Turning Detention into Meditation
Mindful Moment is a whole-school intervention developed by the Holistic Life Foundation (HLF) that integrates mindfulness and yoga into the school day for students, teachers, and staff. Building on the success of the Holistic Me after-school program, Mindful Moment creates a safe space for students to calm down and manage their emotions.
The program operates for six hours daily across 185 school days, including setup, training, and year-end breakdown. Each morning, the entire school participates in a 15-minute mindfulness session involving breath work and guided silent reflection.
A standout feature is the Mindful Moment Room, a serene space equipped with meditation cushions, yoga mats, calming artwork, and soothing decor, maintained by HLF. Students can visit for 20 minutes to self-regulate through yoga, breath work, and meditation, providing an alternative to suspension. HLF instructors reinforce mindfulness practices, modeling patience and calm.
Results from the Mindful Moment program have shown significant positive impacts both inside and outside the classroom. The program has effectively supported students' focus, concentration, attendance, and GPA, while also enhancing their social and emotional well-being. Notably, the referral of students involved in verbal or physical altercations to the Mindful Moment Room resulted in a 72% reduction in classroom suspensions in one school year. Additionally, 99.2% of students who visit the room report a positive change in emotions.
The program also fosters long-term benefits such as empathy, confidence, and stronger community bonds. In 2021, HLF operated 14 Mindful Moment programs in local schools, reaching over 4,000 students weekly. Despite the challenges posed by Covid-19, HLF adapted to virtual programming during the 2020-2021 school year, continuing to make a positive impact.
In the 2021-2022 school year, HLF supported seven city schools, serving an average of 2,159 students weekly in Baltimore, with plans to launch at Renaissance Academy. Additionally, HLF developed a multi-year strategic plan with the Clinton Global Initiative (CGI) to expand the program to underserved areas across the U.S., aiming to reach several new cities by 2024.
This year, HLF has successfully expanded the Mindful Moment Program to Chicago, Denver, Milwaukee, and Buffalo, furthering our mission to promote resilience, empathy, and well-being among youth and educators.
Mindful Moment | Expanding Nationwide with Clinton Global Initiative
As part of our multi-year strategic plan, we have successfully expanded the Mindful Moment program to several new cities:
Chicago: Austin College and Career Academy
Milwaukee: Bradley Tech High School and Milwaukee Parkside School for the Arts
Denver: Colorado High School Charter
Buffalo: Stay tuned for updates
In collaboration with CGI, our focus is on addressing health equity by implementing the Mindful Moment program in areas where it is needed most. We’re dedicated to helping students manage stress, reduce anxiety, and improve overall well-being through mindfulness practices integrated into the school day.
Join us as we continue to grow this powerful movement, making mindfulness an integral part of education nationwide, and creating brighter futures for all.
Meet the Team
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Amber Harden
Director of Systems and Expansion
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Jané Avant
Yoga & Mindfulness Specialist: Baltimore
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Veronica Smith
Yoga & Mindfulness Specialist: Baltimore
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Dimaun Coleman
Yoga & Mindfulness Specialist: Baltimore
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Jamaal Hawkins
Yoga & Mindfulness Specialist: Baltimore
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Mechille Shaw
Yoga & Mindfulness Staff: Baltimore
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Mauryell Smith El
Mindful Moment Instructor: Denver
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Zakariyah Gross
Mindful Moment Instructor: Milwaukee
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Jordan Moon
Mindful Moment Instructor: Milwaukee
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Rosa Chambers
Mindful Moment Instructor: Milwaukee
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Rosemary Cetera
Mindful Moment Instructor: Milwaukee
FAQs
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A school-wide initiative involves students and faculty taking part in a 15-minute mindfulness practice twice daily. Other key components of the program include the Mindful Moment room, which is an alternative to suspension room where students in distress receive individual assistance with emotional self-regulation through mindfulness techniques. Additionally, there is the Mindfulness Ambassador student training program. Participants also receive all supporting and reporting documents.
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Depends on the location and size of the school. Please inquire about cost at info@hlfinc.org
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Yes, do. We train people and staff on and offsite and will be available for coaching.
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We make it practical, relatable, and fun!
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Students understand that they only have 15 minutes and that there is a specific protocol to follow when entering the room.
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Results have shown increases in focus, concentration and attendance, and decreases in detentions, suspension, and impulsivity.
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Yes, we will travel to implement the program.