Starting in February, young people in the Essex/Westford area can participate in an innovative after-school program called Grow Greater Happiness. Offered by Seeds of Light Inc, a Vermont-based non-profit, in collaboration with Essex Parks and Recreation, the Grow Greater Happiness program will introduce young people to mindfulness and self-care tools from cultures around the world in a way that is fun and exciting.
Mindfulness training helps children better manage anxiety and increases feelings of compassion and empathy, including self-compassion.
By helping young people develop a greater sense of self-awareness and self-worth, the Grow Greater Happiness program is designed to improve quality of life and learning in the short-term, and better prepare young people for success in the long-term. In a nutshell, it gives them the tools to "grow greater happiness."
Each week students will be introduced to different mindfulness exercises and self-care techniques including:
• mindful breathing
• guided meditation
• self-acupressure
• movement for fun
• guided visualization
• and the use of color to shift mood.
These exercises and activities help young people become more aware of their emotions and the relationship between external stimuli and their internal reactions while, at the same time, providing a suite of practical self-care tools to use in the "real world."
Registration will open Monday, January 14. The Monday program for 3rd-5th grade will be held at Founders Memorial School and the Thursday program for K-2 will be held at Essex Elementary School.
Parents can register their children at www.essexparksandrec.org
Seeds of Light Inc is a 501(c)(3) non-profit based in Winooski, Vermont dedicated to bringing mindfulness & self-care tools to young people through after-school programs and workshops.
Sep 27, 2024, 7:30 to 9 PM
✝️Sunday Evening Service!✝️Sep 29, 2024, 5 to 7 PM
Racial Justice Alliance Economic Justice Working GroupOct 2, 2024, 6 to 7:30 PM