"Doing this meditation class allowed me to be more concentrated and aware of myself, and just cope better with stress."
-Miklo Santiago, student
Our APPROACH
What We Do
Trauma-informed mindfulness is a powerful and essential life skill for people of all ages, as it can positively benefit their mental and physical development. Not only does it help to facilitate brain growth and learning, but it can also foster connection and community with peers during a crucial time in their lives. By engaging in mindful movement, people are able to develop more cognitive and physical awareness of their body, which can help to reduce stress and anxiety.
How We Do it
Social, emotional, behavioral, and academic needs are increasingly being addressed in non-traditional educational settings such as mindfulness-based programs. Specifically, our trauma-informed mindfulness-based programs and workshops provide partcipants with the tools and resources to navigate their emotions, thoughts, and behaviors in a healthy way.
Our programs focus on developing the whole person, addressing their social-emotional needs while providing tools and strategies to help them navigate the challenges of being a person of color in today's world.
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Students at Fremont High practice meditation, 2023
ICB Launches "Discovering Nature's Bliss, a Nature Day Outing Community Offering, 2023
Trauma-informed Programming
Benefits of Trauma-informed Mindfulness
Recent studies have shown that trauma-informed mindfulness can bring a range of benefits, including improved emotion regulation and self-awareness, reduced depression and anxiety, greater resilience to stress, improved cognitive performance and focus, and enhanced physical health.
Emotional Regulation
Trauma-informed mindfulness can also help individuals cultivate a sense of calm and relaxation, even in the face of overwhelming or painful memories. Research suggests that mindfulness meditation, which encourages people to observe their emotions and thoughts without judgment, can enable a person to manage their distress in a non-judgmental way.
Physical Benefits
Studies suggest that trauma-informed mindfulness can strengthen the connection between the body and mind. For example, some research suggests that mindful breathing exercises can help people become more aware of their physical sensations and regulate their emotional responses.
Developing Skills
Trauma-informed mindfulness can also help individuals develop healthier coping skills and practices for managing future traumatic events. By teaching people to be mindful of their emotions, behaviors, and physical sensations in the present moment — without judgment — they may become better equipped to face difficult situations with a sense of resilience and self-compassion.
Bring bliss to your space
ICB has developed evidence-backed programs to help people of all ages elevate their mindfulness.
For those working in stressful fields, such as education, health care, social services, and other care professions, stress management is not an option.
Our trauma-informed programs can be a day-long workshop, or last a span of 4 to 8 weeks, beginning with an introduction to the specific practice and closing with a graduation ceremony. Our programs are intended for community members of all ages and backgrounds.
8 week program
4 week program
1 day Workshop
Free Resources
Andre has been practicing meditation for over 10 years, and his meditations focus on mindfulness, breath work, and relaxation. He offers free guided meditations that are suitable to all levels. If you're looking for a way to reduce stress and improve your well-being, consider subscribing to "Meditations By Andre" via Youtube.
Debbie Toth
Director, Choice in Aging
The work Andre is doing is beautiful, and moving. Even more so once you get into the the "why" of it.
Anthony Mack,
School Psychologist, OUSD
"It gives another avenue for students to think about what's going on, and then do a body check of how they're feeling"
Charles E Kubly Foundation
We are so inspired by Andre and Inner City Bliss ! Such an awesome initiative that we hope to see in other areas of the country as well
