Join us for a special discussion with Lair Torrent, Thurs., Oct. 15, 5 – 7 pm, “That’s Just the Way It Is Down Here: Mindfulness, Racism and Our Children.” Having moved his family and business from the East Village of Manhattan to Charleston, Lair Torrent was shocked by the often unacknowledged racial divide that exists in our community. In the wake of the Emanuel church shooting, Lair, could no longer accept the excuse, “That’s just the way it is down here.” With the hope of stemming the tide of racism, starting with our children, Lair and Quenetta White, the principal of James Simons Elementary, introduced Mindfulness to the faculty of the school.
Mindfulness is the act of paying attention on purpose to our thoughts and feelings. Through mindfulness, we become more aware of our inner processes, taking us out of our natural reactionary states, and putting us in a place of being able to choose our reactions to our thoughts and feelings. The benefits of mindfulness practice are many, showing positive results with soldiers suffering from PTSD, pain management, to people dealing with anxiety and depression. The latest research with children has shown marked improvement in academic achievement and behavior. Mindfulness has also been shown to create more openness and sensitivity in practitioners, leading many to wonder about its effects on racism.
Lair Torrent is a psychotherapist, executive coach and speaker who works from a holistic perspective: mind, body and spirit. Blending Eastern-based mindfulness practices and Western clinical therapy models, Lair has created a powerful approach to healing. In his work with individuals, couples and in seminars, Lair helps his clients find healing and take control of their lives. He has been resourced/interviewed by NPR, The New York Times and Rolling Stone magazine for his expertise. Lair is currently in private practice in Charleston, but also works remotely with clients worldwide. To learn more about Lair, go to charlestonholisticcounseling.com or crucibleexecutivecoaching.com.
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