Nancy Neal has been teaching
meditation and stress management classes to teenagers since the early 90’s.
As a teacher at an area JVS, she
was asked about the source of her creativity by her graphic arts students.
She explained to them the concept of meditation as a tool to tap into
creativity on a subconscious level. Her students were interested in
learning more about meditation. With permission from a school supervisor,
Nancy taught her first meditation class to teenagers. (Thank You, John!)
Interest has increased greatly
since that first class. Students named her program “Mrs. Neal’s
not-so-conventional meditation class for teens.” This unique program grew
from their questions, curiosity, and eagerness to learn.
In addition to the JVS and The
Earth’s Center in Tipp City, Nancy teaches at area Juvenile Detention and
Youth Centers. As a volunteer for the Mental Health Association of Miami
County, she presents their stress management programs to teenagers, always
adding her personal touch. She has presented her unique teen-oriented class
to students at junior high and high schools, church youth centers, community
centers, and at many other locations in the area. Nancy’s program is
frequently requested by teachers and other community and youth leaders who
recognize the value in this safe and natural stress management technique.
Nancy’s students respond
well to her, and to the meditation class. Self-respect, personal
responsibility, and self-control are always encouraged in her class. Nancy
states, “I always stress to
my students that it is their choice to participate to their level of
comfort. God gives us free will; I don’t take that away. Many of my kids
have no control over anything in their lives. I really stress the fact that
they are in control throughout this entire experience.”
The majority of the classes Nancy
teaches are offered free of charge to students who wish to attend. Her
faith in this program, and her passion to help students find their personal
path, led her to the decision to offer to her students in court-ordered
juvenile centers a free copy of her CD to encourage them to continue with
their practice of meditation.
Lesson plans in her classes
include the Mind-Body Connection, the Teenage Brain, Meditation as a form of
Prayer, Health and Nutrition, Stress Response/Relaxation Response, etc. All
classes end with a 20-minute guided meditation.
With an eclectic background in
Theology, Psychology, and Graphic Design, Nancy incorporates the Divine
gifts we all possess, the power of the subconscious mind, creative thinking
and expression, and safely managing stress, in this unique class she
conceived, created, and specifically designed for teens.
