SEL for Everyone

“Go, sit upon the lofty hill, And turn your eyes around, Where waving woods and waters wild Do hymn an autumn sound. The summer sun is faint on them— The summer flowers depart— Sit still— as all transform’d to stone, Except your musing heart.”

~ Elizabeth Barrett Browning The Autumn

Be well & breathe,

Liane Benedict & Kate Ginney

What you'll learn about each myth below if you click the article here.

Myth 1: Social emotional learning only teaches kids about feelings.

Myth 2: Social emotional skills aren't as important as "hard skills".

Myth 3: Kids learn social emotional skills automatically.

Myth 4: There's only one way to teach SEL.

Myth 5: SEL is only for kids with behavioral issues.

What is forest bathing? First, yes, it requires your clothes on, second, many of us likely participate in this activity without realizing it given our beautiful fall foliage we experience each fall. This Japanese practice is a process of relaxation; known in Japan as shinrin yoku. The simple method of being calm and quiet amongst the trees, observing nature around you whilst breathing deeply can help both adults and children de-stress and boost health and wellbeing in a natural way.

Dig in further with Forestry England's guide to forest bathing here.

In one recent study, 585 young adult Japanese participants reported on their moods after walking for 15 minutes, either in an urban setting or in a forest. The forests and urban centers were in 52 different locations around the country, and about a dozen participants walked in each area. In all cases, the participants walking in a forest experienced less anxiety, hostility, fatigue, confusion, and depressive symptoms, and more vigor, compared to walking in an urban setting. The results were even stronger for people who were more anxious to begin with.

Read More Here

The recurring pumpkin-spice-everything tradition we have in the U.S. may get a little old at times, but the theme running through shops and homes transitioning to the fall season and anticipating the holidays rekindles past experiences and builds community.

After all, even smell is connected to memories—and for most people, pumpkin spice brings warm and fond memories.

Read more here from Cedars Sinai

Interested in supporting local farmers through a CSA? Community Supported Agriculture is a great way to receive fresh, local produce and other farm products. Know where your food is coming from and who is growing it! Check out the list of CSAs in our region!