In the 26 years since CASEL introduced the term social and emotional learning, the research and practice of SEL have grown tremendously. Today, educators talk about SEL in many ways and hear about a multitude of strategies for implementation in schools and classrooms.

As the creators of the most widely cited SEL definitions, CASEL now sees a need to clarify whats necessary to achieve the vision of SEL for all educators, adults and young people. Weve updated our definition and framework to pay close attention to how SEL affirms the identities, strengths and experiences of all children, including those who have been marginalized in our education systems. CASEL has continued to highlight the importance of enhancing the social-emotional competence of all young people and adults, while putting additional emphasis on how we can all learn and work together to create caring and just schools and communities.

CASELs Definition of SEL (2020 Update):

Social and emotional learning (SEL) is an integral part of education and human development. SEL is the process through which all young people and adults acquire and apply the knowledge, skills and attitudes to develop healthy identities, manage emotions and achieve personal and collective goals, feel and show empathy for others, establish and maintain supportive relationships, and make responsible and caring decisions.

SEL advances educational equity and excellence through authentic school-family-community partnerships to establish learning environments and experiences that feature trusting and collaborative relationships, rigorous and meaningful curriculum and instruction, and ongoing evaluation. SEL can help address various forms of inequity and empower young people and adults to co-create thriving schools and contribute to safe, healthy, and just communities.

As we continuously learn and refine our collective understanding of SEL and accelerate the movement across research, practice, and policy, weve highlighted four priorities:

CASEL will be explicit about how SEL can advance educational equity and excellence

We know from research that attention to students holistic learning and development can promote high-quality educational opportunities and outcomes for all children across race, socioeconomic status, gender, sexual orientation and other differences. Importantly, SEL has potential to promote the academic, social and emotional development of all children. SEL can also help adults and students co-create more equitable schools and communities. While SEL alone will not solve the deep-seated inequities in the education system, it can help adults and students build more meaningful relationships and develop knowledge, skills and mindsets to interrupt inequitable policies and practices, create more inclusive learning environments and nurture the interests and assets of all individuals

CASEL will work alongside researchers, educators and policymakers to address issues of identity, agency and belonging that are fundamental to human development

By elevating young peoples perspectives and experiences, SEL affirms who they are as individuals and helps students and adults understand how their unique identities support and shape their learning. By offering opportunities for students to use their voice, examine social problems and work alongside adults to co-create solutions, SEL can help cultivate change agents and leaders who will meaningfully contribute to their communities and the world. By fostering deeper connections and meaningful relationships, SEL can help create a sense of belonging and more inclusive learning environments and communities.

With these priorities in mind, our updated framework reflects expanded definitions and examples of five core social and emotional competencies self-awareness, self-management, social awareness, relationship skills and responsible decision-making. The updated language pays attention to personal and social identities, cultural competency and collective action as part of SEL. It also emphasizes the skills, knowledge and mindsets needed to examine prejudices and biases, evaluate social norms and systemic inequities, and promote community well-being.

CASEL will continue emphasizing how environments, relationships and broader contexts shape learning and development

SEL is most beneficial when school leaders and educators enhance both the competencies of young people and adults and the systems in which those competencies are promoted. Poorly implemented SEL will be less beneficial and actually may harm kids when contexts are ignored. Authentic partnerships among schools, families and communities are critical to creating equitable learning environments, supportive relationships and coordinated practices to truly promote SEL across all the settings where students live and learn.

Our framework continues to underscore the importance of establishing equitable learning environments and coordinating SEL practices across classrooms and schools, with additional emphasis on the essential roles of families and community partners.

CASEL will support schools, districts and states to infuse SEL systemically into curriculum and instruction, out-of-school time, discipline, student support services, professional learning and ongoing assessment for continuous improvement

When SEL is woven into the daily life of school from academic instruction to discipline practices it is more likely to produce the many benefits that research has documented, including the promotion of students skills and attitudes, improved school climate and long-term academic achievement. This requires district and state policies and resources that help adults strengthen their own SEL and professional skills to support and sustain the healthy development of one another and the young people they support.

Given the uncertainties and challenges of todays world, our education systems should prioritize SEL to build healthy relationships, engage students and support adults to contribute to more equitable schools and communities. SEL is not a panacea or silver bullet; there is much more to learn about how best to implement SEL to promote equitable outcomes, and how to sustain high-quality implementation long-term.

At the same time, SEL is grounded by a growing body of research and bolstered by overwhelming demand from principals, teachers, parents and students. Our hope is that SEL will not only improve schools today, but help build a better world tomorrow.

Karen Niemi is president and CEO of CASEL, the Collaborative for Academic, Social and Emotional Learning.

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Niemi: CASEL Is Updating the Most Widely Recognized Definition of Social-Emotional Learning. Here's Why - The 74

Chase Kerby performs during Oklahoma City Ballet's "Ballet Under the Stars" at Scissortail Park on the Love's Travel Stops Stage Friday, October 9, 2020. [Doug Hoke/The Oklahoman Archives]

Oklahoma City singer, songwriter and musician Chase Kerby and his new band Hotel Nights have a new EP, single and music video out, and the latter is a mood for today's Oklahoma snow day.

As previously reported, Kerby first introduced us to his new project back in the summer with the catchy yet bittersweet debut single "Forget the 80's."

"Hotel Nights was an idea that started forming in my head back in 2016. The name came to me after driving through Tulsa late one night on my way back home. I saw people walking into the cheap motel rooms located on the outskirts of town and wondered what their 'hotel night' was like," Kerby explained in an email.

"I started the band because I wanted to separate myself from my musical past and start fresh. So in July of 2019, I scrapped all the songs I'd been working on and started writing all new material. I've had a lot of great experiences through music (national tours with big acts, being on 'The Voice,' etc.), but none of those experiences defined me as an artist or a person. All the songs I was writing were made to be played with a band."

The lineup for Hotel Nights is Kerby on vocals, guitar, piano, synth and percussion; Garrison Brown on lead guitar and trumpet; Dustin Ragland on drums and percussion; John McCall on bass, organ and piano; and Adam Ray on saxophone and various woodwinds.

Hotel Nights' sophomore single "Pains of the Weekenders" features the same yearning, urgent rock sound evident on "Forget the 80's."

"The song 'Pains of the Weekenders' is about finding yourself in a world of chaos and deciding what is best for you. It's about discovering self awareness, facing the toxicity of the familiar, and finding hope in the end," Kerby said.

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OKC musician Chase Kerby's new band Hotel Nights' wintry video for 'Pains of the Weekenders' is a mood on an Oklahoma snow day - Oklahoman.com

Media agencies are trying to move beyond the transactional and into the emotional.

Dentsu-owned global media agency Carat has rebranded around the notion of human and emotional intelligence, supported by a new planning process called design for people.

While Carat used to work in a discipline-focused way, its new planning process aims to meet consumers where they are, based on their emotional needs, in a fragmented media landscape, rather than focusing on short-term ROI.

What clients need from media agencies these days is so much more than media, said Angela Steele, CEO of Carat U.S.A. We needed a new way of working that was much more multidisciplinary.

The new process is designed around T-shaped teams that involve bringing in specialists early in the planning process who continue to work together as scrums throughout, said Sean Healy, Carats global CSO.

We work in a world with increasing specialism, he said. We thought about how we can bring people together who are brilliant at what they do, but can also work on the big picture.

These teams are set up to work quickly and iteratively, pushing out prototypes and optimizing as they go, rather than creating a static plan months in advance. Carat has developed a methodology and a set of questions that teams can apply to different client briefs, depending on the challenge they are trying to solve.

That sits at the heart of design thinking, Healy said. The job is never done and you can always improve.

This way of working became particularly valuable after COVID-19 hit and consumer habits began to shift rapidly, Steele added.

Having that ability and approach that allows us to pivot so quickly was crucial, she said.

Carats new process comes as parent company Dentsu is doubling down on the agency as one of six global brands within the network, which it will whittle down from 160. Campaign recently reported that Dentsu is slashing 6,000 jobs in pursuit of this new model.

In an industry thats drowning in data, part of Carats goal with its new approach is to help clients make better sense of information to draw impactful insights.

We're all in favor of analysis and interpretation, and there's probably not enough of that going on right now, Healy said. Part of this process is making sure you have the left and right brain looking at the data and figuring out what the story is.

To demonstrate that, Carat released its first Brand EQ report this fall, which ranked 48 global brands on their emotional intelligence based on a survey of 10,000 consumers in 10 global markets.

The study aimed to understand whether certain brands were seen as more or less human by their customers, and how that affects key metrics using behavioral scientist Daniel Golemans theory of emotional intelligence. The study assessed brands in five key areas: self-awareness, self-regulation, motivation, empathy and social skills.

Carat found that many brands that ranked highest for EQ, including Google, Microsoft, Amazon, Samsung and Netflix, are in the tech sector. While that might be somewhat counterintuitive based on recent tech backlash, it shows that consumers find the most human brands deliver connected experiences.

Facebook and Uber were exceptions in this category, as both scored low on self-regulation and ethics.

We found a big difference between brands that are experience-led, nimble and able to adapt to people's needs, Healy said. Theyre able to meet peoples needs more quickly.

On the flip side, auto and finance brands ranked low on the EQ index, with the exception of Visa and Mastercard, which placed ninth and 20th, respectively. Just 50% of respondents said that brands in these verticals understand them and their needs.

Those are probably two categories that have the most room for improvement when it comes to empathy, Steele said. They tend to be very transactional. [Theyre focused on] deals and price as opposed to having that higher purpose, empathy and understanding of customer needs.

Across the board, brands have a way to go to improve the way they convey empathy and demonstrate their ethics, two of the most important elements of EQ. Just 53% of brands ranked highly in both categories, indicating a broader erosion of consumer trust in institutions.

The biggest takeaway from the report is that EQ really does drive ROI. Brands that ranked high on EQ scores outperformed low-ranking brands by share price by more than 400% over the last 10 years, while the top 20% of high-scoring EQ brands outperformed the major stock indexes by 575%.

Thats particularly important as Gen Z comes of age and begins to wield more influence and purchasing power.

Gen Z weighs more than their wallets, Steele said.

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Why Carat is putting emotional intelligence at the core of media buying - Campaign US

By Express News Service

HYDERABAD:The research says our mind is capable of processing 2,000 thoughts in a minute. It is one of the most active organs in our body. This becomes even more important for us to be able to choose what kind of thoughts we choose to focus on. And the ability to make this choice can be attained only through training our brain and regularly exercising our mind. If we can learn on to keep our mind calm, the brain automatically will work on treating unnecessarily thoughts as unwanted guests.

Mita Vinay, Founder, Bodhsara Wellness Centre has a few ways of strenghtening the mind. Interestingly, practising most mind exercises does not require any props or preparation.It is not mandatory to use lights, essential oils, or mantras to train our mind. Of course, please use props if you enjoy them or if it helps you. However, consistency and determination to practice regularly is the key to achieve the desired results, she says. She suggests a way to strengthen your mind with Mental Calmness Techniquee.

It is a technique from YogaNidra, a practice used effectively for deep relaxation, inner creativity and self-awareness. This is a simple technique to achieve mental calmness from chaos and you can practice it anytime anywhere.All you need is to is find a comfortable place to sit and a few minutes of free time, although or, in a middle of chaos too. Sit comfortably and close your eyes.

Now focus on the sounds around you. Without evaluating the quality or the content of the sound, move from one sound at a time and then let your mind float to another sound you can hear around you. Continue this for a few more second by moving from one sound to the other sound, take a mental count of how many sounds could you hear. Now bring your focus on if you can hear any new sound.

As you concentrate on this exercise, you will realise that most sounds take the form of a background score. Now, as you drift yourself out you will experience calmness and a clear headspace. This technique shifts your minds consciousness to the frontal brain which is used for learning. Start with 30-60 secs of practice and increase to 5 minutes. Daily practice will help rejuvenate the mind.

Cleanse your mind with breathing: Breath or Prana is one of the key elements of our existence. We can use the breathing technics to calm, strengthen and cleanse our minds. These steps can be performed soon after the mental calmness technic above. As you allow the sounds to be as a background score, bring your focus to your breathing. Take a slow and a deep breath and fill your belly with the inhalation, hold your breath for 5 to 10 seconds in the belly and slowly exhale out. Now move the breath to your chest hold it for 5 to 10 seconds and exhale out slowly. The next step is to feel the breath gently rubbing the inside of your throat when inhaling and the same experience when exhaling. The final step is to bring the focus in-between the eyebrow centre as you inhale and exhale. Repeat each step thrice.

Yoga acharya Shivang Chandrasekhar who runs his own yoga studio Yogistaan in Madhapur says that one has to keep changing activities and challenge oneself to be able to nurture the mind well. Just as we push our bodies with workouts and increasing the number of burpees, the leaps or the number of minutes we do the planks, we need to adopt the same challenge technique to the brain.

Livin suggests we try out activities such as painting, especially if you do not have any taste in painting as it gives your brain a new activity to focus on.If you have always listened to Tollywood music in your car, mix and match it with some piano or jazz music just to surprise your mind, he adds.

The rest is here:
Give it some brainvita - The New Indian Express

Bill Parcells used to say that people tell you who they are, so listen.

That's particularly easy with Kyrie Irving, the Brooklyn Nets' mercurial and uber-talented point guard. He hasn't so much told the world who he is as shouted it, over and over, in conflicts with teammates, LeBron James, and would-be head coaches. What a shame the Nets chose not to pay attention.

The latest example of Irving's me-first focus is his bewildering shot at the media. The tale, for Kyrie, is a familiar one: Underperform or fail to deliver, cast blame elsewhere, double down when challenged, and sour the world around you as you go.

In this case, Irving failed to follow his contractual requirement to talk to the NBA press and was fined $25,000. Then Irving released a statement, which included this gem about the NBA media: "I do not talk to Pawns. My attention is worth more."

Sigh.

Let's get this out of the way: No one is asking you to pity the media. That's, as the Godfather once laid out, the business we've chosen. We get it. It's part of the deal, even if Irving's approach was needlessly disrespectful and disparaging of an entire group of people. It would be like saying, for instance, that every single NBA player is an ego-maniacal locker room cancer more concerned with bathing in the limelight than actually doing the hard work of team success - instead of, let's say, labeling just Kyrie that way.

But again: No one cares about the media, and that's fine. I promise you we've heard worse from people much, much more worthy of an opinion most of us actually care about.

The issue here is that, again, Irving is demonstrating -- telling all of us - who he is. And by connection, who he'll be for the Brooklyn Nets. And that's a self-absorbed, locker room killing, chemistry-crushing malignancy. Kyrie's just being Kyrie. Nothing's new here. Just one more example of the guy picking fights that are bad for him and his team.

He's also making a poor decision. Back in the day, you didn't pick fights with people who bought ink by the barrel. The American trend toward disparaging "the media" has undone that some. But I promise you, it's still a bad idea to alienate the New York media. They don't mess around.

But are we really surprised?

Irving, not long ago, welcomed the Steve Nash head-coaching era while talking with Kevin Durant with this beauty: "And I think it's also going to change the way we see coaches. I don't really see us having a head coach. You know what I mean? KD could be a head coach. I could be a head coach."

Sure. I could be a head coach. But I'm not. Kyrie's not either. Nash is one, and a little public respect would have been a nice bare minimum from the Nets' supposed leaders.

Remember, Kyrie is the guy who forced his way out of a defending NBA champion - and away from LeBron James - without an ounce of understanding. He's a vastly more talented version of John Paxson, not the kingmaker and one-man Finals machine he likes to play on podcasts. Yes, you hit a really big shot, but your "greatness" is largely a product in your NBA career of playing with LeBron James.

How do we know? Because Irving went to a Celtics team coming off an Eastern Conference finals and proceeded to offer up the same egotistical, everyone-is-at-fault-but-me garbage he leveled at the NBA media this week. That team did not make a great leap. The only conference finals they made with Irving on the roster came with him injured and off the floor. And that says it all. Talent is great. But failed talent is a cliche for a reason, and Kyrie, minus drafting off LeBron in Cleveland, has epitomized it at every stop of his career.

There's more, but let's offer just one more example. This guy is so needy for attention that, during an NBA Finals featuring the Los Angeles Lakers and that former teammate LeBron James, he decided it was a good idea to throw shade at the King by suggesting LeBron wasn't a big-shot maker Kyrie could trust.

Even a pawn couldn't make this stuff up.

Was it wrong, self-centered, poorly timed and hurtful? Yes, clearly, even before LeBron said as much in a recent interview.

Irving hasn't learned a thing or changed an ounce. That's why his shots at the media matter. Not because we do, but because Irving is still telling us who he is. If you listen, you'll hear a guy who spews disrespect in all directions without an ounce of self-awareness, someone whose flat-earth silliness reflected a deeper need to yank all the attention his way.

Good luck pairing that with Kevin Durant, an uber-talented but often sensitive superstar. Kyrie's the guy you liked to drink beers with in college: Fun dude, until you live together.

A reality of the NBA that isn't sexy, and doesn't fit neatly into our narratives or the joy we get from watching the game, still holds: To win, guys have to like each other -- or at least respect one another. Locker rooms matter, whether it's last year's Clippers (in a bad way) or the Heat (in a Finals-run kind of way).

Kyrie isn't just unlikable. He's constantly and openly disrespectful. To the media, sure, but to LeBron, to Hall of Fame player and new head coach Steve Nash, to Celtics teammates he would routinely talk down to when he was in Boston.

And those were the public facts. Imagine this guy, who hides from the press because he can't answer for his own self-inflicted mistakes, behind the scenes with teammates when things get rough?

Irving has told us who he is, and if you're listening, you can also hear what the future likely sounds like for the Nets: Fascinating, promising, problematic and ultimately wildly unsuccessful.

That's the Kyrie Iriving story, one that's already going strong in Brooklyn.

Read more from the original source:
Kyrie Irving is once again reminding us who he is, and the Nets need to take notice - CBS Sports

Narcissistic personality disorder (NPD) is a personality disorder included in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition (DSM-5) under the personality disorders category.

NPD is characterized by a:

We often hear the word narcissist used in general conversation. In this context, people are usually referring to one who exhibits some self-centered, vain behavior.

But having the tendency toward narcissistic behaviors doesnt mean you have NPD. Either way, change is possible.

A 2018 research review showed that true NPD is not common. It requires a diagnosis by a mental health professional, such as a psychiatrist or psychologist.

Treatment for NPD can be challenging. Much depends on the persons willingness to enter therapy and to stick with it.

There are several forms of therapy that can be used to treat NPD. Lets take a look at some of them, plus tips on where to find help.

Your mental health provider will begin by assessing your psychological functioning. Theyll also consider differential diagnoses and coexisting conditions before recommending a plan for treatment.

Therapy for NDP will likely involve:

Psychoanalysis is a form of talk therapy. Through one-on-one sessions, youll explore the reasons behind your feelings and behaviors.

As you begin to understand your past, current emotions and behaviors come into focus. This can help you better manage your thoughts and feelings. Then, you can start changing the way you react to them.

The focus of CBT is to identify unhealthy patterns of thought and behavior and replace them with healthier ones.

Youll practice new skills with your therapist. Youll also have homework assignments to put these skills into action between sessions.

There are many CBT techniques, such as:

Schema therapy is an integrative approach to therapy. It combines elements of psychotherapy and CBT.

The aim is to help you identify and understand unhelpful patterns and coping mechanisms that formed from early childhood experiences.

Once you uncover these maladaptive schemas, you can learn to modify them. With practice, youll find new ways to help meet your emotional needs and change your behavior toward others.

Gestalt therapy is a form of psychotherapy. Youll focus more on the present than the past or the future. Earlier life experiences are considered in the context of how they affect you today.

Youll be encouraged to reflect on whats happening in your life now. Youll work on improving self-awareness and self-responsibility.

MBT works on improving your ability to reflect on yourself, as well as the thoughts and emotions of others. Then, youll learn to connect emotions to behavior patterns.

Youll explore the intent behind other peoples behavior and work on thinking things through before reacting.

In TFP, you take your emotions about someone else and direct them toward the therapist. This may make it easier to talk things through. The therapist can help you gain insight into your thoughts and feelings.

DBT is a form of CBT with a focus on:

DBT may involve individual and group therapy sessions where youll learn and practice new coping strategies.

MIT is a step-by-step treatment designed to:

The therapist will also look for barriers to effective therapy and work to help improve them.

In EMDR therapy, the assumption is that narcissism is based on difficult early life experiences or traumas.

EMDR therapy is a step-by-step process divided into eight distinct phases. As you progress, youll be encouraged to address:

As you do, the therapist will direct eye movements to divert your attention. The goal is to lessen the impact of traumatic memories.

If youre concerned that you exhibit narcissistic behaviors, consider contacting a medical or mental health professional for evaluation.

Even if you only have a few tendencies toward narcissistic behavior, therapy can help you look at things differently.

According to a small 2017 review of case studies, people who have NPD experience significant social problems and multiple medical conditions, so its worth seeking help.

Also, what appears to be narcissistic behavior could very well be due to another condition. Other causes of similar symptoms include:

NPD doesnt always present the same way. A broad spectrum may exist that includes covert narcissism and malignant narcissism. A qualified doctor or therapist can help determine the best approach.

If youre ready for change, now is the time to take that first step toward improving your life.

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What Therapy for Narcissism Involves: Steps and What to Expect - Healthline

Joe Judd, joe.judd@pioneergroup.com

Detroit Lions quarterback Matthew Stafford (9) walks off the field during the second half of an NFL football game against the Green Bay Packers, Sunday, Dec. 13, 2020, in Detroit.

Detroit Lions quarterback Matthew Stafford (9) walks off the field during the second half of an NFL football game against the Green Bay Packers, Sunday, Dec. 13, 2020, in Detroit.

Detroit Lions quarterback Matthew Stafford (9) walks off the field during the second half of an NFL football game against the Green Bay Packers, Sunday, Dec. 13, 2020, in Detroit.

Detroit Lions quarterback Matthew Stafford (9) walks off the field during the second half of an NFL football game against the Green Bay Packers, Sunday, Dec. 13, 2020, in Detroit.

An open letter to Lions fans everywhere: I'm always on your side

Im not a Detroit Lions fan and never have been despite living in Michigan for a majority of my life.

I know it probably sounds like an easy cop out, but Ive just never been drawn to them, even though pretty much anyone close to me is such a die-hard fan of the Honolulu Blue particularly my dad.

For as long as I can remember, Ive always wanted them to be successful, and my soft spot for the team and its fans has swelled to gargantuan proportions.

It would be far too easy for me to openly giggle at their futility on Sundays (and the occasional Monday night) while my dad sits in fury just a few short feet away.

Dont get me wrong, I have a few times before when I was much younger and less mature than I am now.

But now after looking back at the various forms of futility put on display both on the field and in the owners box and having a front-row seat to it all has given me frustration by proxy.

Year after year, season after season, no matter what takes place over the course of 17 or so weeks, the end result is always the same.

As an outsider looking in, its something you come to expect each season and maybe some Lions fans feel the same way, but for the most part, there is genuine hope and excitement with the onset of a new training camp every summer, and it never wavers.

Thats why I have more respect for Lions supporters than I do any other fanbase in the league.

Ill stop you right there before you say Im biased on the matter; I also spent a fair amount of my childhood in Ohio, where I had no choice but to watch the Bengals and Browns fumble their way through the late 90s and early 2000s, so I am no stranger to football misery.

To me, I just feel like there is slightly more humility and self-awareness to Lions fans that puts them in a special place in my heart.

When I see someone out in public wearing some type of Lions gear, I cant help but think of my dad and how happy hell be when they hoist the Vince Lomardi trophy one day, because its going to happen.

All the years of frustration and colorful language directed at the television from Mr. Judd, much to the chagrin of Mrs. Judd, will one day be worth it and Ill get a first-hand view of happiness.

To be a Lions fan is to be an extremely committed, hopefully optimistic individual and I mean no disrespect whatsoever in saying this because I truly mean it as a compliment.

Okay, so maybe there is a little bias here; you caught me.

Can you blame me though?

Joe Judd is a reporter for the Pioneer. He can be reached at Joe.Judd@pioneergroup.com.

Read the original here:
An open letter to Lions fans everywhere: I'm always on your side - The Pioneer

PITTSBURG, Kan. Its been said painting helps people of all ages tap into their creative nature, creating art while putting aside their anxiety and fears.

A Crawford County man, Steven Humeida, is putting this art theory to the test not only in his own life but in the lives of children he comes into contact with in his role as a case manager for the Childrens Program at the Crawford County Mental Health Center.

Humeida has created a program involving art as a mental health treatment for children with behavioral health issues. Known as the Friday Art Club, the club is made up of smaller groups of children ranging from kindergarten to high school.

We do it on Friday nights because the kids have been in school all week, experiencing stress especially now during the pandemic, Humeida said. Its nice for them to relax and be themselves. Its very therapeutic and relaxing.

Getting started

The COVID-19 pandemic plays a role in Humeidas foray into art. Last summer, he and his wife, Kim, found themselves watching reruns of Bob Ross Joy of Painting each evening.

When Kim found a really nice art set for only $30 on a buy/sell/trade marketplace, the pair decided to give painting a try.

It was suggested to her to try to get into it, he said. I was sitting there, and thought I might as well do it with her.

The Bob Ross shows soon expanded into Pinterest ideas and YouTube videos. As they discovered new techniques, additional tools were added to their collection.

Humeida likes doing landscapes, starting first with sunset and sunrise images, then experimenting with different trees. He jokes the couple can purchase a 10-pack of canvases and have them filled within hours.

Helping children

Humeida began to consider bringing art to his clients after he discovered how it helped him relax and put away the stress of work, bills and adulthood.

The American Art Therapy Association states art therapy, or the use of art media and the creative process, helps clients explore their feelings, reconcile emotional conflicts, foster self-awareness, manage behavior and addictions, develop social skills, improve reality orientation, reduce anxiety and increase self-esteem.

For Humeida, art gives him a way to talk with students and help them not only build their creative side, but also find ways to work through behavioral issues, attention deficits and anxiety, among other issues.

Its amazing how the kids focus on it and really enjoy it, Humeida said. The last question they ask at the end of Art Club is what will we do next time.

Humeida uses the club as an incentive for good behavior. Students earn a spot in a Friday session based on reports from their parents and teachers.

Sometimes kids just need reminders of what they are looking forward to doing, Humeida said. It helps them follow directions, because they are trying hard to work towards a goal of earning a place in the art club.

Humeida said art has opened doors for students to talk with their parents and other adults, especially when they have a chance to show off a piece of their art on display.

Art allows kids to express themselves and be who they want to be, Humeida said. Its a fun way to work on their skills, plus its just relaxing. Its a fun way to work (on things) besides just sitting and talking to each other.

Art is also important, Humeida said, because its something that can be completed during the pandemic, unlike sports or other things which have been canceled because of social distancing requirements.

Its an extra thing, so kids have somewhere to go of their own, Humeida said. Personally, art has taught me patience. I paint a lot of nature scenes, its taught me to look at nature differently, to see a little more and to pay attention. It also gives me a way to forget everything related to work, bills, etc.

The art club sessions are geared toward all students receiving help from Crawford County Mental Health Services. Projects organized by Humeida began with painting on canvas. It has grown to include new techniques such as wood burning, marbling and pouring. During the Christmas season, Humeida helped students create their own ornaments.

Hes also teamed up with Michael Brennon, the Nature Preserve land coordinator, to incorporate some unusual mediums into the art club projects.

The Nature Preserve is a 40-acre property under development designed to give clients the healing benefits of nature in conjunction with traditional mental health therapies.

Humeida said the Nature Preserve has been instrumental during COVID-19 for patients to continue to receive mental health treatment in a safe, socially distant environment.

Using wood for projects allows students to find a piece of wood for their next project during a visit to the preserve. Most are created using round discs cut from fallen branches or limbs; however some students have used large pieces of bark as their medium.

While Humeida has a small budget to purchase art supplies, some of the funding has come from his pocket. The results make the efforts worthwhile.

I see a lot of positives, Humeida said. Students have positive interactions, manage their anxiety better and are able to focus. You start seeing I cant do this, into something they can do.

This builds more confidence in the students and helps them have a better self esteem. Art is fun, therapeutic and fun for me.

Did you know?

Art supplies may be dropped off at 411 E. Madison St., Pittsburg, Kan. Monetary donations may be made online at http://www.crawfordmentalhealth.org/donate-now. Crawford County Mental Health Center provides services to residents of Crawford County without regard for ability to pay and according to a sliding fee scale.

Excerpt from:
Using art to help kids tap into their creative side - Joplin Globe

Published Dec 14, 2020 2:00pm

Updated Dec 14, 2020 2:00pm

Many students reflect on 2020 and how this year has affected them. Students at the University of Arizona enjoy a social distanced picnic beside Old Main on Monday, Sept. 28, 2020.

Published Dec 14, 2020 2:00pm

Updated Dec 14, 2020 2:00pm

Looking back on this year, it is undeniable that people now are living through historical moments that will be recognized generation after generation. University of Arizona students look back now, reflecting on the impact 2020 had on their lives.

A multitude of students have come to realize and understand more about themselves and their mental health during 2020, making it one of the most common points of growth throughout the year.

Jade Salmon is a senior of the honors college at the UA and has noticed immense personal growth since the start of January.

This year has taught me that not only is it okay to have free time, but its necessary. I used to think being busy full-time made me a good student and person but having to stay home and tone down my schedule has been amazing for my mental health, said Salmon in an email. Ive gotten to delve into my hobbies, nap, and just relax without feeling guilty. Im on the best terms Ive ever been with myself, despite 2020 being a very messy year.

This year has brought upon much introspection as mental health and self-awareness have been the most prominent areas of progress students have recounted throughout the year.

Wendy Waltrip, a UA student studying creative writing, discussed her 2020 growth and how she now understands more about herself and her mental health than last year.

2020 taught me that its okay not to be available to everyone 24/7 and that I need to take time for myself. I learned that I was wearing myself out by constantly replying to messages on social media and email and that that isnt healthy for my mental health. I now know to take breaks when I need them and that I can be much more open about my mental health with others, Waltrip said in an email. I started going to therapy this year for my anxiety, and that was one of the best decisions I made all year because I feel like Im much more relaxed and myself now. Basically, I learned to put myself and my mental health first.

Destiny Ruiz is a communication major at UA, who understands the importance of mental health and creating a space for herself where she can prioritize it.

For me its the year for not apologizing and having boundaries with everyone. Including family," Ruiz said in an email.

Ruiz went on to illuminate how the year brought about new beginnings for her and her sexuality.

I also came out a year ago and so 2020 was seriously the first year I was able to be myself and not feel like I had to tiptoe around people," Ruiz said.

Asia Raymor, a UA student studying criminal justice, has had her share of hardships during 2020 and discusses the lessons she has learned over the course of the year.

2020 has taught me that its okay to ask for and receive help. With a year full of struggle, its been very eye-opening to see how we are all so similar when it comes to mental health, finances, etc. and those who have the resources and capacity to give help, they are more than willing to, Raymor said in an email. Ive learned that its not embarrassing to reach out when youre feeling down people appreciate it and it also lifts a weight off of your shoulders when done.

The most important lessons are taught during times of hardship and 2020 has provided the world with a multitude of struggles. Despite the pain it has brought, it is incredible to see how UA students are making what they can of a challenging year, acknowledging their growth as they work to improve the state of the world.

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What 2020 has taught us - The Daily Wildcat - Arizona Daily Wildcat

Eleven University of Western Australia research projects have received a combined $15 million in funding, including a project aimed at enhancing the wellbeing of Aboriginal young people through activities with horses.

The National Health and Medical Research Council Ideas Grants were announced today by Minister for Health, the Hon. Greg Hunt MP.

UWA Professor Juli Coffin (who is also a researcher with Telethon Kids Institute) will lead a $2.5 million project working with horses and using Equine Assisted Learning (EAL) to promote the social, emotional and spiritual wellbeing of Aboriginal young people.

Through EAL, participants will learn important life skills such as building relationships, problem solving, communication, self-awareness, and regulation of emotions.

The program is already under way in Broome following a successful pilot in Geraldton, with the team planning to implement and evaluate it in multiple sites across the Kimberley.

Our intervention delivery approach has been co-developed alongside Aboriginal communities and is underpinned by Aboriginal leadership, cultural governance, and the use of trauma-sensitive and culturally secure research methods, Professor Coffin said.

Findings will build an evidence base that informs policy and practice, by gaining a comprehensive understanding of key intervention elements of social and emotional wellbeing support for Aboriginal youth, how to incorporate Aboriginal worldviews across different stages of interventions, and how to best capture impact using culturally secure methodology.

Full list of grant recipients

Chief investigator: Professor Julianne Coffin (UWA/Telethon Kids Institute) Professor Donna Cross, Professor Helen Milroy, Professor Cheryl Kickett-Tucker, Mr Rob McPhee, Ms Lesley Nelson, Mr John Jacky, Ms Abby-Rose Cox Project: Working with horses to promote the wellbeing of Aboriginal youth: an experiential learning approach for the Kimberley Funding: $2,516,797

Chief investigator: Professor Daniel Fatovich (UWA/Harry Perkins Institute of Medical Research) Doctor Jessamine Soderstrom, Professor Andrew Dawson, Associate Professor Sam Alfred, Associate Professor Shaun Greene, Doctor Katherine Isoardi, Doctor Laura Pulbrook, Doctor David McCutcheon, Doctor Francois Oosthuizen, Professor Nadine Ezard Project: Drugs Network of Australia: a coordinated toxico-surveillance system of illicit drug use in Australia to enable rapid detection and harm reduction responses via an early warning system Funding: $3,722,730

Chief investigator: Professor Ruth Ganss (UWA/Harry Perkins Institute of Medical Research) Doctor Anna Johansson-Percival, Doctor Louise Winteringham, Doctor Jiulia Satiaputra Project: Therapeutic induction of tertiary lymph nodes in cancer Funding: $995 010

Chief investigator: Winthrop Professor Karol Miller (UWA) Professor Toby Richards, Professor Paul Maria Parizel, Professor Adam Wittek, Doctor Nicola Gray, Doctor Luke Whiley, Associate Professor Jens Ritter Project: Biomechanics meets Phenomics: towards understanding and predicting abdominal aortic aneurysm disease progression Funding: $1,324,897

Chief investigator: Dr Gianina Ravenscroft (UWA/Harry Perkins Institute of Medical Research) Associate Professor Robert Bryson-Richardson, Professor Nigel Laing, Professor Sandra Cooper, Doctor Mark Davis, Professor Monique Ryan, Professor Phillipa Lamont, Doctor Macarena Cabrera-Serrano Project: Novel genomic approaches to identify the missing genetics underlying skeletal muscle disease Funding: $1,935,964

Chief investigator: Professor Daniel Green (UWA) Doctor Andrew Haynes, Associate Professor Joanne McVeigh, Doctor Louise Naylor, Professor Graham Hillis, Professor Keith George Project: Identifying the optimal age to apply physical activity interventions to improve heart health Funding: $852,000

Chief investigator: Dr Benjamin Mullin (UWA) Associate Professor Elin Grundberg, Associate Professor Kun Zhu, Doctor Jordana Bell, Associate Professor Brent Richards Project: Analysis of the osteoclast methylome for characterisation of epigenetic mechanisms underlying metabolic bone disease Funding: $299,018

Chief investigator: Dr Lea-Ann Kirkham (UWA/Telethon Kids Institute) Associate Professor Peter Richmond, Doctor Alma Fulurija Project: First-in-human evaluation of a novel immunobiotic to prevent respiratory infection Funding: $1,180,080

Chief investigator: Professor Livia Hool (UWA) Professor Filip Van Petegem, Doctor Evan Ingley, Doctor Helena Viola Project: Integrating biology and medicine to develop 3D-structure guided drug design for treatment of cardiovascular diseaseFunding: $978,832

Chief investigator: Dr Aron Chakera (UWA/Harry Perkins Institute of Medical Research) Associate Professor Timothy Inglis, Dr Kieran Mulroney, Ms Angela Jacques, Professor Suzanne Robinson Project: Culture-independent microbiology: reducing delays in the diagnosis of severe infections and detection of antimicrobial resistance from days to hours Funding: $949,589

Chief investigator: Associate Professor Kathy Fuller (UWA) Professor Wendy Erber, Doctor Henry Hui, Professor Jan Dickinson Project: Precision molecular diagnostics of single cells by imaging flow cytometry Funding: $875,110

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$15 million in funding to support health and medical research - University News: The University of Western Australia