In 2008 an exploratory project took place in three New England states, pointing to the feasibility of teaching children mindfulness techniques, as well as their receptivity to learning and practicing mindfulness. The project also offered a model of collaboration between school personnel, the community, and institutions of higher education. Approximately seventy-five fourth grade students in New Hampshire, Vermont, and Massachusetts participated in a ten-week small group course—with tangible results. The project—called The Practical Effects of Teaching Mindfulness to Children—had the specific purpose to explore school counselors’ use of mindfulness education with elementary school students in small groups....

Tell me about the Bronx, where you grew up. The Bronx is a complicated piece of art. When people think of the Bronx, they think of the single narrative of catastrophe and hardship and danger and violence. But that’s not all. The Bronx is struggling, yes. The Bronx is lacking in resources, yes. The Bronx is a victim of bad policies, yes. The Bronx is also beautiful. The Bronx is community....

Here is one of the best cartoons I’ve found that says it like it is: 5 Steps to Worrying Less There really is no way to cure worrying, but we can learn to get better and better at recognizing it and gently guiding ourselves back to a sense of perspective and what matters. 1. Soften your understanding of worry The utility of worry is to try and anticipate and avoid any potential dangers and to keep us safe....

Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. To learn more about ’em, click here. Before we huddle up, we have to a shoutout to Diva Elizabeth for creating these fantastic designs for us! They’re a total touchdown! What is Flag Football? Let’s ‘kick-off’ the fun with a little look into what flag football really is. Essentially, it’s a version of the popular American Football game but differs in the fact that no contact is allowed....

Flat Iron: How to Use it in 6 Steps 1. Start with clean hair. Before you even begin to think about diving into the world of flat irons, you need to hop in the shower and wash your hair with an ultra-moisturizing combo. We’re huge fans of Suave Professionals Almond+Shea Butter Moisturizing Shampoo and Suave Professionals Almond+Shea Butter Moisturizing Conditioner. This powerful combo works to moisturize and hydrate your hair....

Read on to check out some of these hair braiding ideas we have in rotation this season and plan on wearing throughout the year. 34 Hair Braiding Ideas You’ve Got to Try 1. French Braided Pigtails We loved this hair braiding idea when we were little and now that we’re #adulting we love them even more. Perfect for a brisk run, a trip to the supermarket or even a night on the town, French braided pigtails are the epitome of not having to sacrifice style for comfort....

Hair Smoothing Serum: The All-Weather Hair Saver You don’t have to live in fickle New York City to appreciate the benefits of having the best smoothing serum in your arsenal. Aside from being able to keep your hair pouf-proof from our infamous, steamy, impossibly humid mid-day showers, smoothing serum also works as a nifty restyler on the go. In the case of one of our non-greasy favorites, TRESemmé Keratin Smooth Shine Serum, it’s also a good way to infuse your locks with some lightweight moisture via hair oils, further protecting it from frizz and flyaways....

If you want to do a few put-together hairstyles while you’re spending a lot of time at home, hair wax will be your best friend. The product is super easy to use and it works with your strands to enhance texture while also creating that coveted defined look. Our favorite part: Hair wax can create quick and easy hairstyles. You really only need a small dollop of product, then you’re on your way to a fierce new look....

Mind the Moment encourages mindfulness, stating it “helps you tap into your own strength to manage stress, increase focus and stay healthy.” Their website adds: To visit the Mind the Moment page, click here. To read Mindful.org’s previous coverage related to Harvard Pilgrim, click here. Mindfulness also helps the body cope with physical challenges such as headaches, back pain, and even heart disease. 06/05/12

This essential product is good for more than the base of a refreshing iced tea. Many credits the ingredient for hair growth, a more hydrated scalp, and protection against hair breakage. Does this ingredient live up to all the hype? Read on to find out: Hibiscus for Hair The benefits of hibiscus for hair are ample, and this key natural ingredient can benefit a number of hair types and address a range of hair care concerns....

It is, suggests a new study published in the journal Mindfulness—if you can feel some compassion for yourself. The study—the first to examine the relationship between mindfulness and forgiveness of infidelity—surveyed 94 adults who had been cheated on by a partner. They reported on their levels of forgiveness, which involves feeling in control of their emotions, having a balanced view of the relationship (rather than vilifying their partner as wholly evil), and being ready to let go of anger and put the affair behind them....

Meditation is no longer a mystery, and no longer remains on the periphery of medical theory in the recent decades thanks to the work of pioneers like Jon Kabat-Zinn. “There are a lot of studies that are being done now that are showing the benefit of mindfulness for all kinds of conditions,” says Mark Epstein, an American author and psychotherapist, in a recent video from Big Think. Here are three ways mindfulness can benefit our brains: 1) Mindfulness pulls you out of emotional traps Mindfulness helps us not cling to what’s pleasant and not condemn what is unpleasant....

Interestingly, perhaps because of the vast span of historical time when reading also meant experiencing sound, even when we are reading silently to ourselves it turns out we’re still “hearing.” When we’re settled into our favorite book, or armed with our paper on the train (indeed, as you’re reading these words to yourself right now), auditory processing areas light up in our brains. Today, it’s not unusual to attend a mindfulness retreat and hear someone read a passage aloud....

As we’ve also mentioned in prior drying tutorials, the trick is learning how to blow dry men’s hair mostly lies in how you hold the nozzle. Men, especially balding men or those with hair starting to thin out, can always do with a bit of lift-up top as it can help give a denser, fuller look. Just see the difference some volume makes and what it can do for a hot little pompadour or a quiff (and conversely, what a flattened hairstyle can do for your entire look—and mood—as well)....

It’s essential to remember, however, that the “miracle” of mindfulness comes from turning toward your experience, not away from it. And, because the experience of anger can be quite unpleasant, humor helps! If you’re a visual person, imagine donning your scuba gear and diving into the underwater world of the body, or opening the mouth of the fire-breathing dragon and putting your head inside. Or recite a silly mantra, like “c’mon anger, gimme all you got” or “I think I’ll just sit here for three minutes and self-combust....

Well, true. But although we’re not here to advocate fussy looks while we’re being active, we still maintain that a little effort never hurt anybody. And especially if you’re into the athleisure trend or usually work out before the office or going out and being social, you can definitely stand to clean up that pony once you hit concrete. As with all things, context is key: That straggly mess of an updo might be a non-issue at spin class, but might not be appropriate for a client meeting or a dinner date....

The Down Low on How to Get Rid of Hair Static in the Winter Static hair occurs when our strands become electrically charged. Hair, which is already drier during the colder months, picks up an electrical charge from the air, which is also less moist. To be more specific, electrons, the negatively charged subatomic particles in our hair, move about much easier when conditions are drier. Hair retains the positively charged particles, a....

I spoke with my colleague, George Kohlrieser, a professor at IMD about high performance leadership in my master class series. During our discussion, he offered ways to rebound from difficult emotions. “Bonding is crucial for any conflict management and negotiation. And remember, you don’t have to like someone to form a bond. You only need a common goal. However, there will always be a separation or disruption with bonding when there’s frustration or disappointment....

1. Defend against the elements Your poor hair takes a daily beating from the elements. Excessive exposure to sunlight, wind and rain can result in dryness that, if left unchecked, may lead to breakage. So give your hair a little extra protection by conditioning it once a week with an intensive mask or oil treatment, like TRESemmé Botanique Damage Recovery Oil. This will help nourish your strands from within for stronger-feeling, healthy-looking hair....

How to Stop Breakage To end the vicious cycle for good, we put together a slew of helpful guidelines, from getting the best hair breakage treatment for your hair type to common hair breakage repair guidelines. Read on how to stop hair breakage. 1. Choose the right shampoo. Depending on your hair type, there are specific shampoos to use to help bring out your hair’s natural luster, shine, and inner strength to help it stay healthy-looking and brimming with integrity....