The Soma programme is a flexible responsive and trauma-informed approach to sharing mindfulness with teenagers and young adults. It is called the SOMA programme for two reasons.
Firstly, SOMA is an acronym for the principal outcomes of the programme,
Social connection,
Openness to enjoyment,
Meaning and purpose, and
Action and Agency.
These represent the key constituents of well being.
Secondly, SOMA means body. In the West, we tend to separate mind and body. We can tend to believe that, to bring about wellbeing, we only need to change our thinking or mind. The latest science reveals to us that the mind and body are inextricably entwined.
For example:
When there’s greater stress or anxiety in the mind, physiologically, we can also experience increased inflammation in the body.
When we experience Increased kindness or compassion, physiologically, we also experience a higher heart rate variability (a marker of psychological wellbeing).
A programme designed to connect and inspire
For young people to be willing to explore mindfulness, they need to feel safe and free from judgment. Without this, no learning is going to take place.
The most powerful way to build this sense of safety is through positive social connections. For this reason, the SOMA Programme takes an approach we call “relationship before content”.
The curriculum is packed with activities that are designed to foster interaction, connection and trust. This is the basis for learning!
A programme you can adapt to meet different needs
For over a decade Youth Mindfulness Authors have taught young people in a vast array of contexts: to 13-year-olds at risk of dropping out of school; to older students preparing for exams or university; to young men in prisons and to teenagers in private schools.
What they found is that a one-size-fits-all approach doesn’t work. You have to be responsive to the needs, dispositions and aspirations of the young people you’re working with.
For this reason, flexibility is a cornerstone of the SOMA Programme.
The SOMA Programme is not a rigid curriculum. Instead, it consists of activities underpinned by a rigorous structure. The course can be unfolded in a way to meet the needs and learning styles of young people.
A programme that activates strengths
Every young person has character strengths. Qualities like kindness, joy and courage. Mindfulness is the practice that can help us recognise and grow these qualities.
The SOMA Programme can help young people recognise and appreciate the best in themselves.
You can help them grow the foundations of wellbeing:
Social connection, Openness to enjoyment, Meaning & Purpose, and Action & agency.
A programme that activates strengths
Every young person has character strengths. Qualities like kindness, joy and courage. Mindfulness is the practice that can help us recognise and grow these qualities.
With the SOMA Programme, you can help young people recognise and appreciate the best in themselves.
Participating in the Soma programme can help them grow the foundations of wellbeing:
Social connection, Openness to enjoyment, Meaning & Purpose, and Action & agency.
