During this 50 minute educational and immersive class I offer a presentation complete with a real life example we can all relate to and bring it all full circle with an experiential learning experience. In the presentation we'll will learn some interesting brain science about the brain’s amygdala, the neocortex, the prefrontal cortex and a process called neuroplasticity. We'll learn how the brain responds to stress, anxiety and involuntary fear responses and how the brain can unlearn stress and fear responses and choose calmness. Then we'll move on to the experiential learning experience with a guided visualization journey. 

Now you may ask, what does a guided visualization have to do with brain science? Well, a lot actually. The brain doesn’t know the difference between real life and mental imagery. So with the help of visualization, the brain can practice any new skill and get the same increased results as practice in real life. A guided visualization helps a person use their imagination to take them to a calm, peaceful place. During a guided visualization everyone is fully conscious of what is happening. I will help guide students to a relaxed mental state where they can explore their own answers to questions they have been struggling to resolve within their conscious minds. I will help guide students to use their imagination to have a full-five sensory experience and visualize their best-case scenario. Just as Olympic athletes use visualization before competitions to improve their outcomes, I can help students incorporate the practice of visualization into a new life skill. The student will end the guided visualization feeling calm, relaxed and with a new, inspired game plan for the future. 

In this guided visualization journey learners will mentally reflect on a *small* stress or fear they have and they will be guided through some new techniques to help them find relaxation and calmness. 

Learners will understand that the process of finding and maintaining calmness is a journey of practice that will gain traction over time, and they will be be encouraged to practice these techniques and continue to learn more about their brain and other relaxation and calming techniques.