Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Danielle Green. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Hi Danielle, really happy you were able to join us today and we’re looking forward to sharing your story and insights with our readers. Let’s start with the heart of it all – purpose. How did you find your purpose?
I found my purpose, as Bob Ross used to say, by “a happy accident.” As a teacher in pre-school, we covered a weekly unit on healthy habits. I worked with our class identifying healthy foods, exercise, and mindful breathing. In addition to slow, deep breathing I taught a simple mantra (meaningful phrase for the mind), for the kids to say while touching their thumbs to each finger at each word. (Peace begins with me). The kids loved this practice, and to my surprise once we completed the unit, they continued to ask daily for ‘meditation’.
This simple 15-minute practice was deeply profound for me to witness. I loved seeing these little ones learn how to regulate their emotions by taking deep, slow breaths, and proclaim that “peace begins with me.” In addition to breathing and mantras I added singing bowls, scent jars, and kids’ mantra cards. I started getting emails and pictures from families over the weekend expressing their amazement when their 4- or 5-year-olds would simply go to a quiet space and begin breathing and reciting “peace begins with me.”
By the end of the school year, I had a class of 20 students ranging in age from 3.5 – 5 years old sitting meditating in silence for 5 full minutes then transitioning into a daily mantra. I thought… ‘if we start this practice for all children and their caregivers, what a difference this will make for the child’s well-being, as well as how our society will change as these children grow.
Let’s take a small detour – maybe you can share a bit about yourself before we dive back into some of the other questions we have for you?
I left pre-school in the summer of 2023. My goal is to continue teaching children and adults of all ages how to be mindful, begin a meditation practice, and utilize different modalities of creativity. Children and adults alike sit with all kinds of emotions. Utilizing art, creative writing, and journaling helps take the emotions we feel and physically put them somewhere outside of us. Once these feelings are expressed it creates healing within us. These tools are coping strategies that assist us through the rolling tides of life.
When I positively impact just one child or one adult with healthy coping skills to maneuver through life’s challenges, I am grateful that I took the risk of starting my business.
Since September of 2023, I have provided private sessions for families looking to have a tailored practice and art sessions specific to their needs. I offer workshop sessions at schools, libraries, hospitals, senior centers, etc. What sets my practice aside from typical meditation classes is a greater expansion of knowledge. “Mindfulness” and “meditation” are becoming ‘buzz’ words in doctors’ offices, apps, and social media. My approach is gentle, and I spend a good part of our first session reassuring participants of the nuances around meditation and mindfulness.
In addition, I create a place of complete acceptance where everyone feels comfortable practicing. You don’t have to worry about doing it wrong…you don’t have to empty your head or feel like you can’t practice because the mind races…you don’t have to be the best artist, or sit in a perfect Lotus position. One of the biggest touch points I stress is that even after you learn how to use the tools, and have a good practice underway, in times of great stress, you’re not always going to want to use what you’ve learned. It’s going to take discipline and will to self-regulate –especially in a fight or flight response. I know this because it still happens to me. We are all human; we all need practice. The more transparent I am the more people are willing to take a chance and trust what I’m authentically teaching them. We never stop being students of the practice. Even the most seasoned teachers can have an unproductive mediation session.
In many ways, children are easier to teach because they are learning something new with no ingrained bias. Adults have a history of memories that may come into their quiet minds. Children can express in-the-moment emotions through art. Adults may use their art or writing to help process old feelings from past wounds or trauma. It’s a personal journey for each person. However, with consistency, clients have become aware of behavior changes in themselves and in their children.
If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?
Looking back on my personal journey, one main area that has served me well is learning who I truly am when I am my most authentic self. Once you decide to invest in your personal development, self-worth, and well-being, the need to rely on others for validation becomes a nonissue. Much of the confidence it took for me to leave my regular teaching position came from trusting myself. When you trust yourself completely, fear is an illusion, and failure isn’t optional.
Passion has also made my journey a labor of love. I am motivated every day with passion and purpose to make positive change in the world as it exists. I believe wholeheartedly in reaching as many people as possible, sharing what I’ve learned, and striving to make a difference. It’s what gets me out of bed in the morning. If there is anyone thinking about a career or starting a business, I’d suggest finding something that speaks to your heart and soul.
Lastly, practice compassion. Everyone is on their own path. Some people have not shared the same experiences as you. Understanding that it’s never personal helps navigate what you’re trying to bring into fruition. Many people in my orbit have shared concerns about my endeavors. I focus on knowing myself, having passion, and understanding that some people may approach this practice from a place of fear. It’s important to respect where everyone is on their personal journey. Everyone moves at their own pace. The hope is, as we move forward, that more people will look at creative mindfulness and meditation as helpful tools they can utilize daily.
How can folks who want to work with you connect?
Moving forward on my journey, I would love to collaborate with individuals that have knowledge regarding different healing modalities, as well as creating a positive presence helping others. I’d like to share my knowledge, so more individuals have a way to help themselves walk with greater confidence on their personal path. Living in today’s society carries a lot of pressures. We can come together and teach people the value of healing over the pursuit of perpetual busyness or being constantly locked on technology. It is my sincerest hope to create more awareness within societies that are centered and in touch with themselves. By doing so, we can continue to create future peace makers. Not only for ourselves, but also for generations to come.
If anyone is looking to connect, please feel comfortable reaching out via email or website.
email: [email protected]
Website: www.practiceyourzen.com
Contact Info:
- Website: www.practiceyourzen.com
- Instagram: danielle_green_mindfulness (business) danielleg8888 (professional art)
Image Credits
Group Class Photo Credit goes to: Dancing Center Unlimited MA
