Our Philosophy
An approach to Lifelong Love for Learning and Wellness.
The balance of Mind, Body, and Spirit is a holistic approach to health and well-being that recognizes the interconnectedness of these three aspects of ourselves.
When all three aspects are in balance, we are more likely to experience overall health and happiness.
MIND refers to our thoughts, emotions, and beliefs and the secret to success and well-being. It is the part of us that is responsible for our cognitive abilities, such as problem-solving, critical thinking, and decision-making. It is also responsible for our emotional well-being, including our ability to manage stress, cope with challenges, and build relationships.
Our perception of life rules us. Whether we are conscious of it or not, our beliefs create our reality. Our mind dictates our beliefs, whether they are good or bad for us.
Thought
Emotions
Feelings
Moods
Behaviors
Habits
Beliefs
Ideals
STIMULI
External stimuli (e.g.,Conversation with a friend) triggers internal thoughts and emotions (e.g.,"I'm happy to talk to my friend"). These internal thoughts and emotions lead to outward behaviors (e.g., I hang out with my friend). These behaviors are repeated over time and become habits (e.g., being social). Habits shape our beliefs (e.g., "I value my relationships”) and ideals (e.g., "I am liked by others" or "I am an outgoing person"). Beliefs and ideals then influence our thoughts and emotions, and so on.
In other words, our thoughts, emotions, behaviors, habits, beliefs, and ideals are all interconnected. By changing one part of the system, we can influence the other parts.
For example, if we have a negative belief about ourselves, it may lead to negative thoughts and emotions. These negative thoughts and emotions may then lead to unhealthy behaviors. Over time, these unhealthy behaviors may become habits.
Conversely, if we have a positive belief about ourselves, it may lead to positive thoughts and emotions. These positive thoughts and emotions may then lead to healthy behaviors. Over time, these healthy behaviors may become habits.
Habits are our lives, but most humans are not aware that our own minds have so much power to shape our lives. At Elevate, we focus on our students’ ability to understand the power of the mind, how to limit the unhelpful thoughts, and maximize the helpful ones.
SPIRIT refers to our non-physical self, including our values, purpose, and sense of connection to something larger than ourselves. It is the part of us that gives us meaning and direction in life. Our spiritual practices include meditation, spending time in nature, and yoga.
When Mind, Body, and Spirit are in balance, we are able to function at our best. We are more likely to be productive, creative, and fulfilled. We are also more resilient in the face of challenges and setbacks.
It is important to note that balance is not a static state. It is something that we need to work at throughout our lives. As our circumstances change and we grow and develop, we will need to adjust our approach to maintain balance.
BODY refers to our physical body, including our organs, tissues, and cells. It is the part of us that allows us to move, interact with the world around us, and experience physical sensations. In traditional schooling, the body is often secondary to the mind. However, current science clearly shows that the body is just as important, such as hormones, the microbiome, and proper sleep can significantly impact our mental well-being and ability to perform any task.
We are granted one body through our lives. By maximizing each child's physical abilities and challenging them on a daily basis, we can help them to develop strong and healthy bodies that will support them throughout their lives.
In Project-Based Learning, students work with peers of various ages, reflecting real-world interactions beyond traditional age-based groupings.
Studies like Vygotsky's (1978) highlight the benefits of intergenerational learning, where older students mentor younger ones, enhancing understanding, empathy, and communication skills. Projects may also involve collaboration with same-age peers.