What is Mindful Mentoring?
Why Mindful Mentoring?
Navigating the journey from childhood to becoming a healthy, grounded, and loving individual is both exhilarating and often challenging.
While every parent strives to create a safe and nurturing environment for their kids to grow up in, the reality is that no parent can fulfil every need, especially during the tumultuous years of adolescence. This is where mentors step in – supportive, trusted adults who play a crucial role in ensuring that adolescents continue to seek guidance and support as they prepare to transition into the next phase of adulthood.
Mindful Mentoring is a unique and adaptable framework Mark has developed as he worked with young people for over 15 years.
The core4 elements of Mindful Mentoring are;
Mentoring Relationship
Foster a positive mentoring relationship grounded in shared outdoor experiences, fostering trust and connection.
Identify protective factors in the form of internal and external developmental assets. Leveraging the strengths of the individual and their community to enhance life experience.
Movement
Embrace the therapeutic benefits of spending time in natures’ beauty and tranquility, promoting mental and emotional well-being.
Participate in accessible physical activities like hiking, biking, and skateboarding to experience the benefits of moderate exercise while fostering a sense of accomplishment and adventure.
Making
Cultivate healthy creative expression through mediums such as drawing, poetry, and photography. Participants are encouraged to creatively explore life experiences, producing meaningful artefacts to share with loved ones.
Mindfulness
Provide psychosocial education to enhance participants' understanding of the intricate connection between mind and body, promoting holistic well-being.
Introduce mindfulness practices to support emotional regulation, enhance focus, and nurture a positive self-image, empowering participants to navigate life's challenges with resilience and clarity.
Could Mark be the right mentor for your client or child?
For over 15 years, Mark has dedicated himself to mentoring hundreds of young people. With experience in various educational roles, including chaplaincy, wellbeing coordination, and facilitating outdoor adventure programs, he brings a wealth of knowledge and compassion to his mentoring relationships.
Mark's training is multifaceted, beginning with a Bachelor of Theology with a focus on pastoral counselling. He furthered his qualifications by completing a Graduate Diploma in Teaching and obtaining his VIT teaching registration. Mark's commitment to helping young people thrive led him to pursue professional development in Positive youth development, Neuro-linguistic programming, and he recently achieved an Advanced Diploma in Meditation as lifestyle medicine, becoming an accredited Meditation teacher recognised by the Australian Meditation Association.
In addition to his mentoring expertise, Mark is passionate about physical activity. He is an accredited Level 2 skateboard coach, he enjoys surfing, mountain biking, and practicing Muay Thai. When he's not engaging in physical pursuits, Mark loves playing guitar, songwriting, and recording episodes for the Barku podcast.
Mark's diverse interests enable him to connect with young people on various levels. He understands that it's not just about the activities but also about approaching life with curiosity, playfulness, and faith, fostering authenticity and joy in every interaction.
If Mindful Mentoring sounds like a suitable support for a young person in your life and you reside in the Geelong or Surf Coast region, please reach out to discuss your requirements using the contact page.
