Episode Summary:
In this heartfelt episode, I sit down with Amanda Bush, a yoga practitioner in residence with Arts in Medicine at Shands UF Health in Gainesville, Florida. Together, we explore Amanda’s vision of bringing yoga and mindfulness practices into middle schools to help students better cope with stress and challenging situations. Drawing on her extensive experience as a middle school educator, Amanda discusses the emotional landscape of adolescence, the potential benefits of integrating yoga and mindfulness into school curriculums, and the obstacles educators face due to underfunding and overburdened staff. The conversation is deeply personal, with both of us sharing our experiences as parents and educators, and it highlights the transformative power of art and movement in healing and supporting young people.

Topics Discussed:

• Amanda’s background in yoga, community outreach, and education
• The unique challenges faced by middle schoolers and the lack of coping resources
• How yoga and mindfulness can provide critical tools for emotional regulation
• Amanda’s experiences implementing yoga and movement workshops for youth
• Barriers to integrating programs like this into schools, including funding and teacher burnout
• The potential for empowering teachers with mindfulness strategies
• Personal stories of transformation through yoga and meditation
• Amanda’s next steps in making her vision a reality

Key Takeaways:

• Middle schoolers are often in emotional limbo, facing adult-level stress without the necessary tools
• Mindfulness and movement can help students manage anxiety, increase self-awareness, and improve resilience
• Making these practices part of the school day (not just after school) would increase accessibility and long-term impact
• Teachers are overwhelmed and underfunded, but can be a powerful ally in supporting student well-being if given the right resources
• Amanda’s work is ongoing, and she aims to expand access and education in this vital area

About the Guest:
Amanda Bush is a yoga practitioner, educator, and community outreach facilitator. She is passionate about integrating yoga and mindfulness into education to support the holistic well-being of young people.

Find Amanda:

• Website: elevatedyogaandwellness.com
• Instagram: @elevatedyogaandwellness and @amanda.elevated.yoga

About the Host:
Pam Uzzell is the creator and host of Art Heals All Wounds, a podcast spotlighting artists whose work brings healing, understanding, and transformation to individuals and communities.

Resources Mentioned:

• Shands UF Health, Gainesville, Florida
• Girls Place (summer camp)
• Breathe for Change (yoga teacher training program focused on educators)

How to Support the Show:

• Follow Art Heals All Wounds on your favorite podcast app
• Leave a five-star rating or review
• Reach out via arthealsallwoundspodcast.com

Credits:

• Music by Ketsa and Lobo Loco
• Podcast editing by Iva Hristova

Thank you for listening! Be sure to connect with Amanda Bush for updates on her journey and the evolution of mindfulness in education.