Mindfulness isn’t a technique. It’s a return.
In 1998, working with at-risk teenagers in Denver, we asked a simple question prompted by a quote from Alexis Carrel: what are the basic human resources we all come into the world with — and what happens when we stop using them?
A teenager answered instantly: “Use it or lose it.”
That insight drove 20 years of work with students and adults in 18 countries. We found that qualities like presence, observation, and reflection — the foundations of mindfulness — aren’t skills to teach. They’re capacities we’ve simply stopped practicing.
The Elementals are 16 cards that name those capacities. Students pick the ones they’ve become least familiar with and practice them. The result isn’t a mindfulness curriculum bolted onto the school day. It’s students choosing their own practice — in a few minutes, with no special training required.
Don’t do to… do with.
Download the Elementals Framework and Receive a 10%-Off Coupon for the Tool & Companion Guide
“The Elementals are like a voice in my head telling me to go beyond what’s familiar or comfortable. There is a wonderfully optimistic flavor to each card.”
“I used these with my class and referred to them as ‘Super Powers’ – students loved thinking about them that way!”
“Practicing the Elementals has been extraordinary. Waking up to them, appreciating them…was fantastic. They are a treasure and a lifetime journey that one can practice but not know.”
“They greatly helped improve my engagement with people in my life.”
“The Elementals activity calls for pausing our busy lives and taking time to observe, reflect, listen and act.”
“It made personal growth something more simple and not so daunting and complex. I loved the focus on one thing.”
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The Elementals Cards
All 16 elemental cards. Great for personal use or as a standalone classroom tool.
$15
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Order cards onlyComplete Set — Cards + Guide
The full experience. All 16 cards plus the Educator's Guide with 6 classroom-ready activities.
$32
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Order the Complete SetEducator's Guide
Already have the cards? Add the guide for 6 structured ways to use them with any group.
$22
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Ordering for a school or district? Contact us for bulk pricing.
Educator’s Guide
Provides more information & six ways to use them in the classroom, with individual students, in your lesson planning and more. Student worksheet and action-planning tool included.
