Off the Mat and into the World
The launch of my mentoring program, Helping Boys Dream, has pushed me to consider the cultural competence of youth programs and evaluate my own blind spots. By prioritizing yoga and mindfulness, the program helps middle school boys connect with themselves and boys like them to realize and fulfill their full potential. Donate to help keep us running throughout the school year.
Read more about my work in the media.
My mission is to help young people better understand themselves and their place in the world. With the support of community, my work aims to make the tools for wellness and self-regulation more accessible, especially in under-served communities so that all children feel connected with and confident in themselves to navigate their unique path.
My story
The roller-coaster ride that has lead me on this path has been full of: false starts, technical difficulties, upside town turns, adrenaline and fear. I attribute the ride going on for as long as it did because I never saw myself like myself taking this path and was never encouraged to buckle up for it either.
What does this mean for my students? Through yoga and meditation, I encourage my students to tap in to their true Self: free from wider voices and influences that attempt to shape them. As students master their mind and their body, this sense of success and achievement translates off the mat and feeds a growing sense of Self that goes beyond stereotype and expectations.
“Colin is amazing on all levels. He is kind, compassionate and encouraging to our students. At the same time, he is excellent at imparting the concepts of discipline and mindfulness. He is a well-rounded instructor and mentor and one of the best teachers I’ve had the pleasure to work with.”
What better way to reach people from all walks off life than from the heart of NYC? This is my opening sequence for the Summer Solstice in Times Square to get participants to embrace their inner child and approach the class with kindness and curiosity. More event photos here.
51%
of children with four or more Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) have learning or behavioral problems compared to 3% of those who have zero ACEs.
450,000
student suspensions were given out in New York City between 1999 and 2009 - doubling from the beginning to the end of that time period.
29%
of New York City children live in households below the federal poverty guidelines.
The research
Harvard University's Center on the Developing Child has found that toxic stress can be a result of poverty, abuse and neglect. Toxic stress is the strong, unrelieved activation of the body’s stress management system in the absence of protective adult support and directly impacts the architecture of a child's brain - affecting their learning, behavior, physical and mental health.
One effective intervention for those stuck in "fight or flight" mode is yoga and mindfulness.
Reach out
If you're a business looking to work with communities to spread mindfulness, a curious parent or an educator interested in building and implementing a mindfulness curriculum - let me know!
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