Moving On
JG leading a discussion at San Benito County Office of Education on implementing mindfulness strategies.
In 2023, I had the good fortune of meeting JG Larochette, the Founder and Executive Director of Mindful Life Project (MLP). I was so impressed with his work that I connected him with people in my network who could help advance his work in schools throughout California.
Last year I wrote a blog about the positive impact his work in mindfulness has had on young people. After successfully building MLP to a place hardly imaginable to JG when he started, this summer he announced his departure to seek new ground in his movement to introduce young people, and the adult humans who love them, to the power of mindfulness.
In 2012, JG took a huge leap of faith to start MLP without a budget or business plan. What he did have was a profound knowing that the organization had to be founded. Mindfulness helped heal JG and transformed his life. What started as a team of 4 working part time on a shoestring budget in 3 schools in South Richmond is now a very mature organization that has had up to 65 full-time staff and a 5-million-dollar budget, annually serving more than 40,000 students and their educators. You can find MLP’s impact data here and it’s very impressive!
JG’s newest venture, Mindful Rising focuses on integrating mindfulness-based social-emotional learning (SEL) within educational systems to support both students, educators and families. They deliver tailored consulting services, as well as customized trainings, professional development, assemblies and keynote presentations aimed at fostering emotional intelligence, resilience, well-being and a culture of mindfulness and compassion in school communities. Their goal is to help build sustainable wellness ecosystems and shape positive mindful environments where mental and emotional health are prioritized.
What I know for sure is that JG gets it. He’s a thought-starter and thought-partner. At his core, JG understands the transformational impact that mindfulness has on children (and adults!). If you have interest in this work and need a thought partner to hold an assembly at your or your kid’s school, speak with a school board, conduct a teacher’s retreat or co-design materials, please reach out to JG at jg@mindfulrising.org.
“Mindfulness is when pure awareness and deep compassion meet in the present moment.”
JG is a reminder that stepping out into your next requires courage and faith. It is what he has learned in his own life that guides his path. What a testament that is to life teaching us all that we need to know and share with others. I have no doubt that JG’s “next” will once again exceed his imagination. He’s found his path and I’m along for the ride. Join us!