Loving kindness can be one of the most transformational practices for individuals, and for societies at large. As a practice, it sounds like this: May I be loved. May I be cared for. May I be healthy. May my heart know peace. And then for someone you love: May they be loved. May they be cared for. May they be healthy. May their heart know peace.

Damithia Nieves lives a life informed by intentional practices. As Co-Director of Space Between, she helps facilitate human and school transformation through mindfulness practice. She is also a teacher, a mother of 4, and the founder of Thrive Centered, whose mission is to continue the work of decolonizing wellness and improving access to healing practices for BIPOC communities and youth. High school senior Gavin M. sat with Damithia to discuss Damithia's journey, creating space for mindfulness practice in students, and how we can foster wellness and inclusion in communities.

Presented by c89.5 in partnership with Seattle Children's, Coping 101 is an ongoing series led by students in Nathan Hale High School's Podcast Club. The project aims to destigmatize mental health from a teen's perspective, and is made possible with local support from The Community Foundation of Snohomish County, Hansmire Builders, Compass Health, and 4Culture. No matter our age or background we all face challenges, and there are healthy ways to cope. Get started with more episodes, and find community-relevant resources online at c895.org/coping101

• Space Between: www.spacebetween.community/our-story
• More about Damithia, and Thrive Centered: thrivecentered.com/
• This episode is made possible by The Community Foundation of Snohomish County: https://www.cf-sc.org/learn/who-we-are-what-we-do/