to strengthen educator well-being, mindfulness, and emotional resilience. Through workshops, coaching, and his weekly Jumpstart SEL newsletter, he empowers educators to integrate self-awareness and regulation into their classrooms and lives. Matt also directs TeachIllinois.org, chairs the New Directions in Education Conference, and hosts the Tethered & Whole podcast. A Registered Yoga Instructor, Google Certified Trainer, and former Educating Mindfully Board Member, Matt helps build healthier school cultures by modeling calm leadership, compassionate communication, and mindful professional practice. Become a Mindful Partner [https://www.educatingmindfully.org/partners]

The Power of REST: Resilience, Emotional Wellness, and Sustainable Teaching

Educating Mindfully Members: Please continue this conversation in our Member Online Community [https://cosem.mn.co/spaces/9301347/feed] for the opportunity to earn PD/CEU hours. Learn More. [https://www.educatingmindfully.org/credits] Episode Overview: Host Lindsey Frank and guest Stephanie Letourneau explore Stephanie’s REST framework—Resilience, Emotional Wellness, and Sustainable Teaching. They advocate that self-care is a strategic necessity, not a luxury, and share eight health pillars (like sleep, hydration, and awareness) to prevent burnout and model mindfulness. Episode Resources:  Educating Mindfully Website [https://www.educatingmindfully.org/] Mindfulness-Based Learning Framework [https://www.educatingmindfully.org/framework] Educating Mindfully's Book [https://www.educatingmindfully.org/book]  Educator and Leader Embodiment Cards [https://www.educatingmindfully.org/product-page/mbsel-educator-leader-embodiment-cards] Breathe 4 Change [https://breatheforchange.com/] Stephanie's Self-Care Tracker [https://www.amazon.com/Self-Care-Journal-Resilience-Stephanie-Letourneau/dp/B0FV7HG9L3/ref=sr_1_1?crid=J3KT3INPVFQH&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.OlEP7NkotT46GwB4DQXx_XywNCsWCdNsf-h6QoTVSOw6FtC4wZDTBhpG2mrGdWsgquyOiTykJkpQZGfS-n-4X9uePNPTTWwff_GHduKpkMC-j-72KYHdr8GstXc-n9RrqyLnCbVUSmnFVGWiBouAwE2msat3-cdANm_0v3EJetgTg8G4dRzCXdzFA0DBvaq93W0YIg887S38w1yC2MA1BsrAvRE17xDb1XI8fgaiBQc.ejxd11caS3fQgbzmo8aAfbh3Q_wmtfQSS7YhOSJEkMs&dib_tag=se&keywords=stephanie+letourneau&qid=1762898084&sprefix=stephanie+letournea%2Caps%2C672&sr=8-1] Stephanie's Book: The Educator's Guide To REST [https://www.amazon.com/Educators-Guide-REST-Interactive-Sustainable-ebook/dp/B0FWCT54X1/ref=sr_1_2?crid=J3KT3INPVFQH&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.OlEP7NkotT46GwB4DQXx_XywNCsWCdNsf-h6QoTVSOw6FtC4wZDTBhpG2mrGdWsgquyOiTykJkpQZGfS-n-4X9uePNPTTWwff_GHduKpkMC-j-72KYHdr8GstXc-n9RrqyLnCbVUSmnFVGWiBouAwE2msat3-cdANm_0v3EJetgTg8G4dRzCXdzFA0DBvaq93W0YIg887S38w1yC2MA1BsrAvRE17xDb1XI8fgaiBQc.ejxd11caS3fQgbzmo8aAfbh3Q_wmtfQSS7YhOSJEkMs&dib_tag=se&keywords=stephanie+letourneau&qid=1762898129&sprefix=stephanie+letournea%2Caps%2C672&sr=8-2] Lindsey's Book: Big Change, Better You, Beautiful World  [https://www.thebutterflywithin.me/big-change] Lindsey's Book: The Superpower of Your HEART  [https://www.thebutterflywithin.me/superpower] Work-Life Integration Voices Blog Post [https://www.educatingmindfully.org/post/harvestingseedsofwork-lifeintegration] Mindfulness-Based Learning Micro-Credential Program  [https://www.educatingmindfully.org/credential] Member Self-Care Recordings Library [https://cosem.mn.co/collections/1066719?sort=by_hosts] Dr. Christopher Willard's website [https://www.drchristopherwillard.com/] Guest Bio: Stephanie Letourneau, M.Ed., RYT-500, is a veteran educator with over 20 years of experience in Methuen Public Schools and an adjunct professor at Merrimack College. She holds master’s degrees in Reading (Endicott College) and in Social-Emotional Learning, Yoga, and Mindfulness (Breathe For Change). As creator of the REST (Resiliency, Emotional Wellness, and Sustainable Teaching) framework, she leads research-based workshops and graduate courses that promote educator well-being. A frequent conference presenter, she advocates for mindfulness and brain-based wellness in schools. Her forthcoming book, The Educator’s Guide to REST, will be published by Routledge in February 2026. Certified in SEL, Mindfulness, Yoga, and Brain Longevity®.  mindfulteacherstephanie@gmail.com Become a Mindful Partner [https://www.educatingmindfully.org/partners]

Mindfulness and Nervous System Regulation

Educating Mindfully Members: Please continue this conversation in our Member Online Community [https://cosem.mn.co/spaces/9301347/feed] for the opportunity to earn PD/CEU hours. Learn More. [https://www.educatingmindfully.org/credits] Episode Overview: Lindsey Frank and Kalee Thompson discussed trauma-supportive practices in education. They defined trauma and emphasizing the importance of using intentional language when discussing trauma. Kalee explained that emotional safety is essential and shared powerful strategies for co-regulating. Episode Resources:  Educating Mindfully Website [https://www.educatingmindfully.org/] Mindfulness-Based Learning Framework [https://www.educatingmindfully.org/framework] Educating Mindfulness-Based Learning Micro-Credential Program [https://www.educatingmindfully.org/credential] Educating Mindfully's Book [https://www.educatingmindfully.org/book] (Chapters 6, 7, 33, 38) Mood Meter [https://unhconnect.unh.edu/s/1518/images/gid4/editor_documents/moodmeter-2020.pdf?gid=4&pgid=61&cc=1&sessionid=8884a86e-bfb5-4f70-910a-c11b42c494cb] RULER Approach [https://rulerapproach.org/] Zones of Regulation [https://zonesofregulation.com/] Window of Tolerance [https://www.nicabm.com/trauma-how-to-help-your-clients-understand-their-window-of-tolerance/] Trauma-Sensitive Mindfulness [https://www.amazon.com/Trauma-Sensitive-Mindfulness-Practices-Transformative-Healing/dp/0393709787] The Deepest Well [https://www.amazon.com/Deepest-Well-Long-Term-Childhood-Adversity/dp/132850266X/ref=sr_1_1?dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.zeM5lVB0y-r3XCb3Onlo7cES0Mqnk7DHRNa9R6ATdT_oSe_zN6oIUlAygAkYclWUAsFHBrYOrBExV4jLbzNC2HCZpDgm-KOhBFOoEyObMNh-UVs1cK1oi4WTxQHQSrmsAmzSkz6lMK9ejC3DBwga9WNZBceI5orucChyYqT4uLenVt4A6FjewHK7k4Q0WcwescOl3MttR1gzgshQ8cxDAEqEwQITh9xIhRQrSAgfdzk.MLvAtnAVBi5_aAuEQ0gxlJDR7eQx7vgY4YxXacIUK18&dib_tag=se&hvadid=713510462121&hvdev=c&hvexpln=0&hvlocphy=9021427&hvnetw=g&hvocijid=13966202917957585024--&hvqmt=e&hvrand=13966202917957585024&hvtargid=kwd-308843520900&hydadcr=22535_13730684&keywords=the+deepest+well&mcid=a5aa144eb9eb39b59f1a83790278c083&qid=1763231483&sr=8-1] Restorative Conversations [https://www.edutopia.org/article/using-restorative-conversations-mend-relationships-schools/] Trauma-Informed Teaching Strategies [https://www.ascd.org/el/articles/trauma-informed-teaching-strategies] Color and Psychological Functioning: A Review of Theoretical and Empirical Work [https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC4383146/] The Psychology of Color [https://insightspsychology.org/psychology-of-color-emotional-impact/] The National Child Traumatic Stress Network [https://www.nctsn.org/] MindUp  [https://www.mindup.org/] Guest Bio: As the Lower School Coordinator of Health and Wellness at Rabun Gap-Nacoochee School, Kalee Thompson is a heart-centered counselor and holistic educator with a passion for whole-school wellness. She holds a master's degree in Social Work and has extensive experience as a school counselor and teacher in schools across the U.S. and India, including six years at the American Embassy School in New Delhi. She is a certified yoga teacher and mindfulness guide, as well as the creator of a student-led mindfulness program. She is also the author of the upcoming book, One Breath at a Time, which focuses on educator wellness. Become a Mindful Partner [https://www.educatingmindfully.org/partners]