Words of appreciation and gratitude go to Corrina Gould of the Native American Child Resource Center and Tsering Yangkey of CHAA for their work with the Native American Youth in our community. All of these youth have some Native American blood and/or Ohlone heritage and this link is an important connection to their culture and roots. Corrina and Tsering offer grounding, gardening and cooking to these youth in an after-school program. Grounding exercises involve bringing balance and healing energy to our feelings of being out-of-sorts, unfocused, irritable or overwhelmed. Grounding helps us to rebalance and reconnect with ourselves. Tsering facilitates the 5 senses meditation exercises utilizing sight, hearing, touching, smelling and tasting. Gardening at the CHAA plots @ the Lake Merritt Garden has been a wonderful source of getting back to nature for these youth. The spirituality of growth, accomplishment and watching something emerge from seedling has been beneficial and nurturing. Tsering also teaches the Tibetan food culture and the youth were able to taste, feel and smell “barley flour” used to make Tsampa, the food staple in Tibet. Finally, a gift of “Khata” was given as the traditional ceremonial silk scarf symbolizing goodwill, auspiciousness and compassion. Tsering and Corrina encourage, promote and inspire these links to their culture in the hopes to instill that sense of pride that comes from traditions, history and our pasts. The rewards shine through in these faces with appreciation, gratitude and smiles as they look forward to the next activity and life lesson.
Native American Child Resource Center & CHAA
