Introducing the Collier Meditation Garden

 

 

 

 

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A post shared by Collier Youth Services (@collieryouthservices)

Like many of Collier’s students, Anastasia spent most of her younger days as a happy child, laughing, skipping, and just a joy to be around. As she got older, she struggled with anxiety. During her time at Collier, she found solitude and calm through the support of her counselors and teachers, but especially through art.

When Ana tragically passed away in 2022, Ana’s family asked that donations be made in her memory to the Collier art program. Judy Raybon, Collier School Art Teacher, and Stephanie Englander, Collier High School Substance Awareness Counselor, thought the best way to honor Ana's quiet and peaceful light would be by creating the Collier Meditation Garden. In this space, students can peacefully walk, unwind, and center themselves, whether it’s in between classes, talking with their counselors or teachers, by themselves, or with friends.

The garden is filled with stones painted by current students with positive images and encouraging messages such as “You are loved,” “Kindness matters,” and “Just Love,” reminding those who stroll through that even though you may feel like you are lost in a maze, to be kind to yourself and that there are always people out in the world who are there to lean on when you need strength, encouragement, or a smile.

Next time you come to our campus, walk our meditation garden and take in whatever calming and reassuring energy your soul needs.