Empower Teens with Mindfulness: Tips from Expert Nicholas Clay

Welcome to the Mindshift Power podcast, where we have raw and honest conversations with teenagers and the adults who work with them. I'm your host, Fatima Bey, the mind shifter. Today, we are delighted to have Nicholas Clay, an award-winning business owner and mindfulness coach at Being One World LLC, join us for an insightful discussion.

Nicholas Clay, who leads the Wisdom Project out of Schenectady, has been making significant strides in the mindfulness community. In this episode, he shares valuable insights on how teenagers can embark on their own coaching business journeys and the importance of mindfulness in their daily lives.

Starting a Coaching Business: Advice for Teens

If you're a teenager interested in starting your own coaching business, Nicholas offers some straightforward advice: start practicing. "Acquire your first client, most likely non-paying, and start doing it. Get the experience," he emphasizes. Nicholas suggests connecting with other coaches and seeking accreditation or additional resources to officially become a coach.

Understanding Mindfulness

Mindfulness, as Nicholas explains, means being completely present in the here and now. He highlights that mindfulness is about focusing on the present moment, rather than being caught up in past events or future worries. "Having our full awareness in this very present moment is what mindfulness is all about," he notes.

The Challenge of Attention Spans

Nicholas addresses a growing concern among teenagers today: the challenge of maintaining attention spans. With the rise of short video clips and constant digital distractions, focusing on tasks like schoolwork or projects has become increasingly difficult. He warns that this trend can hinder the ability to concentrate and suggests that mindfulness practices can help restore focus.

Starting Mindfulness Practices

For teenagers looking to incorporate mindfulness into their lives, Nicholas recommends starting with meditation. "If they started practicing five minutes a day, there would be profound effects," he advises. Guided meditations are easily accessible on platforms like YouTube and TikTok, making it simple for beginners to get started.

The Wisdom Project

Nicholas also discusses the Wisdom Project, an initiative that connects community leaders and successful business owners with youth. This project aims to inspire and support teenagers by providing them with role models who come from similar backgrounds. The positive impact of the Wisdom Project has been significant, with many teenagers expressing their appreciation and seeking further guidance from the speakers.

Final Advice for Teens

Nicholas concludes the episode with some lasting advice for teenagers: "When viewing yourself, view with a lens to understand yourself instead of judging yourself." This mindset shift can help teenagers develop a more positive and supportive relationship with themselves.

Incorporating mindfulness into your daily life can lead to profound benefits. As Nicholas Clay highlights, being present and mindful can help teenagers navigate the challenges of today's fast-paced world. Whether you're starting a coaching business or simply seeking a more balanced life, mindfulness practices can provide the foundation for success.

Ready to dive deeper? Listen to the full episode of the MindShift Power Podcast with Fatima Bey The MindShifter here: https://www.buzzsprout.com/2217223/episodes/13662566