Mind Yeti: The Committee for Children's Mesmerizing Mindfulness Program

Mind Yeti: The Committee for Children's Mesmerizing Mindfulness Program

Have you heard of Mind Yeti, CFC's mindfulness program with its Yeti cartoon-like character who will help clear hubbubbles from kids and their adults' minds with its daily meditation practices both in the classroom and at home?  Touting its exciting possibilities in an almost half-hour webinar "Get Your Mind Ready with Mind Yeti for Schools" introduces a third grade classroom video where kids "take a moment to find their yeti bodies."  Its teacher too, along side of her pupils, leads the meditation.  And its students testify how great Mind Yeti is!
http://www.secondstep.org/webinars/mind-yeti-for-schools

Just who is Yeti?  Yeti is an ice-blue colored Sesame Street-like character that will help teach kids mindfulness.  And what is a yeti?  Well, a yeti is an ape-like creature said to reside in the Himalayan mountains.  Yes, the Mind Yeti creators have very cleverly used the yeti which some Buddhists worship, and whose costumes Buddhist monks use for religious ceremonies to lure youngsters into mindfulness meditation.  http://mysteriousuniverse.org/2016/01/the-yeti-whats-in-a-name/

In its webinar, CFC collaborators comment, while they haven't yet revealed Yeti's "back story," some children are sending in their own ideas.  However, the back story is that its origin is connected to Buddhism.  Even the YETI company with its drinkware carries a "Sherpa Cooler" named after
Tibetan Buddhists who worship the Himalayan peaks and who guide tourists on mountain treks.

And that's just the start of the story behind the so-called non-religious Mind Yeti, and its Buddhist connections.  Of Mind Yeti, and other such programs Judy Sklar Rasminsky from "Children with Challenging Behavior" in her article "Mindfulness, Children, and Teachers: The Sound of Silence" noted this: "Question:  What do hundreds of thousands of children worldwide have in common with Google employees, U.S. military personnel, the Seattle Seahawks, and the Boston Red Socks?  Answer: They all practice mindfulness.  No matter which mindful program or app is guiding them--whether it's Calm Classroom, Mind Yeti, MindUP, Mindful Schools, Quiet Time, Inner Kids, Kindness Curriculum, or one of the many other programs available-- it is sure to stem from the Buddhist tradition of meditation."
https://childrenwithchallengingbehavior.com/2017/06/20/mindfulness-children-and-teachers-the-sound-of-silence/

Mind Yeti's Connection to MindUP: Mind Yeti's Advisors

Now, Mind Yeti and MindUP are sort of "mindfulness cousins" for both programs have the very same advisors.  Who then are these experts that  have shaped both programs?  You can meet one of them along with MindUP's Goldie Hawn at the 2013  Heart-Mind Conference at the Dalai Lama Center.  Known as a "renowned expert in the field of social and emotion learning (SEL)" that advisor is Dr. Kimberly Schonert-Reichl who is a professor at the University of British Columbia, Ca. who has advised both MindUP and Mind Yeti among many other organizations.  A second lesser contributor of both programs from the same university is Dr. Molly Stewart Lawlor.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xW0L3_XVqS0eart-Mind
Kimberly Schonert-Reichl-Mindfulness as a Pathway (June 2013)

A BC "Mindfulness Petition.Ca" by Canadian Ray Chwartkowski clearly lays out the link between Dr. Schonert-Reichl and Buddhism and MindUP.  The petition quotes from a January 27, 2015 Vancouver Sun piece "Buddhist-Influenced Mindfulness Makes Kids Kinder and Better at Math, UBC Study Finds."  Of the study Schonert-Reichl said, "... They ... performed meditation and breathing exercises three times a day to help them focus on the present ....."  Chwartkowski also notes that this study and others on MindUP were funded by the Hawn Foundation.  In addition, he mentions that Schonert-Reichl herself received a grant from the Hawn Foundation for research, as well as advising MindUP.  http://mindfulnesspetition.ca/mindfulness-case-study-bias/

Later Kimberly Schonert-Reichl and Robert Roeser edited a Handbook of Mindfulness in Education Integrating Theory and Research into Practice (2016) of which a chapter titled "Mindfulness-Based Intervention and Social and Emotional Learning" may be read on line.  It states, "Mindfulness-based intervention (MBIs) are secular programs that employ practices from primarily Buddhist  contemplative traditions with the goal of development and well being (Cullen, 2011: Roeser, 2016)."  The chapter goes on to define "mindful awareness ... as an unbiased present-centered awareness that is accompanied by states of clarity, compassion, and equanimity (Kabit-Zinn 2003; Roeser 2013)." It continues, "Mindful awareness is cultivated through specific training techniques practiced with an attitude of open heartedness, during practice (Grossman, 2015)."  It adds, "Mindful awareness can be cultivated by practicing moment-to-moment awareness of objects, sensations, and emotions, accepting them as they arise without attempting to evaluate, change, or control the experiences."
(p.213)  The bottom line here is that mindfulness is Buddhist-based, and Buddhist-laced.
http://www.springer.com/us/book/9781493935048

Dr. Candy Gunther Brown in "Mindfulness Meditation in Public Schools: Side-Stepping Supreme Court Religion Rulings" discusses MindUP in depth and notes that the "core practice" of deep belly breathing and attentive listening (mindfulness meditation) is part of "... Goldie Hawn's agenda of getting Buddhist religious contemplative practice into the classroom by another name."

Goldie Hawn, with advisor Schonert-Reichl right beside her, at the Dalai Lama Center asserted she was going to get "the show on the road" for she had its "script written."  Of the script Gunther Brown says, "The MindUP 'script' tells the story that Buddhist mindfulness is really 'secular' neuroscience."  At that time,* Gunther Brown wrote Hawn's scientific members included one person-Kimberly Schonert-Reichel who was linked to "Buddhist Contemplative Care."

* MindUP's "Scientific Research Advisory Board now has three members: Kimberly A. Schonert-Reichl, PhD., Chairman; Robert W. Roeser, PhD., MSW, and Joshua L. brown, PhD.  Notice Roeser's current research involves "the area of contemplative education."  Whereas, the Mind Yeti Team consists of Committee for Children as its founder, and Dr. Schonert-Reichl as its advisor.  Its collaborators include: Dr. Molly Lawlor, Baby Octopus, Sudden Industries, Edmund Eagan, and Lynn Brunette.  https://mindup.org/thehawnfoundation/research-advisory-board/
https://www.mindyeti.com/about-us

Gunther Brown makes it clear that meditating on one's breath and present-moment sensations, cultivating non-judgmental awareness of passing thoughts and emotions, as does MindUp and Mind Yeti, trains the mind to perceive experiences and the notion of a 'self' as transitory.  She notes, "Right mindfulness--the seventh aspect of the eightfold path of Buddhism--alleviates ... suffering by detaching the mind from pursuing desires, avoiding dislikes, or worrying about the past or future.  Compassion toward others stems from realizing that everyone is really past of the same universal process, or Buddha nature."  For the rest of Gunther Brown's excellent article please go to:
https://www.huffingtonpost.com/candy-gunther-brown-phd/mindfulness-meditation-in_b_6276968.html

Mind Yeti Webinar's Mindfulness Expert: Brigid Normand

In a Mind Yeti Webinar video "national mindfulness expert"-- Bridgid Normand--is introduced to those inquiring about Mind Yeti.  Bridgid, part of the SEL Second Step team, states mindfulness is about "bringing your attention to the present moment with kindness and curiosity.  It's bringing a non-judgmental approach to every moment."  Normand goes on to say that Social Emotional Learning skills as empathy e.g., are different from mindfulness which she calls an "embodied experiential practice" focusing on one's breath.

Bridgid, a CFC presenter, put together a fifty-two part slide show touting the Second Step agenda (October 2017) with its vision of "Safe Children Thriving in a Peaceful World."  Its program boasts of serving 25,000 schools, 70 countries, and 10 million children.  And what does slide #50 suggest educators try out-- Mind Yeti--the perfect mindfulness program to practice along side of Second Step.
https://www.slideshare.net/Mentor_UK/mentoradepis-second-step-overview-parts-12

It's interesting to note that Bridgid gives mindfulness training at varying venues. One such venue was a Hestia Retreat at a Woman's Wellness Day called "Fuel Your Flame!"  Some of its sessions included Ayurvedic Healing, Shamanic Journey, Ignite Your Temple, Psychic Readings and more.  And this is a lady who is a Mind Yeti colleague as the webinar states.
http://vashonloop.com/article/hestia-retreat%E2%80%99s-annual-women%E2%80%99s-day-wellness

Free Mind Yeti Sessions: "Moments," and a "Power Portal" Plus More!

Mind Yeti tempts the mindfulness seeker--be it an educator or parent-- to try out fifteen free scripted
programs of its eighty-plus audio sessions to see how they work.  From the get-go Mind Yeti emphasizes that it is a program anyone can use with the click of a button.  Mind Yeti says also that the difference between it and other mindfulness programs is that in the classroom the teacher must model the meditation for the children.  To me the attractiveness of the Yeti itself with its swirl of thought hubbubbles circling about it makes this program even more alluring to kids.  Such is the cuteness of it that kids are saying: "Let's Yeti!"

Mind Yeti says, "Gongs are gone!" However, each session begins and ends with a distinctive sound.  If one signs up for its free sessions you can view its contents, and hear exactly how it works.    Moments includes: "Calm Down, Focus, Get Along,  Reset, Create, and Go to Sleep" sessions; while  The Power Portal includes: "Breath, Thoughts, Kindness, Gratitude, Body, Feelings, and Senses" sessions.  Hoping to lure you into signing on to the Premium sessions Mind Yeti gives you just a taste of different kinds of sessions for free.  Then, you must pay for more.  Most assuredly, mindfulness is a money making business for Mind Yeti.

Sample Mind Yeti Session Text:

"Calm Down" (Slow Breathing 2) begins with a hypnotic voice that says: "Hello! Welcome to Mind Yeti!  Notice your breath in your body can help you settle the hubbub and find a peaceful place.  Before we begin take a moment to find your yeti body.  Sit comfortably with your back straight and your feet or legs resting on the floor.  ...  Now, notice your breath.  Try to take a slow breath in and out.  Imagine you have a hot bowl of soup in front of you.  Slowly take a breath in through your nose and smell the soup.  Now, slowly breathe the air out through your mouth and blow on the soup to cool it down.  See if you can focus all of your attention on your breath.  If the hubbubbles bubble up that's all right, it happens to everyone.  Just notice it, and try to bring your attention back to your slow breathing.  Feel your body gently fill out like a balloon.  Feel your body empty and get softer as the breath moves out.  Take one last slow breath.  Let's reflect for a moment.  How does your mind feel?  How does your  body feel?  Notice if your mind and body feel a little calmer.  Any time you feel the hubbubbles bubbling up just stop, and take a few slow breaths.  When you are ready take one more breath, and bring your attention back to the room. (Time 3:40)*

*  I have emphasized words and phrases that these audio meditations repeat over and over in various sessions.  In summary, the mesmerizing voice, script, and screen all tie into the over-all meditative effect.  It's all about focusing on the body and breath.  It's all about feelings.  It's all about being controlled by the voice that imparts its suggestions and commands.  Ponder how many times young children during the course of their day, year, or years using Mind Yeti will hear this indoctrination over and over again embedding it in their minds producing hundreds of young meditators ready to go deeper.
https://ca01802636.schoolwires.net/Page/2423  (Audio samples.)

There's no mention of monkey chatter here, but instead one's bubble-like thoughts are all in a hubbub-- turmoil or uproar-- and to chase them away one must focus on one's breath, or body parts.  Testimonials on the Mind Yeti Blog abound.  One toddler mom writes in how she calmed her three year old toddler with the above "hot soup sessions."  Another mom Nancy Schatz Alton, in "Can We Yeti?  New Tool Makes Meditation Fun for Kids." (June 2016) tells how her nine year old was having trouble falling asleep so she opted to use adult meditation apps, but when she discovered Mind Yeti she could not wait to try it out.
https://mindyeti.com/blog/    https://parentmap.com/article/mind-yeti-meditation-parent-fuel
            
Committee For Children's "New Missions Venture" Mind Yeti

On the Mind Yeti webinar Mia Doces, Director of "New Missions Venture," boasts of this innovative program.  Truly, it has a "missionary-like agenda" to help CFC's push for well-being through social and emotional learning.  To see this mission-like zeal in action one need only read about the Austin Independent School District's James Butler, mindfulness specialist and activist, who might be called an evangelist for Mind Yeti.

Last April on the "Mind Yeti Blog", Butler wrote an article titled: "Mindful Leadership: Tips for Transforming Your School District Culture with Mind Yeti."  In his article Butler begins by saying that his vision is to see Mind Yeti to spread across the entire school district.  Therefore to get ready for Mind Yeti they must "Cast a Wide Net."  To do this Butler suggests one make mindfulness accessible, share the research, make it personal, and bring it to the community.  Introduce it, e.g., by using a Mind Yeti session such as "Hello Breath."  Emphasize it's based on brain science, not anything religious.  Get the staff on board with simple self-care suggestions.

Next, "Find Your Tribe"--those educators, staff, and parents who on board with mindfulness.  Recruit them.  They will soon spread mindfulness to all levels.  Begin your meeting with it.  Offer drop-off sessions for staff, family, and students at different schools.  Don't forget to practice at lunch meetings or district trainings.  To further mindfulness dissemination: "Make Use of Existing Systems and Structures."  Morning announcements are the perfect time to begin indoctrination.  Incorporate it into your Social Emotional Learning lessons.  Do it before tests.  Use it during transitions.  Set up a mindfulness room in a corner of your staff lounge, or even a closet. 

After "Empower Youth."  As mindfulness becomes embedded in the classroom encourage students--yes, even four year olds*-- to do peer-to-peer teaching.  Choose "Mindful Student Leaders."  Don't forget athletes: sports teams and superstar athletes should be the first to get this training.  Make being a "mindful leader" a classroom job.  Use science classes to hammer home it all about the brain, and not religion.  Lastly, "Remember, It Takes a Village," and if "your village" is engaged the kids will be doing mindfulness at school and as well as at home.  Try parent workshops, family nights, or family mindfulness sessions. Think what an amazing take-home tool Mind Yeti can be.  Open schools on weekends for additional Mind Yeti.
https://mindyeti.com/blog/

*  Butler, by the way, actually taught four year olds, designed his own mindfulness program, and wrote a mindfulness book before becoming the AISD Mindfulness Specialist.   Read here:
https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/2117830395/mindful-classrooms

In short, Butler, with missionary-like fervor, encourages everyone in AISD to seize every opportunity to spread Mind Yeti.  Imagine if this was a Christian practice, and folks were spreading it with like passion.  What outrage would occur.  Public Schools though have thrown out all connected with the God of the Bible, and now in need of something moral to grab hold of, they have replaced it with Buddhist-related mindfulness.  With recent school happenings there is even more reason why school districts just like Austin, Texas will turn to mindfulness.

Christian, Are You Ready for Mind Yeti?

Lighthouse Trails in their article: "Looking Back at 2017 and Pressing On In 2018" makes this poignant statement:  There are two outstanding words that describe the danger that children of America (and really throughout the world are in): transgenderism and mindfulness.  ...  To top it off, thousands of public schools in America are now teaching children mindfulness.  So between sexual and gender deviance from God's plan and occultic practices, how can children in America have a chance?!  Also tragic is how so many modern-day Christians are falling into step with the world by embracing these dangers and trying to make it look like God sanctions both."
https://www.lighthousetrailsresearch.com/blog/?p=27519

In light of this I would ask you the reader, are you ready for Mind Yeti, or other like programs?  If your children or grandchildren do not meet mindfulness at school, they are almost certainly going to encounter it at their jobs, the military, or elsewhere!  Thus, as Christians we must "take heed" to what Biblical meditation is, and teach your children, grandchildren, and others.  Sadly, though so many adults are asleep, and have not taken the time to reflect or look into how Biblical meditation differs from secular meditation.

Because "mindfulness" puts such emphasis on paying attention to the breath think about a Bible breath verse.  And no it is not doing slow breathing with a hot soup routine.  It is, however, using that breath to praise the Lord for Psalm 150:6 declares, "Let everything that hath breath praise the LORD.  Praise the LORD!"

Psalm 119 has a number of "meditation" verses urging one to pay careful attention to the Word.  Psalm 119:15 instructs "I will meditate in thy precepts (teachings)."  There's no formula to do this either such as sitting straight in a chair with feet on the floor, sitting on the floor with legs in a lotus position, closing one's eyes and fixing one's fingers, or focusing in on one's breath as I've noted Mind Yeti meditators doing.  Psalm 119:97 mentions "all the day meditation" when it says, "O how love I thy law!  It is my meditation all the day."  For at any time, or any place we can find a meditation occasion. 

Therefore, today is the time to encourage your children, grandchildren, and others to fill their minds with scripture, and to meditate upon them.  And with the Psalmist may we say: "How sweet are thy words unto my taste! yea, sweeter than honey to my mouth."  (Psalm 119:103)

Learn to Discern Granny Verses:  Ephesians 5:15,16

"See then that ye walk circumspectly, not as fools, but as wise.  Redeeming the time, because the days are evil."