THE MINDFUL HEART PROGRAM
Our program is designed to build social-emotional (SE) skills which include, but not limited to the knowledge, attitudes, and skills necessary for youth to recognize and control their emotions and behaviors; build confidence and self-esteem, increase mindfulness, establish and maintain positive relationships; make responsible decisions and solve challenging situations; and set and achieve positive goals.
Blue Heart Lead Mentor, Dr. James Crawford
BH Highlight: Dr. James Crawford speaking on black excellence at our Signing Day event.
What is Mindful Heart
The Mindful Heart is a program designed to help members learn to use mindfulness to disengage from problematic overthinking and impulsiveness, and to tap into their inner stability and resourcefulness.
By creating opportunities for self-expression, reflection, and understanding, Blue Heart is taking a community-based approach to promote positive mental health for young African American men.
The Mindful Heart program will enable members to build a character that commands respect, esteem, and admiration within themselves and their community.
What exactly is Mindfulness?
According to Psychology today, Mindfulness is, quite simply, full conscious awareness. It is paying full conscious attention to whatever thoughts, feelings and emotions are flowing through your mind, body and breath without judging or criticizing them in any way. It is being fully aware of whatever is happening in the present moment without being trapped in the past or worrying about the future. It is living in the moment not for the moment.
The Benefits of Mindfulness For Teens…
Improved attention span – Practicing mindfulness on a regular basis can help students improve their attention span. This helps them to pay attention better in class which can lead to improved grades
Reduced levels of anxiety – Learning to turn from negative thoughts and stress help students to lower their anxiety levels.
Lowers the chance of substance abuse – The Addiction Center reports that some teens with anxiety disorder turn to substances like alcohol and drugs in an effort to numb the stress that they are feeling.
Helps to regulate emotions – In society, it’s commonly known that teenagers can be more emotional. They are dealing with a new influx of hormones and it can make them feel like they are out of control.
When students practice mindfulness, they learn how to connect with themselves on a deeper level and gain control of their thoughts, emotions, and behaviors.
What are Metaphysical Principles…
Metaphysical principles are ideas that explore the deeper aspects of existence, focusing on the connection between the mind, body, and the world around us. These principles often include concepts like self-awareness, the power of thoughts and emotions,the power to create your own reality and understanding the energy that flows through life.
For Black male youth, Blue Heart believes these principles are important because they provide a foundation for building inner strength, resilience, and clarity of purpose. By embracing these teachings, our young men can develop a positive mindset, overcome challenges, and learn to navigate life’s obstacles with confidence. This deeper understanding of themselves and the world can empower them to reach their full potential and create positive change in their communities.
The Mindful Heart Program
The Mindful Heart program is offered year around. The goals of The Mindful Heart programming are to:
Provide one on one treatment to our young men who may be struggling with mental and emotional health issues by connecting with our in house counselor/therapist.
Inform our youth about the benefits of adapting a mindful practice in their daily lives
Equip our youth with the tools necessary to implement the mindfulness knowledge gained into practical habits
Teach students about metaphysical principles and how to apply them in their everyday lives.
Support our youth’s emotional development and growth by surrounding them with a village built on the pillars of love, empathy, and grace.
Increase Confidence, Courage and Joy
Mindful Heart programming will consist of 4 main components:
H.E.A.R.T Mental Health Counselor. Our In-hourse theripst provides the highest caliber of one on one treatment to out young men who may be struggling with mental and emotional health issues.
Heart Mentor Connection: Monthly and one on one student conversations with Blue Heart Mentors to increase emotional awareness, building self-esteem, higher thinking, social topics that affect our youth today, and much more!
Mindfulness Through Improv: Increasing Confidence, Courage and Improves listening skills while having fun.
Mindful Culinary Virtual Workshops: Experiential workshops designed to introduce students to how to develop a mindful practice through food and cooking.
Mindfulness Through Improv!
Benefits of Mindfulness Through Improv!…
What is Improvisation? The art or act of improvising, or of composing, uttering, executing, or arranging anything without previous preparation:
Mindfulness: “Mindfulness means paying attention in a particular way; on purpose, in the present moment and non-judgmentally” (defined by Jon Kabat-Zinn, a leader in the field of mindfulness)
Where do the principles of improvisation come together with the practice of mindfulness? There are many aspects known to improvisers that overlap with the mindful mindset.
Here are the ways Improv benefits our young men:
It Builds Confidence
Improv will give him a newfound confidence in how he interacts in the world.
Makes it Easier to Make Friends
When we improvise with others, we are exposing a little piece of ourselves, we are being vulnerable, and we are being authentic – all of which is a great breeding ground for helping him make meaningful friendships.
It Teaches Him to Be More Mindful
Doing improv requires you to be in the moment, which is what mindfulness is all about — focusing on what you are doing in the moment.
It Helps Him Find Time To Play
Teens have a lot of stressors in their lives these days… they need to play. For their survival, their sanity, and for their mental health. Improv can be oasis of play and a safe place to express himself.
It Teaches Him How to Go With the Flow
Improv forces him to drop the ego and go with what is presented. Pre-planning what you are going to say and trying to control others will not work in this spontaneous art form. He will learn to be more comfortable going with the flow.
It Makes Him a Better Listener
We all need to talk less and listen more. When we really listen to others, we are able to connect with them on a deeper level, and people feel more respected and heard. By learning how to shut up and really listen to others, he can improve all of his relationships.
Citation: https://jimmycarrane.com/top-10-benefits-of-taking-an-improv-class/
Mentor Connection Coaches
James Crawford
Youth Success Coach
Wilson Kennedy
Youth Success Coach
Mindful Heart Program Facilitators
Mercedes Tiggs
Culinary Therapist
For Access To Programs, You Must Be A Heart Academy Member
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Hours of Operation
MON – FRI
3:00 PM – 8:00 PM
SAT
8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
SUN
We are closed
Contact
support@theblueheartfoundation.org
Mailing Address
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