Help GROWTHspring support Mindfulness First as I prepare to run in the Redwoods Trailfest event!
My name is Heidi Ligouri. I am Licensed Professional Counselor and Trauma Therapist. I am also a wife, a mom, and an athlete. Beyond all of that I am a woman with a commitment. I am committed to ending Emotional Suffering. The nonprofit organization, Mindfulness First, has been at work now for the last 10 years at teaching children and adults the practical skills and knowledge needed for lifelong mental health and wellbeing. Their central teaching pillars are trauma understanding, mindful awareness, and social and emotional life-skills. Their mission in aligned with my vision: the end of emotional suffering and peace of mind and being for all.
As a Licensed Professional Counselor and Trauma Therapist I have spent the last 24 years of my life dedicated to supporting individual and families with their mental health and wellbeing. At times, it feels like a mere drop in the bucket, at other times I get to stand beside my clients as they gain freedom from their emotional suffering. I love what I do! And I know there's more to be done. I can't do it alone and I am clear that though the work I do is necessary, it's not enough to end emotional suffering.
A few years ago I was engaged in an inquiry about what mental health had to do with creating a world of belonging. While in this inquiry, it became clear to me that there was no escaping empowering children around their mental health. I began to imagine a world where every child had the awareness of what it was like to breathe, what it was like to name a thought, to notice a thought, to distinguish between an emotion and a sensation, to trust and know that they could take a moment to themselves, that they could trust their emotions that they were empowered beings and could grant being to others... it brought me to tears. I reflected on my own life and upbringing, my own personal challenge as an adolescent with Anorexia Nervosa, and how different life could have been had I had these skills early on in my education. I was present to something and yet was unclear on what action to take and then I found Mindfulness First.
Take a moment and check out their website:
https://www.mindfulnessfirst.org/our-mission
Or take 10 min and watch this video to get a sense of the impact they are making:
https://youtu.be/cIR6rid8i8c?si=MeNZ5ZFnTUqgZKlk
I believe Mindfulness First is on to something. That they are paving the way to an empowered world with their programs and offerings.
Now why a race? Well, as an athlete, during COVID I took a break from my athletic pursuits. I let my body rest. I restored myself... all of this was wonderful and needed. That being said, since that time I have struggled to get moving again. I've known I have wanted my movement to serve a purpose and make a difference. Now it can.
For the Redwoods Trail Fest Event I have committed to raise money to support Mindfulness First by registering as a Charity Bib.
I have until April 30, 2025 to reach my goal of raising $10,000.
I am requesting your support in bringing Mindfulness to our basic education. Every donation makes a difference.
Thank you in advance for your contribution.
Sincerely,
Heidi
The Wander Project Tax ID number is: 83-1778644
