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I'm sitting down with Tere Bowen Irish, an occupational therapist with over 45 years of experience who specializes in mindfulness and yoga, particularly for kids who don’t fit into traditional schooling. Tere's name kept popping up for her innovative work in blending occupational therapy, mindfulness, and movement—from music and books she's written to her continuing education efforts for OTs. Today, we'll unravel the true meaning of mindfulness, moving beyond the buzzword to show how it can help children (and adults!) manage anxiety, build attention skills, and connect more deeply with the present moment.
In this episode you'll hear about:
- Tere’s Background and Approach
- Tere’s experience as an occupational therapist (45+ years)
- Current work: private practice, teaching mindfulness and yoga to children, especially those struggling in public school settings
- Personal journey into mindfulness through yoga and certification as a kids’ yoga instructor
- Initial curiosity about mindfulness vs. meditation and influences
- Defining Mindfulness
- Reference to Jon Kabat-Zinn’s definition: purposeful awareness in the present moment, without judgment
- Tere’s personal understanding and evolution in practicing mindfulness
- Mindfulness for different ages
- Practical Approaches to Mindfulness for Anxious or Distracted Individuals
- Hands-on, co-active practice recommended
- Addressing perceptions and misconceptions
- Use of metaphors
- Gentle introduction with simple activities like listening to a bell, with options for howchildren participate
- Emphasis on comfort and emotional safety
- Engaging Children in Mindfulness
- Allowing children to process their experiences and respond naturally
- Using tactile exercises
- Avoiding rigid, prescriptive mindfulness (like mandatory class-wide videos)
- Positive role of interactive apps for teens (e.g., Calm, Ten Percent Happier)
- Visualization activities to engage kids’ senses and focus
- The Role of Senses and Memory in Mindfulness
- Using sensory experiences and recall
- Reference to Charlotte Mason’s educational philosophy
- Discussing the importance of “calling back” attention and deepening sensory engagement
- The Distinction Between Child and Adult Presence
- Illustrative cartoon: child present with surroundings, adult distracted by mental clutter
- Examples from Tere’s personal life
Links and Resources From Today's Show
Connect with our Guest, Tere Bowen-Irish
Tere Bowen- Irish has practiced Occupational Therapy in pediatrics and psychiatry for over 40 years. Through her business, All the Possibilities, she continues to provide treatment, assessment, and consultation for clients. Workshops for therapists, educators and parents are offered privately, or publicly on a variety of topics such as inclusion, child development, classroom management, behavioral challenges, executive function, and other topics relevant to the 21st century educational system. The focus is on a common sense, practical approach towards empowering educators and students to create a climate of learning, understanding and inclusiveness for all. Tere is also the creator/author of The Drive Thru Menu Suite of Exercises, which is an initiative to bring movement and mindfulness into today’s classrooms. She is a certified YogaKids teacher and a Certified Mindful Schools Instructor. She is the author of Yoga and Me, Come be a Tree and co-authored My Mindful Music with Mary Ann Harman. Feel free to contact Tere at tereirish@gmail.com
