Integrative Practices for Mentorship
The essential goal of adolescent mentorship is twofold: to assist youth in completing the incomplete or fragmented nervous system imprinting from childhood, and to assist youth in expanding their range of choice of action through recognizing and broadening nervous system habits. The activities and practices listed below are designed to accomplish both of those aims. The task of the mentor is to discover which blend of activities is most required, and to participate with youth in the completion of those activities. We learn not just by thinking and talking but also by doing, by using the body as an instrument of our development and healing.
Mentorship for Escapists
- Running
- Competitive games (to activate the fight response)
- Squash (orienting)
- Soccer, frizbee, judo, aikido (safe fighting)
- Rock climbing (self-esteem)
- Community service and development
Mentorship for the Emotionally Impoverished
- Running (to unlock the flight response)
- Martial arts (safe fighting)
- Windsurfing (body awareness, centering)
- Weight training (energy increase and containment)
- Soccer, hiking, aerobics (energy management)
Mentorship for the Distracted
- Activities involving active choosing (orienteering)
- All team sports (collaboration)
- Safe extreme sports (white water kayaking)
- Meditation, relaxation
- Juggling
Mentorship for the Angry
- Relaxation (to activate the freeze response)
- Non-competitive games
- Games with containment and expression (tennis, backgammon)
- Meditation (the least favorite activity of fighters)
- Horseback riding, walking, gardening
- Tai Chi, Chi Kung