One of the highlights of this year was seeing students engage deeply with practices that helped them better understand themselves. Many students shared that they valued having time each class to reflect on their “inner weather,” building self-awareness and emotional insight.
Body Scan was a clear favorite, creating a calm and focused atmosphere in the classroom. Students also enjoyed interactive activities, opportunities to share their writing, and occasional classes held outdoors. Some of the most memorable moments came from reading thoughtful journal entries, haikus, and love letters students wrote to themselves.
Overall, it was a meaningful year filled with growth, reflection, and connection, and I look forward to continuing this work in the year ahead.
-Jazman Dobson, Instructor
One of my favorite moments this year happened during an after-school program when a student brought her younger sister to class. Before we even began, she started guiding her sister through a mindful eating exercise, encouraging her to slow down, observe, and pay attention. It was such a sweet reminder that students aren’t just learning mindfulness practices—they’re carrying them into their daily lives and sharing them with others.
Throughout the year, students connected deeply with practices such as Open Awareness, mindful movement, and breathwork. It was especially meaningful to see students apply mindfulness tools to real-life challenges, from managing stress around exams to navigating difficult situations with greater awareness and self-regulation.
-Christina Smith, Instructor
One of the highlights of this year at Bodine was our loving-kindness practice. After the meditation, students wrote kind wishes for their classmates on colorful strips of paper, which we linked together to create a chain that still hangs in Ms. Cannuli’s classroom.
The chain serves as a beautiful reminder that small acts of kindness can build connection and community. I love returning each week and seeing it still displayed for everyone to enjoy.
-Heather Stapleton, Instructor
