WELLNESS WORKSHOPS

In weekly wellness workshops YMPJ members learn methods of healing that address their physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual health needs. Young people learn alternative forms of healing such as reiki, yoga, and meditation. They learn about nutrition, healthy living, and exercise, and discuss issues of sexuality, gender, spirituality, mental health, etc.

The curriculum for the Wellness workshops is divided into five modules:

  1. Food and Nutrition. Young people learn how to decide which types of food to include in their diet and which types of food to avoid. They examine what important vitamins and nutrients are found in different foods, and they learn what kinds of food help increase energy and immunity. Young people also learn recipes for smoothies, high energy juices, and healthy vegetarian meals.
  2. Mental Health. Young people learn how to prevent stress related pains using acupressure, guided imagery, Qi Gong, and meditation. They practicing yoga and breathing exercises as a form of reducing stress, relieving anxiety, and curing insomnia. Young people learn the healing effects of essential oils and aromatherapy, and explore how color and sound can be used to relieve stress and lift depression.
  3. Physical Health. Young people learn the functions of our major organs and examine how western and ancient medical practices view and treat the lungs, kidneys, spleen, liver, and heart. They learn the importance of exercise and practice various strengthening exercises. Young people also learn how sleep, rest, and relaxation are crucial for both physical and mental health.
  4. Sexuality. Young people discuss sexuality and gender issues. They learn about prevention, early detection, and treatment of Sexually Transmitted Diseases, and they discuss the ways that STDs and other diseases affect their friends, families, and communities.
  5. Environment. Young people discuss the ways that their physical, mental, and emotional health are affected by the built and natural environment. Young people learn how pollution affects the physiological function of our skin, central nervous system, kidneys, and lungs. They discuss ways that their surroundings cause asthma and create other health risks.