Mindful Living With Athea Davis

On this week’s podcast episode, I’m sharing how one mindfulness & yoga educator in schools has pivoted her teaching practices in the pandemic, and personally grown in the process. Jodi Smith, or “Ms. Yoga”, as she is lovingly called by her students, has taught yoga and mindfulness to over 800 children full-time at KIPP Connect Primary in Houston, Texas since 2017. Jodi centers her lessons on social-emotional learning, social justice, and mindfulness. Whether you teach yoga & mindfulness, or another content area in schools, parent kids and guide them through their on-line lessons at home, or still work from home due to the pandemic, I have no doubt you will find value in Jodi’s journey of teaching, pivoting, and growing in this challenging time. To connect with Jodi and her work, connect with her on social media and through her website linked below. Before you dive in, if you have any questions, thoughts, or comments: connect with me on social media @atheadavis!   And, don’t forget to subscribe so you

Happy Day, Friend! On this week’s podcast episode, I’m sharing how one science educator of almost twenty years has successfully incorporated mindfulness into her classroom. My special guest, Melissa Chouinard-Jahant, has taught middle school science for almost twenty years, and uses mindfulness in her classroom to promote social and emotional well-being among her students. Melissa is also an active blogger, and moderates the #teachmindful Twitter chat on Sunday evenings at 5:30 p.m. CST. To follow Melissa, read her blogs, and join her weekly Twitter chat, click on the links below. Before you dive in, if you have any questions, thoughts, or comments: connect with me on social media @atheadavis!   And, don’t forget to subscribe so you can stay tuned in to all the mindful living love.Stay connected

Happy Day, Friend! On this week’s podcast episode, I’m talking about how wilderness therapy can help heal anxiety, depression, and post-traumatic stress disorder.  My special guest today, is Erik Schlimmer. Erik is an author, speaker, adventurer, and therapist. He’s hiked more than 16,000 miles, summitted more than 2,000 mountains, and camped more than 1,000 nights. Erik is a clinical social worker, licensed therapist, and author of 8 books. He specializes in helping people address post-traumatic stress disorder, depression, anxiety, and veteran-specific issues. If you or your loved ones suffer from these mental illnesses, I think you will gain a lot of value from Erik’s insights and wisdom. Before you dive in, if you have any questions, thoughts, or comments: connect with me on social media @atheadavis!   And, don’t forget to subscribe so you can stay tuned in to all the mindful living love.Stay connected

Happy Day, Friend! On this week’s podcast episode, I’m sharing one of my fave year-end practices – intentions, word stones, and fire ceremony. 2020 has been a heck of a year filled with so many different emotions. We’ve had to adapt in so many ways using zoom rooms, social distancing, masking, and seeing each other in real face-to-face time less and less. It’s been filled with loss, grief, pain, disappointment and so many challenges on many different levels. Luckily, all this challenge isn’t necessarily a bad thing. Challenge is good. It helps us grow. And, in order to grow stronger and brighter in the near year, I’m sharing a practice to help you release all that built up emotional, mental, physical, and spiritual tension from the prior year. It’s time to win 2021 and let the hard lessons of 2020 help you shine your light in the new year, but before you do that, it’s important to release the old energy first. I take you through the step-by-step process to release the old energy using an ancient method - fire

Happy Day, Friend! On this week’s podcast episode, I’m talking about how you can find the answers you are seeking by tuning into the discernment of your heart. It’s really an art, and a science (like most things in life, right?!). It’s not about choosing the mind intelligence over the heart intelligence, but using them together. My special guest today, is Moncef Afkir. Moncef’s journey is a testament to how we can tune into the discernment of our heart, and use the intelligence of our mind, working in concert in order to lead a spiritually fulfilled life. Moncef is the host of the Mothers’ Voice Podcast and the Your Divine Uniqueness Show. In 2013, he left his career as an engineer to follow his passion for spirituality. He created Your Divine Uniqueness Show, inviting spiritual leaders to support others on their spiritual awakening journey and in expressing their unique gifts.Afterwards, he felt strongly guided to serve mothers. He created Mothers’ Voice Podcast, where he interviews mothers who are leaders,

Happy Day, Friend! On this week’s podcast episode, I’m sharing all about how to introduce affirmations to your kids so they can shift their negative self-talk to a more empowering inner dialogue using affirmations. Affirmations, or the power of positive self-talk, can help your kids shift their mindset during challenging times so they can act from a place of empowered being instead of spiraling down into the dark abyss of negative self-talk, and the accompanying unpleasant emotions and inaction it can generate. I lay out seven (7) reasons why affirmations work and share seven (7) ways to practically use them with your kids or students. All my suggestions and recommendations apply to adults too! To check out the art + affirmation card deck, Today’s Gonna Be Awesomesauce, I reference in this episode visit my shop here.Any questions, thoughts, or comments: connect with me on social media @atheadavisAnd, don’t forget to subscribe so you can stay tuned in to all the mindful living love!Stay connected

Happy Day, Friend! On this week’s podcast episode, I’m talking about how to let go, control less, and align more with the life you actually want to live.  My special guest, Heather Chauvin, is a leadership coach who helps ambitious, overwhelmed women conquer their fears and become leaders at home and at work. She is also the host of Mom Is In Control Podcast. Heather and I talk about how to let go of unhealthy attachments and create a life from alignment instead of constant control, parenting, braze zones, and how to stay sane in difficult seasons. Before you dive in, if you have any questions, thoughts, or comments: connect with me on social media @atheadavis!   And, don’t forget to subscribe so you can stay tuned in to all the mindful living love.Stay connected

Happy Day, Friend! On this week’s podcast episode, I’m sharing my latest tips and tricks that I’ve been personally using to optimize my mind and body in the midst of a really, really hard season – collectively and individually.In early July, my health took a down turn with my skin breaking out in uncomfortable, and at times, debilitating, hives on my body and hands. I had to completely revise my normal eating and supplement routines from scratch. So, I’m sharing what’s been working in giving me the most vitality, clarity and energy. I also share about my struggle with histamine-rich foods, my hormonal imbalance, and what I’m doing to fight the adverse impact of these things naturally. Not all things work for all people. Please understand that each of us is unique, and what may work for me, may not work for you. I hope my story inspires you to take inventory of your own diet, nutrition, and health. And, to investigate what you can do to optimize your mental, emotional, and physical energy levels from a more na

Happy Day, Friend! On this week’s podcast episode, I’m talking about the nature of self and our real Self, also known as our spiritual nature. My special guest, Sujan Shah, is a mindfulness practitioner and keynote speaker.  Sujan grew up talking about philosophy around his family dinner table, and now talks to others about the nature of who we are, what our greater purpose is from this spiritual perspective, and why this information and knowledge is important to living a joyful, whole, and peaceful life. I love this conversation with Sujan because we take some heavy philosophical, abstract concepts and really try to break them down and make them practical and relatable to your everyday life. Whatever you believe, and whatever religion you practice, you will find Sujan’s secular approach to understanding our spiritual nature enlightening, and you may even find a new insight from our chat that can invigorate your own spiritual and religious practices! Before you dive in, if you have any questions, thoughts, or

Happy Day, Friend! On this week’s podcast episode, I’m talking about mental health. October 10th is World Mental Health Day, and throughout the month of October there are a variety of organizations raising awareness about mental health. As many of you know, mental health awareness is near and dear to my heart, and I wanted to take the opportunity to share an incredibly inspiring journey of how one man's battle with suicidal ideation turned into a life filled with meaning and purpose. My special guest, Jesse Cody, is the founder of the mantra-turned-movement, Hike The Good Hike (HTGH). HTGH is focused on suicide prevention and seeks to help people cultivate positive, nature-based lifestyles. We chat about his life journey with depression and suicidal ideation, and how hiking the entire Appalachian Trail, the longest hiking-only footpath in the world, ranging from Maine to Georgia, over a 7-month period, changed his life. It was on the trail, alone in nature, walking 2,200 miles battling his own tough ment

Happy Day, Friend! On this week’s podcast episode, I’m talking about whole child education and how to create a positive culture in your classroom, school, or home. My special guest, Jennifer Appel, is an educator, coach, speaker, and writer who wants to create an environment where all students are able to learn and become passionate about serving others. She’s also the author of the new children’s book, Award Winning Dog. We chat about her journey into becoming an educator, her role has Chief Heart Officer of the Team Better Team, whole child education and social and emotional learning, particularly what it is and why it’s important, especially in the midst of this pandemic school year, common misconceptions about SEL, and how we can create an award winning culture in our classrooms, schools, and homes so students and educators thrive at all levels. Before you dive in, if you have any questions, thoughts, or comments: connect with me on social media @atheadavis!   And, don’t forget to subscribe so you can sta

Happy Day, Friend! On this week’s podcast episode, I’m sharing one of my fav meditation practices to help shift unpleasant thoughts and emotions so they don’t take control of your life, and so you can navigate challenges with more ease. I’ve used this mindfulness meditation tool a lot in this crazy year of 2020 and I’ve taught it to my students. I hope you enjoy it as much as we do! You can come back to this episode any time you need that heart-filled internal shift. Before you dive in, if you have any questions, thoughts, or comments: connect with me on social media @atheadavis!   And, don’t forget to subscribe so you can stay tuned in to all the mindful living love.Stay connected

Happy Day, Friend! On this week’s podcast episode, I’m talking about mindfully-centered social and emotional learning skills your kids and students need to thrive in any environment.My special guest, Helen Maffini, is the Director of MindBE Education and MindBE Business. She’s a former school principal and teacher, an NLP practitioner, a certified emotional intelligence coach and positive psychology coach. Helen is also the co-author of the book Developing Children’s Emotional Intelligence as well as several children’s books.  We chat about her research findings from a 6-week mindfulness study at a school in Hong Kong, what SEL skills kids and students need to be practicing today, and why SEL matters. Helen also shares a few tips for parents and teachers.  Also, last chance of the year to enroll in my flagship program, Mindfulness Education University for Educators! Registration closes September 27th.I would love for you to be a part of this incredible journey and experience. For more information on the progr

Happy Day, Friend! On this week’s podcast episode, I’m talking about how educators, parents, and leaders can create identity affirming schools and environments where all of our students and young people feel seen, heard, and valued. My special guest, Dr. Angela Ward, is a public-school administrator with 24 years of experience. She is focused on creating identity-safe schools and workplaces, and strives to nurture equity-centered schooling. We chat about identity development in young people, culturally responsive pedagogy, shifting the narrative in the dominant culture to one that is more inclusive and equity-driven, and the importance of self-care in the work of racial justice. I’m also opening up enrollment for cohort 2 at the end of September in Mindfulness Education University for Educators. I would love for you to be a part of this incredible journey and experience. For more information on the program + to grab your free mindfulness resources, click here. Before you dive in, if you have any questions, th

Happy Day, Friend! On this week’s podcast episode, I’m talking about the the intersection of pedagogy and neuroscience. My special guest, Missy Widmann was a frustrated educator with a critical case of compassion fatigue. She was inspired by the teachings and practices of the cognitive learning scientist, Dr. O’Mahony. Missy is a health and fitness teacher at Challenger Alternative High School in Spanaway, Washington.  If you are looking for ways to be more adaptive in the classroom, then you don’t want to miss this conversation! I’m also opening up enrollment for cohort 2 at the end of September in Mindfulness Education University for Educators. I would love for you to be a part of this incredible journey and experience. For more information on the program + to grab your free mindfulness resources, click here. Before you dive in, if you have any questions, thoughts, or comments: connect with me on social media @atheadavis!   And, don’t forget to subscribe so you can stay tuned in to all the mindful living lo

Happy Day, Friend! On this week’s podcast episode, I’m sharing some of my fav mind training tools.  These tools are great for all ages! It’s a process of training our mind in focused attention. As Dr. Dan Seigel says, “The heart of training the mind is how we learn to focus attention.” ~ When we learn to master ourselves, we learn how to create the life we truly desire. The father of modern psychology, William James said, “The training of attention allows one to become a master of oneself.”When you learn to train your attention, you will have the most important skill you need to create anything in life you’ve ever wanted. It's possible for you, and the young people you teach, lead, and serve. Want more?If you are ready to dive more deeply into using these tools, you want to have an experienced mindfulness coach help you navigate your own mental and emotional terrain so you can be the best educator or parent you can be, and you want to show up with ready-to-use mindfully-centered SEL tools in your home or

Happy Day, Friend! On this week’s podcast episode, I’m talking about building resilience. My special guest, Jay Abbasi, talks about his personal journey through grief and loss when he lost his father to a heart attack in 2014. It was learning self-observation through mindfulness practices that transformed Jay’s life and helped him build resilience, better mental and physical health, and relationships. Jay discovered his purpose through his grief and loss journey, and now is dedicated to sharing these tools with businesses so they too can help those they lead to transform their relationship to stress, burnout, and overwhelm, and build resilience. Jay shares that transforming our relationship to these states of mind are vital to building a productive and sustainable work culture. If you are navigating grief, loss, and uncertainty right now, you definitely want to check out my flagship program. I’m also opening up enrollment for cohort 2 at the end of September in Mindfulness Education University for Educators.

Happy Day, Friend! On this week’s podcast episode, I’m talking about mental health in uncertain times.My special guest, Dr. Christopher Willard, and I talk about his journey into becoming a clinical psychologist and mindfulness practitioner, how mindfulness has elevated his own mental health, mental health within the current pandemic and current trends with youth, how we can create environments (in school and beyond) that promote mental health, and his new book, The Breathing Book. I’m also opening up my flagship program for cohort 2 at the end of September, Mindfulness Education University for Educators. I would love for you to be a part of this incredible journey and experience. For more information on the program + to grab your free resources, click here.Before you dive in, if you have any questions, thoughts, or comments: connect with me on social media @atheadavis!   And, don’t forget to subscribe so you can stay tuned in to all the mindful living love.Stay connected

Happy Day, Friend! On this week’s podcast episode, I’m sharing several reflective journaling and breathing practices specifically for youth. I won’t tell if you use them, too! Seriously, they are great for all ages. Kids are plugged in to technology almost 24/7, they are more stressed than ever, and though we don’t have any hard date on the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on their social and emotional health, we can take a healthy surmise and see there will no doubt be some adverse SEL impacts here. It’s nothing we can’t tackle though, so that’s why I’m sharing these tools now. If you are ready to dive more deeply into using these tools, you want to have an experienced mindfulness coach help you navigate your own mental and emotional terrain so you can be the best educator or parent you can be, and you want to show up with ready-to-use mindfully-centered SEL tools in your home or class then be sure to check out my program re-opening up this fall – Mindfulness Education University for Educators. Don’t forget t

Happy Day, Friend! On this week’s podcast episode, I’m talking about teaching our kids to lead. Yes! This episode is all about guiding our kids to take ownership of their lives and it’s based on 3 core principals. Hans Appel, educator, speaker, and writer, joins me on the podcast today to talk about his 3 core principals to build positive culture in your home or classroom, and how to empower kids to take the lead. As your kids prepare to go back to school, this episode is packed with practical tips to give your littles ones (or big ones) the big motivational nudge to become their best self. Before you dive in, if you have any questions, thoughts, or comments: connect with me on social media @atheadavis!   And, don’t forget to subscribe so you can stay tuned to all the mindful living love.Stay connected