By Dr. Amanda Albright
As I reflect on God’s pursuit for me in the role of education, I am reminded of the story of Moses. Though willing, I approached this call reluctantly. Few people know of my feelings of inadequacy. However, just like Moses, I will pursue the things of God and allow him to be my rod and staff.
Like most entrepreneurs, I saw a problem that later became unsettling for me. In my experience as an educator, many of my students appeared to lack resilience, which affected their academic performance and later their adult lives. According to the Center for Addiction and Mental Health (2023), “Resilient people can effectively cope with, or adapt to stress and challenging life situations.” Holistic Life Schools was birthed out of compassion and love for children.
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Holistic Life Schools integrate mind/body practices to develop mindfulness, resilience, and a passion for learning for peacemakers (students). The scripture reads…”Blessed are the peacemakers: for they shall be called the children of God.” Matthew 5:9 KJV. Holistic Life Schools use an innovative approach that includes mindfulness practices, healthy lifestyle practices, and metacognition to develop mindfulness and resilience. Mindfulness of the mind is taught through metacognition (teaching peacemakers to think about their thinking). This includes reflective thinking, critical thinking, problem-solving, and experimental learning. Mindfulness of the body is taught through movement, deep breathing, mindful eating, good resting habits, and connecting with nature through our outside classroom and school sensory garden.
Outdoor Classroom – Peacemakers take learning (STEM, literacy, numeracy, and social sciences) outside the school walls. Our outdoor classrooms include fun and engaging learning opportunities for our peacemakers.
Sensory Garden: Peacemakers stimulate their senses in the sensory garden. The garden helps to cultivate mindfulness as they plant and harvest herbs and vegetables. Mindfulness of their human spirit and emotions is taught through deep breathing, self-regulation, and reflection. Why is mindfulness essential? Mindfulness directs attention and focuses on what is happening in the present moment, purposefully and without judgment. It teaches the peacemaker to notice and observe thoughts and feelings that enter their stream of consciousness. This practice helps peacemakers to counter impulsive behaviors while developing more intentional and adaptive behaviors.
Holistic Life Schools is currently a small private school with four classrooms and approximately 12 staff. Soon, Holistic Life Schools will be a franchise that will help peacemakers nationwide develop mindfulness, resilience, and a passion for learning.
AMANDA ALBRIGHT has been an educator for 22 years and a mental health therapist for 17 years. She recently earned a Ph.D. in Mind Body Medicine with an integration of mental health. She is most proud to be a wife to a wonderful man for 27 years and a parent of two children .