NEWS AND REMINDERS
| Election Day Mini Camp Tuesday, June 4th! |
Kids Ages 6-10 join us if you're off from school
9 am to 2 pm
at Mills Reservation
Only $99 per camper
Sign up while there's still time and spots available!
| Summer Camp |
Weeklong outdoor nature enrichment for kids ages 4+
at local nature areas
We still have a few spots left in some weeks!
July 8 - 12
Ages 6.5-9
July 15 - 19
Ages 4-6
Ages 6.5-9 (WAITLIST)
July 22 - 26
Ages 4-6
July 29 - August 2
Ages 4-6
Ages 8-12 (SOLD OUT)
| Student Portal |
Remember, you can find student resources,
like the class signup page and student event calendar within your student portal.
Visit the student portal page on our website below.
The password is listed in student communications.
CLOSURES
There are no planned closures for June.
BLOG
Moral of the Month: Awareness
Has your child displayed any of the dojo morals lately?
Please shout it out to us so that we may join in lifting them up.
“To be aware is to be alive.”
–Unknown
Martial arts and mindfulness go hand in hand and so having awareness as our moral of the month is fitting. It is worth exploring because it has a profound impact on our state of mind and well-being. Awareness is a steppingstone for self-discovery and growth.
Simply put, awareness is the act of consciously perceiving what's happening within and around us. Our thoughts and emotions, environment and people around us are all things we can deliberately notice. It's not about passively registering sights and sounds; it's about actively engaging with the present moment. Studies have shown that heightened awareness may improve focus, decision-making, and even reduce stress. Blocking a punch, for instance, would be impossible without awareness.
Awareness transcends just the physical in martial arts, though. It's as much about understanding our strengths and limitations, anticipating others’ actions, and reacting with calm and control. Mindfulness practices like meditation and journaling can further refine awareness.
We can cultivate a deeper sense of awareness in our daily lives by slowing down, focusing on our breath and bodily sensations, and contemplating what is happening around and within us. For kids, a simple practice is to take mindful walks. They can be encouraged to notice the colors and textures around them, the sounds of nature, or smells in the air. Parents can model this behavior and initiate conversations about these observations. Adults can use their daily routines as opportunities for awareness practice, like noticing the warmth of a coffee cup, the rise and fall of the chest as they breathe, or the emotions that arise during a conversation. No matter how brief, there are endless opportunities for moments of awareness throughout the day.
As we cultivate awareness, we gain a deeper understanding of ourselves and the world around us. This empowers us to make conscious choices, navigate challenges with grace, and appreciate the beauty of the present moment. So, let's nurture awareness within ourselves – and watch it grow into a life of purpose and mindful action.
For more information and additional awareness-boosting practices, check out the resources here or here.