Roots to Branches

Alternative Technology Education:

Blog For the past 3 years I have taken part in a sort of alternative education ‘experiment’ at 5 middle schools in a school district north of San Francisco. The premise of this experiment is that punishing students for failing subjects, for bad behavior in class and for truancy can only go so far. At...

Check out a new way to empower future leaders: https://drive.google.com/open?id=0B-wjzCyOvIVyRkJJVjZRQjRKcXc

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Great document on benefits of connecting kids with nature:

http://bit.ly/1VOv1CF

bit.ly http://bit.ly/1VOv1CF

In 1980 Mount St. Helens erupted. This natural event is regarded as the deadliest and most destructive volcanic blast in U.S. history. And yet, 31 years later, life has returned to the area in equally impressive force. What this shows is the resilient power of nature. We humans can learn so much from our environment. See newly released photographs here:

http://io9.gizmodo.com/a-stunning-example-of-natures-resilience-1450259093

A stunning example of nature's resilience The 1980 eruption of Mount St. Helens is regarded as the deadliest and most destructive volcanic blast in U.S. history. And yet, just thirty-three years later, life has returned to the area in almost equally impressive force, as newly released photographs illustrate.

Dream big and dream often, we are told. But what if we are so fearful we cannot even dream?

"What we fear most is that we will be denied the opportunity to fulfill our true potential," says Dan Pallotta in this amazing TED Talk. "Imagine living in a world where we simply recognize that deep, existential fear in one another — and love one another boldly because we know that to be human is to live with that fear."

Watch the video here: https://www.ted.com/talks/dan_pallotta_the_dream_we_haven_t_dared_to_dream?language=en

The dream we haven't dared to dream What are your dreams? Better yet, what are your broken dreams? Dan Pallotta dreams of a time when we are as excited, curious and scientific about the development of our humanity as we are about the development of our technology. "What we fear most is that we will be denied the opportunity to fulfill...

We're still hoping to secure a few more spots for our Summer Camps starting next Monday! Contact Us right away to get started!

Feeling overwhelmed by daily stress? Seek out nature. Its healing, restorative power can undo seemingly insurmountable problems. Not only that, being in nature is a great way to have fun with friends and family while building community. Read more here:

http://instituteatgoldengate.org/blog/children-and-resilience-healing-by-being-together-in-nature

Healing by Being Together in Nature Magical UCSF Benioff Children’s Hospital Oakland (CHO) Primary Care Clinic has partnered with the East Bay Regional Park District (EBRPD) to bring families to nature for health. The result has been, in a word, magical. Through the generosity of the Regional Parks Foundation, a Nature Shuttle takes p...

Deadline for registration is this Friday, July 1st! Help us spread the word by sharing this post! Contact us now to get started!

More info click here: https://rootstobranches.org/summer-camps/

Summer Camps Roots Summer Camps are offered to students that focus on building resiliency, providing positive mentor relationships and creating meaningful experiences. Summer Camp Overview Participants of our c…

Shame can devastate your mind and body, leading to depression and even su***de. On the other hand, it is possible to fight back through shame resilience. Here is a fascinating and deeply empowering TED Talk on the topic:

https://www.ted.com/talks/brene_brown_on_vulnerability?language=en

The power of vulnerability Brené Brown studies human connection -- our ability to empathize, belong, love. In a poignant, funny talk, she shares a deep insight from her research, one that sent her on a personal quest to know herself as well as to understand humanity. A talk to share.

Many people bounce back from trauma. Others never recover. Why? An interesting study into the roots of resilience looks into the long-term effects of stress and how to stay resilient.

http://www.nature.com/news/stress-the-roots-of-resilience-1.11570

Stress: The roots of resilience Most people bounce back from trauma — but some never recover. Scientists are trying to work out what underlies the difference.

Eastern philosophy and medicine emphasize body and spirit. When trauma occurs, the spirit is said to leave the body to avoid this experience. But what if humans suffer long-term through stress? What happens when we stop being present? We then need mindfulness to cultivate resilience:

http://www.acupuncturetoday.com/mpacms/at/article.php?id=33074

Healing Trauma: Cultivating Resilience and Presence Through Mindfulness, Part 1 Author: Thomas Richardson. Title: Healing Trauma - Cultivating Resilience and Presence Through Mindfulness, Part 1. Summary: All humans, by the very nature of being human, will experience moments of trauma and suffering.

Summer Camps and Nature Based Ritual: keys to reconnecting with yourself and the natural world

Summer Camps and Nature Based Ritual