Getting the concept and practice of mindfulness across to children requires more than verbal explanations. Kids won’t wait as long as adults to try it out and learn through hands-on experiences. I signed up for Jenny’s class to learn how to teach mindfulness to kids and teens in my psychology practice. The problem is: I have endured so many years of formal school that I have become an impatient kid when I’m learning something new. I was so relieved to discover, within the first few minutes of my first class with Jenny, that she understood that learning needs to be a hands-on activity. Her experience as a literacy specialist and a mindfulness practitioner combine to make Jenny a great teacher of mindfulness. Her positive energy and love for what she does is evident in her workshops.

Mindfulness is a powerful tool and it’s great that more children and educators are being introduced to it. Jenny Mills of Roots & Wings — and the Penn Program for Mindfulness — participated in an education conference that Catholic Partnership Schools of Camden held last March for more than 300 people.  Her sessions were standing room only.

With extraordinary energy and passion, Jenny is teaching Radnor Middle School teachers and students to incorporate mindfulness-based practices into the everyday life of our school community so that students can reach their academic, social and wellness goals in a compassionate, supportive learning environment. Students, staff and families are becoming more aware and attentive to the positive strategies that can reduce and respond to stress to be more physiologically prepared for learning. Noticing what is happening inside and outside your body and mind with kindness and curiosity is Jenny's mantra. We are thrilled to be working on a year-long Mindfulness collaboration with Jenny.

I learned to better stay in the moment rather than scrutinizing the past or trying to predict the future. I also learned to manage anxiety and stress through taking time to practice mindfulness when I needed it.