Women's Wellness Day Retreat October 2024
from someone who had fun with new friends
"I didn't realize how much tension I was carrying around, but as you lead the gentle yoga and we relaxed more and more, I started feeling like connecting with others. I made some really nice friends with amazing women. Thanks Deb!"
from a gal who needed some support
"This retreat day came at just the right time for me. I've had to go non-stop for quite a long time, so this was just what I needed to slow my life down to get me to relax. I even noticed myself being less frustrated at home, and actually enjoyed the family more since the retreat. I'll try to keep up the practices you gave us."
Feedback from people who attend
Women's Refresh Retreater, December 28,2023
Women's Refresh Retreater, December 28,2023
Women's Refresh Retreater, December 28,2023
"I feel really refreshed and ready for the new year. This was a very organized day. I loved the accessible yoga. My intentions are set. I will definitely recommend to my friends and family."
Sound Bath attendee
Women's Refresh Retreater, December 28,2023
Women's Refresh Retreater, December 28,2023
"The sound bath was most relaxing. The time just flew by. A little time to set intentions and journal was so helpful. I can't wait to recommend the Sound Bath evening to my friends. Such great downtime. I truly needed this.
Deb, you have great energy."
Women's Refresh Retreat, December 28, 2023
Women's Refresh Retreater, December 28,2023
Women's Refresh Retreat, December 28, 2023
"Calm, peaceful, welcoming atmosphere. Allowed me space to flow and just 'be'.
The Sound Bath was my favourite but loved the mix of mindfulness activities. Thank you for holding this space, Deb! My intention was to feel more self-assurance and my Third Eye Chakra light up during the sound bath!
I will 100% recommend this retreat to friends."
MYndful Movement Student Leadership Certification *MYMSL*
A few of the 40 Certified MYndful Student Leaders
"This is fantastic! I will definitely be booking with you for September 2023/24. Student's positive memories of YES4MH went to your (MYndful Movement) program, their experience going to the feeder schools with you, and implementing (MYndfulness) within our own school community." CYC from St. Edmund Campion CSS. DPCDSB
MYndful Movement Student Leader *MYMSL*
Certified MYndful Student Leaders learn and lead
"Thank you for coming and teaching us to be in tune with our minds and bodies. The MYndful sessions were beneficial. This is valuable when I feel pressure. Its helped me tremendously, like being more self-aware, and able to take control of my negative thoughts when they invade my mind."
BSA Student, St. Augustine CSS
A thank you from A teacher where MYndfulness is implemented
The Ripple Effect of MYndful Movement School-Wide
"Deb and Lommya,
You are both making a beautiful impact on our YES4MH and MYndful Movement students.
Yesterday in our YES4MH meeting a gentle grade 9 student led 5-4-3-2-1 breathing with the students present. She started, off script, by inviting us to plant our feet and sit back in our chair ... she spoke it just like you do, Deb.
I have approval for YES4MH and MYndful Movement Fundamentals students to attend Monday's staff meeting. Each student will sit at a different table group with teachers, and the student will lead a favourite activity of theirs with their group. With this, teachers will have experienced one activity that they themselves could use with their class (and they'll witness student voice and leadership in mental health)
On Friday May 5, teachers are being asked to engage in a discussion and/or a mental health or mindfulness activity with their students, in Period 4.
Another MYndful student leader is making a slide to explain this invitation to teachers - at the meeting and as a reference for staff about the plan/expectations/encouragement for mental health embedded in class routines.
Some of these students are joining Deb at the Thursday May 4, Parent Council meeting. It's more leadership practice for them.
I'm so grateful to both of you, Deb and Lommya, for all that you invest in our students and how genuinely you do so.
Thank you!!"
Teacher/Librarian St. Augustine CSS 2023
Student Council practices MYndfulness for Mental Health
MYndful Movement & Student Council practice MH Techniques
"Deb Taylor was fantastic and provided students (and myself) with useful tools to manage stress.
The students really liked her and there was such a calm energy in the classroom. Thank you to you and YES4MH for setting that session up."
Modern Languages Teacher/Student Council Rep. from St. Augustine CSS. DPCDSB
Intermediate Student Leaders Love to Lead
Grade 8 student leaders assist in school-wide Wellness Day
"Deb, I'm so glad that the Wellness Day at St. Bakhita went so well and you were able to incorporate your wonderful program and make a difference in the student's lives... I am happy it is making a big impact and other schools are experiencing what you do!"
Lommya, School Public Health Nurse: PEEL/DPCDSB
Students understand themselves better through MYM tools
Student shares how the MYM tools help them feel better
"I found the breathing exercises and discussion most helpful because it helped me understand myself and connect with myself and others around me."
Grade 10 Student, Assumption CSS, HCDSB
Thank you Lommya, School Public Health Nurse PDSB, DPDSB
Initiatives to improve school-wide mental health
"Deb Taylor has worked with our students/staff in the past few years. YES4MH students partnered with BSA, Zonta, Student Council, to cohost sessions. We love hosting Deb. She has also lead boys P.E. very successfully.
Deb & Lommya are making a beautiful impact on our students."
Marianne W., Teacher/Lib. St.Augustine CSS
MYndful Movement Student Leadership Certification
Teacher Rep. appreciates MYndful Leadership for students
"This program really identifies the needs and emotions of the teens. Loved the body-moving parts. The G.Classroom is a perfect space to get information to students then practice to teach younger kids. Thanks for working with our students.They benefitted from your passion, commitment."
N. Castro,Teacher Rep.YES4MH DPCDSB
In-Class session teaches students to self-regulate
Students feel better with MYndfulness in-class sessions
"I absolutely loved the vibe and the calmness in the MYndful course. I loved the positive and non-judgement environment... Yes, I would like more opportunities like this."
Student in-class session, DPCDSB
Professional Development for Educators
Educator's Training to lead MYndfulness in your classes
"The whole training was awesome and useful, especially the MY Brain and Drumming exercises. I wished we had more time to learn and practice."
F. Asif, Social Worker-Settlement Services- Peel School Board/DBNC
Professional Development for Educators is engaging and pract
Educator's Training is excellent, "When I see, I learn."
"I would like to implement all I have learned in the training, and let teachers and principals know how MYndful practices and training is necessary in schools for teachers and students. Deb is an excellent teacher. I'm happy with all the information."
Pushpa Dsouza S.W. Settlement Worker- Peel School Board/DBNC