Welcome back to the second segment of the L2B course. Let’s take a moment to practice 3 mindfulness breaths (continue). I hope that you have had time to practice some mindfulness after our first session and that you are keeping it up. It’s quite easy to feel a little confused and even bored at the beginning. You might think that this is not for you. Not everyone feels calm immediately and this is very normal to want to give up. It takes motivation and the intention to be as present as possible, things that will get stronger with practice. Even a short period of regular practice each day can provide benefits.

If you’re having trouble, you might try to remind yourself that every time you practice, you are taking responsibility for your own health and wellbeing. That’s a good thing. You might also try to remind yourself that every time your mind wanders and you bring it back to some focus, like the breath, you are indeed being mindful. That’s also a good thing. You might remind yourself as well that every time you practice kind attention in this way, however short the practice may be, you are building the inner strength, balance and resilience that will be of benefit to you and to others. That’s a very good thing.

This segment of the training will provide more detail and practical information about the Learning to BREATHE program itself. As we’ve noted in the first segment, adolescent well-being has been decreasing and serious concerns about rising levels of anxiety and depression have been noted by groups like the CDC. Learning to BREATHE is designed to cultivate the mind-heart skills that can reduce emotional distress, mental suffering and the harmful effects of chronic stress on the body.

As you begin this session, you might wish to take a moment to reflect on your intention or intentions for taking this course. If you can, write these down. They can help you focus on what’s important for you in the lesson, help inform your work and support your practice.