Cochrane Artistic Flow (Ages 10-12)

Together we will practice inclusive poses, breathing, and movement, followed by a mindful art activity, to reduce worry, increase resilience, promote healthy relationships, and improve compassion for self and others. Mindfulness is a way of being fully present, aware of where we are and what we are doing, and not overly reactive or overwhelmed by what is going on around us.

This program will teach mindfulness in two ways. The first is through a series of mindful movement activities, including yoga, stretching, and body awareness. By encouraging relaxation, yoga has been shown to help lower the levels of the stress hormone cortisol. It can increase body awareness, relieve stress, reduces muscle tension, strain, and inflammation, sharpen attention and concentration, and calm/centre the nervous system. When we are less stressed, we sleep better, and when we sleep better, we are less stressed. Secondly, we will practice mindfulness through creative expression. Art allows us to express ourselves and get in touch with deeper thoughts and emotions. It can help our mental imagery "come alive", becoming more vivid and tangible, and can serve as an external reference point for an internal experience. Artistic expression allows individuals’ emotions to become more clear, concrete, and manageable.

We will also get active, play games, and have fun. Enjoyment for life and play is an integral part of experiencing positive mental health. Children will build healthy relationship skills such as teamwork, empathy, and conflict resolution.

No experience necessary. Please send your child with a snack, labeled water bottle, and wearing comfortable clothes that they can move in and get dirty. All supplies will be provided, including a yoga mat.

This program is delivered by MHCB Stepping Stones to Mental Health and Rocky View School Division.

For more information, please contact: [email protected] or [email protected]

Host or Publisher MHCB Stepping Stones to Mental Health