Teaching Mindfulness to Teens as a Path of Empowerment

Teaching Mindfulness to Teens as a Path of Empowerment is a wonderful guide for teachers, parents, meditators, and community builders seeking to evolve and deepen their awareness and impact. Drawing on her experience of guiding mindfulness to high schoolers in Brooklyn, Meghan LeBorious blends traditional mindfulness exercises, restorative justice practices, and profound wisdom from high schoolers. Grounded in compassion and emphasizing accessibility and intention, this book is a powerful tool in fostering presence and genuine connection with our youth. -- Sharon Salzberg, co-founder and guiding teacher of the Insight Meditation Society in Barre, Massachusetts, author of 13 books on mindfulness and compassion practices Teaching Mindfulness to Teens as a Path of Empowerment makes an impassioned case for stand-alone SEL spaces where adolescents can work through whatever is holding them back and move into adulthood with purpose and power. In our time, adolescents are faced with tremendous challenges, and teachers are called on to show up with expert skills and willing hearts. By being present in interactions, teens can build stronger connections with their peers, their family, and their community. Teaching Mindfulness to Teens as a Path of Empowerment provides inspiration, empathy, and active listening–crucial skills for healthy relationships. -- Veronica Marion, parent and family engagement leader and education consultant at SERC, State Education Resource Center of Connecticut Based on her own direct, valid experience as an urban educator, LeBorious provides anyone interested in supporting the learning and growth of our youth via the secular, non-sectarian study of mindfulness with her inspiring story along with a cornucopia of mindfulness practices that are easily accessible and can be applied in relationship to a variety of educational settings and content areas. These are practices that might empower youth from any walk of life, race, creed, religion and gender with the knowledge, understanding, and resilient means to emerge in accordance with their unique selves, skills, talents, inspirations, and ambitions. I am particularly moved by the student-written foreword introducing us to Ms. LeBorious and the tremendous work that she has accomplished as a public servant. -- Barnaby Spring, retired teacher, Dean of Students, principal, and Student Services director for New York City Public Schools Meghan LeBorious’ experiences as a mindfulness practitioner and high school teacher are the foundation of this powerful and inspiring account of introducing mindfulness instruction in an urban high school. Through personal essays, she chronicles the development of a trauma-sensitive and anti-racist approach that made mindfulness instruction relevant to her students’ lives. She distills her journey into practical advice for creating mindfulness lessons, activities, and strategies for elevating student voice. Teaching Mindfulness to Teens as a Path of Empowerment focus on creating meaning with ritual and engaging families as partners is a welcome addition. This is a hopeful book and comes highly recommended for educators, parents, and anyone who cares about the well-being of teenagers today. -- Judy Carson, program manager for School-Family-Community Partnerships, CT State Department of Education and amateur mindfulness practitioner I am thrilled to highly recommend Teaching Mindfulness to Teens as a Path of Empowerment by Meghan LeBorious. This book is an excellent resource for any educator, concerned parent, or guardian who wishes to support teenagers in their journey towards mindfulness and empowerment. What sets this book apart is its strong emphasis on diversity, equity, and inclusion. It recognizes the importance of creating a safe and inclusive space for all teenagers, regardless of their background or identity. By incorporating trauma informed approaches, the book ensures that mindfulness practices are accessible and beneficial to all. One of the standout features of this book is its focus on mindfulness-based social-emotional learning. It not only teaches teenagers the skills to manage their emotions and navigate challenging situations but also empowers them to develop a deeper understanding of themselves and the world around them. Furthermore, Teaching Mindfulness to Teens as a Path of Empowerment goes beyond traditional mindfulness practices. It guides educators and allies in the essential work of developing antiracist and culturally relevant skills and knowledge. By addressing these crucial topics, the book equips readers with some tools to foster a more inclusive and compassionate society. In summary, this book is a must-read for anyone invested in the well-being and growth of teenagers. Its emphasis on diversity, equity, and inclusion, combined with its trauma and poverty-informed approach, makes it an invaluable resource. I wholeheartedly recommend Teaching Mindfulness to Teens as a Path of Empowerment for its insightful guidance and transformative potential. -- Khayree Bey, middle school health teacher and 2019 SHAPE Delaware Health Teacher of The Year