The Foundation of the Open Sky Program: Body, Mind, Heart and Soul

Open Sky is built around the four dimensions of body, mind, heart, and soul (physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual). When any one of these dimensions becomes unbalanced the whole person (or family system, et cetera) is affected. Open Sky is grounded in the intention of restoring balance and health by attending to these four interconnected parts of the self.

Body / Physical

Students at Open Sky engage in physical adventure activities that provide a foundation for addressing underlying behavioral and emotional issues. Every day students participate in hiking, yoga, or other forms of physical exercise. A sense of accomplishment is combined with physical health and well-being to help students build self-esteem. Healthy diet and nutrition is also central to the program. Open Sky’s custom menu includes a balance of the highest quality whole foods and organic fruits and vegetables. Students learn to cook healthy meals for themselves, their group, and ultimately their family. Developing these skills not only increases basic well being but promotes self-sufficiency and a sense of community.

Mind / Mental

Open Sky’s program provides cognitive stimulation and development on many levels. Daily writing and journaling activities improve both self awareness and writing skills. Open Sky cultivates the ability to think critically about individual circumstances and the world around them. Program curriculum focuses on everything from the land and cultural history of the surrounding area to the science behind healthy nutrition. Ongoing therapeutic assignments foster critical thinking and emphasize experiential learning. Students who struggle in traditional school environments tend to excel in the experiential learning environment at Open Sky.

Heart / Emotional

Therapy is at the heart of our students’ social and emotional growth. The therapeutic relationship between students and therapists as well as field guides is nurturing and caring while at the same time encouraging growth and change. Joining and participating in the positive peer culture is also a powerful aspect of the therapeutic process at Open Sky. Proper ways to manage frustration, share emotions, and process interpersonal issues within the group are practiced on a daily basis. Learning personal and interpersonal skills helps students cope with stress, develop relationship skills, and make better choices by recognizing the negative consequences of poor choices. At Open Sky students experience strong and healthy connections with both peers and adults. These relationship skills will stay with them long after they leave the program.

Soul / Spiritual

Open Sky facilitates spiritual growth and development in our students by exposing them to a variety of mindfulness practices. Through daily reflections, therapeutic journal assignments, meditations, and quiet personal time, our students experience increased personal awareness. We have regular yoga instruction as part of our routine. We encourage our students to slow down, get into their bodies, and breathe deeply. This sets the stage for more awareness of their feelings, thoughts, body sensations and actions, leading to the natural arising of therapeutic insights and motivation for change.