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Mindful Momentum: What’s Rolling at Kinlani Dormitory
Mindful Momentum: What’s Rolling at Kinlani Dormitory
Ciera Tsosie
At Flagstaff Bordertown Dormitory, we have a new activity rolling into motion. A longboarding group has finally been approved this fall, encouraging students to step into another area of mindfulness–physical activity.
Longboarding, But Make It Mindful
Founded by dorm counselor and snow boarder Michael Little Owl, the group seeks to blend movement, balance, and mindfulness. Unlike other forms of skating that focus on trick-based skill, the Long-Distance Pushing discipline is focused on endurance on smooth or flat terrain–much safer for our students! This activity is available to dorm students each Friday after school.
Currently in use are the Pantheon Supersonic longboards. They’re the perfect board for navigating rough terrain. Our students further prepare for riding by dressing in protective gear, and starting off with a balance warm-up. This incorporates safety checks and a 15-minute mindful meditation. Along with cultivating focus and reducing stress “longboarding teaches patience and presence,” says Little Owl. “Every push and carve brings you back to your body and the moment you’re in.”
Support and Sponsorship
Programs similar to these are supported by the 21st-Century Program and Dorm CEO Theresa Boon-Schuler, who sees Mindful Momentum as a culturally relevant way to promote wellness and leadership for their students. Before engaging in this activity, students are required to submit a short essay and a signed parent waiver to join, ensuring safety and dedication among its members. Even longboarding community members have taken notice, such as Jeff Vyain, owner of Pantheon Boards, as he expressed his support for students to take interest.
Closing Remarks
From first-time riders to experienced boarders in snow or skate are learning together, the core techniques to longboarding, focused on building skill from where they are in each session.
For many, longboarding is more than just a hobby, but an escape from academic stress, a tool for emotional grounding, and an opportunity to belong. “It’s moving meditation,” one student shared.
Why It Matters
The Mindful Momentum group and what they do for our students is more than just a dorm activity, but an invitation to allow students to learn more about themselves and the opportunities around them. In a way it helps them acquire a sense of self and independence as they go through the learning process along with peers. In the simple act of rolling along, it is a time of teaching, it is a time for community.
Have Questions About Dorm Life?
As a Native American student writer and dorm resident at Flagstaff Bordertown Dormitory, I’d like to open the floor for those who are curious about what life is really like for students like me. From our routines, to activities, to how we form or build our own communities away from home feel free to reach out to me on any questions you’d like answered at askciera@gmail.com.