MINDFULNESS AS A NON-PROFIT

Welcome to the world of Yikes Yoga, Inc., a community based 501(c)(3) non-profit organization based in Prince George’s County, Maryland. Our mission is to inspire and nurture the development of youth and adult mental and emotional wellness and awareness through evidence-based mindfulness, yoga and trauma-informed practices in schools and community-based organizations.

“In the United States, 34.8 million children ages 0-17 experience adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) that could severely harm their future health and well-being.”

-National Institute for Children’s Health Quality.

As the United States approached 2.5 years of the COVID-19 pandemic, mental illness and the demand for psychological services were at all-time highs - especially among children.

-American Psychological Association

Research shows that mindfulness improves cognitive outcomes, social-emotional skills and aids in an overall well-being.

  • Mindfulness is the practice of teaching how to be fully present and engaged in the moment, how to be aware of one’s thoughts and feelings without judgement and how to be responsive to one’s environment in a thoughtful way.

  • Cognitive Development: Mindfulness helps improve focus and concentration, enhances learning and problem-solving skills. It boosts memory and cognitive flexibility which helps with adapting to new situations more effectively.

    Emotional Regulation: Mindfulness helps recognize and manage emotions. Through self-awareness, impulses can be controlled to reduce reactive behaviors allowing the ability to handle stress and anxiety more effectively.

    Social Skills: Mindfulness fosters empathy and compassion which are crucial skills in social interactions. Learning to pay attention to others' feelings and perspectives enhances the ability to communicate and cooperate with peers.

    Physical Health: Regular mindfulness practice improves physical health by reducing stress and promoting relaxation. This can lead to better sleep, improved immune function, and overall well-being.

    Self-Awareness and Identity: Mindfulness helps develop a stronger sense of self. Becoming more attuned to one’s thoughts and feelings helps understand one’s identity and values.

  • By integrating mindfulness into their daily lives, children are equipped with tools to thrive in all areas of life, promoting a well-rounded development. Being able to recognize their thoughts and feelings without judgment provides the mindset for them to address their thoughts and feelings with responsive reactions vs. reactive reactions.

At Yikes Yoga, we are committed to fostering a world where mental and emotional wellness is a priority for all. Through our dedicated programs in schools and community-based organizations, we strive to create lasting impacts on both youth and adults by integrating evidence-based mindfulness, yoga, and trauma-informed practices into daily lives.

  • Specialized workshops and events focused on varying aspects of wellness, such as stress management, mindfulness, and physical health.

  • Workshops for school staff and educators on mindfulness and trauma-informed practices to enhance their skills in not only supporting student well-being but their well-being as well.

  • Opportunities for parents and guardians to participate in special sessions to extend the benefits of mindfulness and emotional learning beyond the school.

  • Our programs are specifically designed to foster resilience, mindfulness, and emotional regulation, which are crucial for youth facing the complexities of today’s world.

  • Tailored to fit the unique needs and schedules of your school or organization, integrating seamlessly into your existing wellness or educational programs.

  • Ongoing support and resources to maximize the benefits of the program for your community.

In the United States, more than two thirds of children reported at least one traumatic event by the age of 16.

-Substance Abuse And Mental Health Services Administration

We envision a future where every school and community organization has the resources to support the mental and emotional health of their members through proven, compassionate practices. By expanding our reach and deepening our impact, Yikes Yoga is setting new standards in wellness education, advocating for a world where mental health is universally nurtured.

Through our commitment to evidence-based practices and community collaboration, Yikes Yoga is not just an intervention but a movement towards a healthier, more mindful society.

Yikes Yoga’s Vision for the Future