Self-paced Living During the Holidays

 If we've learned anything from the past few years... 

it's the value of health, personal wellness, and

the cherishing of the time we share with others

So as the Holiday Season tugs at you with it's

consumerism, social activities, hustle and bustle

breathe.

slow down.

refocus.

and honor what really matters to you

-----------------------------------

My top three... 

Honor your family with time

the thing about time is that it is relative

to the experience of the moment

it flies.

it stands still.

it drags.

(and yet we know)

there are exactly 60 minutes

within each hour!!

But what if...

we shifted our cultural norm of 

giving of "presents" into giving of "presence"

by being full, present, and in the moment

with the ones we love

what if we...

all learned to 

SLOW DOWN 

and enjoy

the eyes

the smiles

the heartbeats

of those we choose to spend time with

Honor yourself with time

before/after it is all said and done...

take time to nourish yourself!

Honor the Lord with your time

because honestly none of the other stuff

will matter if you neglect your soul

Tap into spiritual connection by

tapping into the source of strength

and don't carry any of your

doubt

fear 

or worry

into the New Year!

You are deeply loved

You are enough

First Fridays- A Story. A Song. An Activity (Color Dance)

What happens when you

mix red and yellow?

Come to the color dance and watch the dancers

They have the answers.. and so will you!

First Fridays-

A Story. A Song. An Activity

Virtual Storytime

A Story

Theme: Primary and Secondary Colors

A Song

This catchy tune provides a fun and

colorful introduction to the three primary colors

(red, yellow, and blue)

while also giving children a visual of what happens

when the colors mix to make the three secondary colors 

(orange, green, and purple)

An Activity

Bubble Wrap Painting

You will need...

white paper

paintbrush

bubble wrap

and

non-toxic children's paint

(red, yellow, blue)

This easy bubble wrap painting activity is a fun way

to experiment with primary and secondary colors!

First Fridays- A Story. A Song. An Activity (Listen)

 The world is a busy place...

But what if you just stopped, closed

your eyes, and LISTENED?

First Fridays-

A Story. A Song. An Activity.

Virtual Storytime

A Story

Theme: The Value of Learning to Hear AND Listen

A Song

City Sounds| Cee Roo

An Activity

Three Ways to Explore Sound...

Let's take a sound walk, create a sound garden,

or recreate the sounds from the story's illustrations!

How many sounds can you discover?

First Fridays- A Story. A Song. An Activity (Dreamers)

Everyone has a story to tell

Every parent...

Every child...

Every person...

and Yuyi Morales

(the author and illustrator of this month's story)

reminds us 

as she shares some of her unique first

experiences after migrating to the US.

Her use of colorful words

and beautiful drawings 

help 

"paint the picture"

while reinforcing 

the power of books and storytelling.

First Fridays- 

A Story. A Song. An Activity.

Virtual Storytime

A Story

A Song

The Library Song| What's New Today| Sesame Studios

An Activity

"Bringing Storytelling to Life"

with Paper Bag Stories

We each have a unique story to tell, and we can learn

new things about one another when we share them!  

Check out how we used simple brown paper bags to

showcase how creative and unique each of our stories can be...

Three thoughts to guide you...

1. Use what you have

2. Provide the materials

3. Step back

Everyone has a story... what is yours?

The Slow Path to Embracing All Seven Domains of Wellness

We've spent the last 3 years 
focusing on wellness

researching...
learning...
leaning in...

to experiences so

fascinating...

liberating...
humbling...

we just want to discover

more and more

---------------------------------------

Grab some tea

Find a cozy seat

and SLOW DOWN

with us here each week

for

resources

tools

tips

as we embrace the

slow path to supporting the

Seven Domains of Wellness

Physical
Mental (Emotional)
Financial
Environmental

Grief and Loss
Spiritual
Social

Prepping for the relaunch our 7-week Vitality series

presented through weekly Wellness Cafes

-----------------

Physical

the well-being of your body maintained by
the act of taking proper care of yourself physically

through the balance of diet, movement, and rest

What this looks like to me:

(walking/weights/sauna/green juice)

-----------------

Mental Emotional

the health and well-being of your mind as

it relates to the balance of your state of emotions

What this looks like to me:

(mindfulness/meditation/creativity/self-care)
-----------------

Financial

feeling secure in the capacity/ ability

to meet your material needs

What this looks like to me:

(seeking balance/ "minimalist"-slow living

mindset/ consuming with intention)
-----------------

Environmental

well-being maintained through the understanding 

of how your environment effects your overall health;

being mindful of how past, present, future moments

intersect to bring either chaos or calm

What this looks like to me:

(candles/oldies records/ watching sunsets) 

-----------------

Grief and Loss

the ability to maintain health, consistency, and

well-being during the midst of uncertainty and change

What this looks like to me:

(writing/ Biblical journaling; moments of pause/ therapy)

-----------------

Spiritual

feeling complete and full of positive energy;

a sense of purpose leading to a deep inner peace;

What this looks like to me:

(worship/prayer/Spirit connection)

-----------------

Social

well-being as it pertains to your interpersonal

relationships; your support system and the joy

that friends and family can add to your life

What this looks like to me:

(self-reflection/ setting boundaries)

-----------------

Join us as we dive in...

Social Vitality

The Benefits of Cultivating Adult Relationships

First Fridays- A Story. A Song. An Activity (El Cucuy is Scared, Too)

Fears?

Worries?

Unsolicited concerns?

Yes, we experience them all

This gentle story

explores worry 

and reveals 

how 

comfort

bravery

strength

can be found through even

the most unexpected of friendships

Theme: Using Creative Strategies

to Calm Back-to-School Worries

-----------------

First Fridays-
A Story. A Song. An Activity.

Virtual Storytime

A Story

Turn up this traditional song of Mexico

as a reminder to "Sing, don't cry"...

A Song

Cielito Lindo Lyric Video

An Activity

"Melt Away Your Worries"

Salt and Ice Experiment

First Fridays- A Story. A Song. An Activity (Layla's Happiness)

Climbing a tree...

wearing purple...

and

eating spaghetti without a fork...

These are things that bring Layla happiness.

What is happiness to you?

-------------------

Theme: Finding Happiness in the Simple Things

First Fridays- 

A Story. A Song. An Activity.

Virtual Storytime

A Story

A Song

Summer Song| The Singing Walrus

Turn up the music and dance along as this month's song gets

children thinking about Summer plans with the simple prompt...

What do you like to do in the Summer?

An Activity

"Summer Happiness"

Bucket List Challenge

The weather is warmer, the days feel longer, 

and school is out for the Summer!

Let's make a list of all of the fun things we would

like to experience before the season changes to Fall

What is on your Summer happiness bucket list?

First Friday- A Story. A Song. An Activity (The ABC's of Black History)

Black History touches our lives every day

and in an unlimited number of ways

This month's story "The ABC's of Black History" 

by Rio Cortez provides a glimpse into the richness of

Black American History while reminding readers that...

Black History is not limited

to 28 days in February

Theme: 

J is for Juneteenth- 

A Celebration of Freedom and Hope

First Fridays-

A Story. A Song. An Activity.

Virtual Storytime

A Story

then...

sing along w/ Elmo and friends as we learn the 

history of Juneteenth, the cultural relevance, and the 

significance of setting up a "red foods" snack table

A Song

An Activity

J is for Juneteenth

Juneteenth Celebratory Activities

Bring children, families, and your local community

together by hosting a Juneteenth celebration.  

Check out the video for four things to consider:

The conversation

The setting

The music

The food

and since...

Black History benefits and uplifts us all,

we should ALL celebrate!

How will you celebrate Juneteenth?

First Fridays- A Story. A Song. An Activity (I Am Peace- A Book of Mindfulness)

 Sometimes the waves of life seem 

as if they will overtake us and

(during that feeling of overwhelm) 

we need an opportunity to

Stop.

Take a Moment.

Take a Breath.

Introduce mindfulness and deep breathing to children

as self-regulation strategies to use during moments of stress

First Fridays-

A Story. A Song. An Activity.

Virtual Storytime

A Story

Then share this short guided meditation

song with children for a calming experience

A Song

Safe and Calm | Meditation for Children

The Learning Station

An Activity

Float or Sink?

Play Provocation Space

Use what you have to facilitate this inquiry based approach

to exploring density, weight/weightlessness and buoyancy

"I don't need to worry about before or after. 

I am in THIS moment. I am peace."

First Friday - A Story. A Song. An Activity. (The Doctor With An Eye For Eyes)

We take time each year in March

 to celebrate Women's History Month 

noting...

the 

brave

amazing

innovative 

contributions women and girls 

have made all throughout history

Let's celebrate women and girls every day!!

First Fridays-

A Story. A Song. An Activity

Virtual Storytime

A Story

A Song

Kidz BOP 2020 Vision

An anthem for children who have

the vision to make the world shine!

An Activity

Dr. Patricia E. Bath used her gifts to help the world see!

Invisible Art- Wax Resist Art

Introduce this activity to bring together art and science,

amplify the message of female empowerment, and start a

conversation about using your gifts to change the world

Be strong, stay focused,

push forward, shine bright...

and you'll find all your dreams

will be well within sight!

-----------------------------------

Find additional stories and activities...

that highlight the work of Amazing Women Scientists

amazingscientists.com

What? Why? How? (One Hundred Days of Grace)

What?

One hundred consecutive days 

(my journey begins March 1) 

of noticing...

something

one thing

each day

---------------------------------------------

Why?

We let so many moments of grace slip past by 

failing to see the beauty in our everyday lives

So...

---------------------------------------------

How?

Stop.

Notice.

Appreciate.

and when you see grace...

take it in!

---------------------------------------------

There's no wrong way to

start your journey...

(follow mine)

You may choose to document it with a photo

journal the moment, or share with someone else

One Hundred Days of Grace

March 1- June 8

A Return to Simple- Slow and Intentional Living

I felt...

 

unsettled

uneasy

pulled out of my natural daily rhythm

so I...

prayed

read

researched

and was "gifted" a year and a half

to slow down, investigate and lean in

(on my journey toward self-paced intentional living)

and within that time

what I learned to

embrace is that...

I am built differently!!

I am highly emotional.

I require more time to process information.

I recover with large blocks of uninterrupted quiet time.

and at times...

I desire to move at a slower pace than others around me.

AND FOR YEARS...

 I struggled with this

fought against it

forcing myself 

to attempt 

to adapt 

to the energy 

around me,

but finally, after slowing down, 

I discovered my natural rhythm, 

(the pace of life/ lifestyle that feels good to me)

 

while delving deeper

into things that 

nourish...

guide...

heal...

me

--------------------------------

If this speaks to you, check out

The Slow Path to Embracing Wellness

First Fridays - A Story. A Song. An Activity. (A Place Inside of Me)

As we celebrate Black History Month,

our selected story provides an opportunity to come

together, give voice to feelings, and heal.  

Create a safe space to initiate 

a healing conversation as... 

"A Place Inside of Me"

A Poem to Heal the Heart

models how to use 

creative expression as an outlet 

for everything we may be feeling.  

Joy, Fear, Sorrow, Anger, Compassion, Healing... and Hope!

A Story

A Song

"Lift Every Voice and Sing"

Black National Anthem

This new twist to a classic tune encourages us to use our voice

in ways that promote unity, healing, and hope. As we celebrate

Black History Month, we stand together to declare peace,

love, and belonging for all children, everywhere

An Activity

Create an opportunity for children to create their

vision for our homes, schools, and community.

Community Mural

Prepare the space and bring that vision to life 

with a community mural and plan of action...

because together we can change the world!

"Against all odds my people have emerged

Strong, Triumphant, and Beautiful"

First Friday - A Story. A Song. An Activity. (Your Name is a Song)

Stories can serve as both 

"Mirrors and Windows" 

Mirrors-

reminding us 

to look within

(to see ourselves)

Windows-

allowing us

to see outwardly

(to see others)

"Your Name is a Song"

by Jamilah Thomkins-Bigelow

is a story of a young girl frustrated by constantly

having her beautiful name mispronounced

 

She soon learns that her name is a song, 

sings it to her friends and teaches them how to sing it as well

First Fridays-

A Story. A Song. An Activity

Virtual Storytime

A Story

Turn up the music and encourage children to sing along with acclaimed poet 

Maya Angelou featuring Elmo as we learn to celebrate our names

A Song

An Activity

Play Provocation Space

set up an area where children can explore, find the rhythm

in their names, and create their own unique name songs

Three thoughts to guide you...

- Use what you have

- Provide enough time/space for exploration

- Set up, then step back

"Made up names come from dreamers. Their real names 

were stolen long ago so they dream up new ones"