EDUCATOR TESTIMONIALS
Brooke Jackson, Principal
NYC Lab School for Collaboration
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"Agni Zotis, through her specific and overlapping method ranging from Mindfulness to Meditation to Visual Arts (multi-media) has added substantially and uniquely to our overarching project of Wellness and Emotional Safety for all our students. Agni’s approach is one of beautification of inner and outer spaces. This makes keen sense to our adolescents who want very much to be guided as they illuminate what’s going on inside and express in ways that are beneficial in the short and long term. With Agni as their trusted coach and facilitator, Lab students study and engage in various research-based methodologies of Mindfulness.
They paint, breathe, stretch, journal, meditate, practice active listening, design murals, and act as urban naturalists in downtown Manhattan. We very much see this piece of Mindfulness as an essential link in our approach to 21st Century education. Agni is a perfect fit for our school community as she recognizes this approach must be woven into the fabric of Lab—not a tag on or an afterthought. After all, being present in our bodies, in ourselves, in our communities, in our lives is the only way to change and grow. And, positive transformation—individually and globally--is the work of public education."
Heidi Slatkin, Teacher
NYC Lab School for Collaboration
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"I've invited Agni back to work with my 10th graders for five day workshop session, after working with her this past fall as well. Young people are always looking for philosophical and spiritual answers to their deep questions, but rarely know how to look inside, and struggle with self-knowledge. Agni's method of questioning to illuminate my students underlying big concerns, coupled with her presentation of ideas to shift perspective, and her method of meditation practice is well received by my students, and truly helps all of us be more loving and patient with one another, and with ourselves. I am thankful that my principal prioritizes the mental health of all our students in order to make room in the curriculum for this important long-term investment in their lives.I am the secret biggest learner in the room! I am reminded (even though I know - the gentle repetition is practice in habit) who I want to be, what I am triggered by, and how I can practice being my best self. I am more and more gentle with everyone, and also in some ways, more demanding in the long run. All by watching myself from a little bit of non judgmental distance".
Debra Lee, Educator
Coxsackie High School, Coxsackie NY
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“Through individual and personalized yoga and meditation sessions with Agni, I gained life-changing skills that improved both my physical and mental well-being. In her program, Agni leads her students to an increased understanding of the self through the practice of yoga, meditation, and breathing. By practicing with Agni, I was able to increase my physical strength, flexibility, energy, patience, decision making and the ability to tap into a sense of calm whenever I am experiencing a feeling of unease. Agni is a pillar of strength; a gentle and disciplined instructor dedicated to helping others access vital wellness tools for daily survival.”
Ben Newman, Teacher
LAB High School NYC
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"I loved our time. Agni was a great added resource to my Wellness classes. With her guidance my students learned about mindfulness skills and meditation practices which they were able to bring into all areas of their life. Thank you Agni for tapping into this critical area of need for my students!"
YOUTH TESTIMONIALS
Amanda, Senior
NYC Lab School
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“I think this class was very helpful and really taught me some life experiences and life lessons. I learned a lot of things like dealing with life and overcoming obstacles in my life. Many times we will not be happy and be very stressful, but we have to still live and overcome it. Things like breathing and clearing the mind help me a lot from removing stress from school and from life. I think it was a really good experience and helped me through my life.”
Jack, Senior
NYC Lab School
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"I definitely suffer from anxiety, and the breathing and meditation exercises have helped me a huge amount. That's really the key to my success. I loved to be able to go inside myself and learn to live and value each individual moment. Kids nowadays are too fast paced and I think that every school in the country deserves this."
Adrian, Senior
Binghanton University
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"Meditation is the best thing I've ever learned. If meditation were taught in elementary schools there would be monumental benefit to society. Meditation is key to understanding ones own mind, which is key to living a fulfilling life".
Rose, Junior
NYC Lab School
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"I learned a lot about myself; about choice, and about how experiencing emotions, good and bad is essential to being and feeling balanced and whole. I have also learned how to pick myself up and choose to feel good again."
Luring, Junior
Middle school
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“This class is very interesting I like learning what you have to say because it opens my mind to so many different ideas and possibilities. I like the physical activity very much because it makes me feel peaceful and refreshed at the end. I also love the meditation. I feel very connected to myself. Love”
Maurice, Senior
High School
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“I feel amazing and I'm expressing how important it is to connect with the inner workings of your higher self. Meditation has been very important to clear mental clutter of daily distractions. I appreciate the honesty and simplicity.”
Isabel, Sophomore
Middle School
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“I have learned more about how to connect with and understand my emotions. I sometimes struggle with controlling my emotions but these lessons have given me perspective on actions and reactions.”
Ryan, Sophomore
Middle school
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“When you are stressed, take a moment and breathe, stay with yourself. clear your mind, meditate.”
Wyatt, Senior
High School
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“I think it's essential to have a class where students can decompress and learn to control their emotions.”
Phoebe, Sophomore
Middle School
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“It helps me wind down at the end of the day, and helps me be aware of how I'm feeling and why.”
Harrison, Senior
Middle School
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“Thank you for the calming class that would allow me to clear my mind and remove other thoughts so I could think clearly and have a moment of peace.”
Jalissa, Sohomore
High School
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“This experience was very relaxing, I got the chance to take my mind off of things. I was in a different headspace, it was peaceful. The meditation feels like a fresh start, the sound of breath and just being in the moment was really beautiful.”
Malak, Sophomore
Middle School
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“This class allows me to have some time to appreciate the people, places, and things that surround me. This class reminded me that it's important to recognize my feelings and to understand them.”
Fa, Junior
Middle school
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“What we feed our mind is important. Our minds are hungry for happiness. If you put your attention to something your intention will manifest.”
Khalid, Junior
NYC Lab School
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"I've learned that I can make my own choices and that I can use my breath to help me. I will carry that on with me as I get older and proceed with my life."
Henry, Senior
Middle School
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“This class has helped me achieve peace of mind and awareness of my emotional state. I found a lot of ways that I can regulate my emotions in order to calm down and keep me mentally stable.”