Green Thoughts

A Mindful Awareness Project

Green Thoughts workshops explore everything from mindful eating, walking and stretching, to mindful communication and formal sitting meditation techniques. Activities are supported by discussion and an examination of research in this field. Mindfulness is a non-religious practice that anyone can use to deepen their everyday experience.

Why Green Thoughts?

Mindful meditation gives people the space and the time they need to cultivate new thoughts and attitudes towards life. Just like a garden, the mind requires daily attention and nourishment in order to thrive. As a gardener for many years, I came to admire the unhurried calm growth of plants. In my opinion, plant growth mirrors the personal growth experienced through mindfulness; it is a consistent, patient and graceful engagement with the constant change that is life.

Green Thoughts Mindful Meditation Workshops help you develop the skills and habits needed to experience the proven benefits of mindful meditation. Students explore the philosophy and research behind mindful meditation while learning a variety of practical methods for incorporating mindfulness into daily life. Classes actively engage participants in mindfulness techniques designed to:

• decrease stress

• increase emotional stability

• improve concentration

• foster a sense of well-being

As educators seek to make mental health a priority in schools, the effect of mindful meditation on children and adolescents is being extensively researched around the world. Thus far, the results are very promising.

Having taught as a primary teacher for several years, I have first-hand knowledge of how mindful meditation can be successfully incorporated into the classroom. It is my goal to help school communities reap the rewards of a regular mindful meditation practice. Green Thoughts offers on-site workshops for students, teachers and parents. Some of the documented benefits of mindfulness in schools are:

• improved emotional regulation and impulse control

• reduced anxiety and depression

• increased ability to concentrate

Mindfulness in the workplace has numerous applications and Green Thoughts aims to provide participants with a variety of skills for managing their daily work challenges. Whether it is a 2 hour workshop or a 4 week course, the material can be tailored to suit the needs of your individual business. Topics may include:

• stress management skills

• methods for stimulating creative thought

• techniques for improving concentration

• approaches for effective communication

• fostering community and collaboration

Kristen Swanson

Whether in the classroom or in the garden Kristen Swanson has always been passionate about nurturing growth.

After completing her Master of Education degree and becoming a certified Ontario teacher, Kristen’s career in education led her to The British School of Bucharest in Romania. While the fast-paced lifestyle was exciting, after several years she began to develop stress related health issues.

In her search for balance and a healthier lifestyle, Kristen discovered mindfulness meditation. The practice was transformative and has since become an integral part of her life.

Kristen’s newfound passion led her to train with the Centre for Mindfulness Studies as a Facilitator of the 8-Week Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction Program. She also trained in the Mindful Schools curriculum and became a qualified Restorative Yoga teacher to incorporate gentle yoga techniques into mindfulness training.

Kristen launched Green Thoughts: A Mindful Awareness Project help others to discover the emotional balance, calm and appreciation that a regular mindful meditation practice can bring to everyday experience.

Testimonials

Kristen’s teaching style made learning meditation fun and enjoyable. She presents ideas with clarity, framing concepts with ease and humour. Each class presented fascinating approaches that helped me develop my own meditation practice— a practice that continues to be enriching in unexpected ways.
Meghan M.
I’m thrilled to report that the 9 kids surveyed, ranging from grades 2-6, LOVE the mindfulness training that Kristen provided at the school. They liked the images used in the meditations and talked about how they appreciated having at least a few minutes of peace and quiet in their day.
Katrina S.
It was a mindful spring for the students at Swansea Public School this year as a Mindful Meditation was played over the announcements after lunch each day. Thank-you to Green Thoughts for introducing this new program to our school and for leading a mindfulness workshop for Children’s Mental Health Week.
Mary S. - Principal