SOUTH EUCLID, Ohio -- The gap between struggle and solution can be small or wide. One secret ingredient in bridging that gap can be creativity.
Just as spring seems to provide a surprise around almost every corner -- a new bud opening, a happy tree basking in the sun -- in almost every one of our suburbs, creative ideas are blooming too.
Read on for some details. Then do some basking yourself!
“Go with the flow”: Recent research shows that first-year and female college students are especially at risk for high anxiety and low self-esteem.
And the annual Healthy Minds Study found that 44 percent of soon-to-be-graduates reported depression symptoms, 37 percent reported anxiety disorders and 15 percent reported having thought about suicide in the past year.
Such statistics are sobering for all of us.
As an important step to stem this tide, Flow Yoga Studio in Gates Mills maintains that yoga can help wellbeing -- both body and mind.
The studio is gifting one week of unlimited yoga to every 2024 high school or college graduate!
“There are no strings attached,”according to the press release.
Once the unlimited week is over, the graduate also may enroll in unlimited yoga for the entire summer (May 15 through Aug.15) at a reduced cost.
The gift week and discounted summer rates can be redeemed by emailing Flow Yoga or direct messaging the studio through its social media accounts.
Shannon Harrell, co-owner and lead instructor, said, “It’s important that we play our part in helping our community when we can -- no matter how small.”
Co-owner Kevin Ament observed, ”“The passion and creativity these young adults bring in and out of the studio makes us all stronger.“
In addition to this summer special, Kevin and Shannon also are planning body image and confidence-building workshops for teens and young adults.
Flow Yoga was purchased by its new owners in January. Since then, the couple has added new class formats and times, and doubled the teaching staff. More than 36 classes are offered each week.
From Hot Power and Heated Slow Burn to Light Heat Restorative, Vinyasa Basics and Sunday workshops, the studio provides yoga opportunities for each person at every level of capability.
Autism Acceptance Month: No two people are the same. For people dealing with the challenges of autism, there is still confusion, misconceptions and a need for information.
Explore the Autism Acceptance Library offered by the Ohio Center for Autism and Low Incidence (OCALI). This comprehensive resource hub focuses on individuals with autism spectrum disorder and their caregivers.
Don’t feel overwhelmed: “It’s as easy as A+B = C,” a slogan that serves as a mnemonic. In other words: “Access plus Belonging equals Community.”
This library offers a wealth of materials to foster inclusion and support within communities.
Students of integrity: The Better BusinessBureau® Serving Greater Cleveland has presented its Students of Integrity Awards to Greater Cleveland high school students who embody integrity through leadership, community service, academics and strong character.
One of our Hillcrest own is among the four award winners.
Amelia Russell, a Mayfield High School senior, was awarded a $1,500scholarship.
Along with running cross country and indoor and outdoor track, Amelia is involved in the French club and serves as captain of the Science Olympiad team at Mayfield High School.
Her leadership within the Science Olympiad team inspired her to develop the Science Olympiad Council, which helps increase student involvement in all grades.
When asked about her future, Amelia stated, “There’s a lot of things I want to do to leave the world a better place.”
Amelia’s kind disposition toward everyone she encounters has influenced those around her.
Public and private high schools within the BBB’s five-county service area participated by selecting their Student of Integrity, who in turn submitted an essay to the BBB.
“The Students of Integrity Awards program is one of several BBB initiatives that emphasize the importance of continually enhancing and focusing on character building in all aspects of one’s life, whether you are a high school student or a business leader,” said Sue McConnell, BBB president.
Congratulations, Amelia!
Spring cleaning: Does that phrase make you shiver? Think of it differently.
Just as winter ends a cycle of stockpiling, holding back and mainly prudent activity, springtime beckons us to “be generous.”
I have started weeding through my beloved books. They do take up space, and -- moreover -- they may be better utilized by someone else.
I am a bit of a packrat -- no, full disclosure, a major packrat -- and it’s time to let go of items of dubious usefulness.
That may mean parting with paper, but it also means a chance to recycle! Cherished clothes may go; but that means they may find a home in someone else’s closet!
I need to change my own mindset from “hold on tight” to “gently let go.”How about you?
Email works! Please keep me, and our seven-city Hillcrest area, posted on Hillcrest goings-on. Write to mariashinestewart@gmail.com.
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