Shari LaRosa Publishes Ring Tail Raffi – Mindfulness in Madagascar Children’s Book Helps Address Anxiety in Children, Reinforces Mindfulness Skills Who did you write your book for? Shari LaRosa (SL): I wrote this book because children can learn skills through the impact of a story which allows them to connect with the message in a deeper, more meaningful way. Ring Tail Raffi is primarily written for children, introducing the main character, a lemur who is experiencing anxiety, something so prevalent right now in our society across all ages. Without giving too much of the story away, the lemur Raffi is on a life-changing journey, ultimately learning the benefits of practicing mindfulness techniques to help calm his anxiety. Why is Mindfulness important? SL: Normal life is stressful, and with the added stress of the last 19 months, there has been a great increase in anxiety and the need for taking better care of our “whole” selves. That coupled with the fact that in recent years, there has been an increase in the research between the connection of practicing mindfulness and academic success, only points to mindfulness benefiting everyone who practices it. In fact, many schools are incorporating mindfulness into their curriculums due to many positive effects shown in the mental health and well-being of children who practice these techniques. Research has shown that children engaging in mindfulness skills experience reduced stress, anxiety and reactivity. What inspired you to write Ring Tail Raffi? SL: In 2020, at the point in time I was restricted to working with clients and treating anxiety via telehealth, I was looking for a way to help out in a more macro sense. In addition, I have always had the goal of writing a children’s book since I was very young and loved art, poetry and being creative. Everything aligned after I partook in an educational interactive lemur experience and I learned about lemurs and their native habitat. This would be my future character of choice! Local author, Shari LaRosa, recently launched Ring Tail Raffi – Mindfulness in Madagascar - a purposeful rhyming story that will provide an opportunity for parents to address the topic of anxiety with their children, as well as reinforce mindfulness skills. LaRosa is a licensed clinical therapist with a private practice in Lincroft. Her additional degree in early childhood education provides LaRosa with a unique foundation for communicating well with children and having a deeper understanding of teaching and learning through adventurous fun.
Local Church Hosts Annual Fall Fest
On October 2, the Colts Neck Community Church hosted its 11th annual Fall Fest, with more than 500 people attending the free family fun day. Attendees enjoyed a pig roast, blue grass music performed by Old Glory, the annual pie eating contest, a mechanical bull and tons of activities for the kids, including bounce houses, carnival booths, face painting, and more! For more information about Colts Neck Community Church, visit ColtsNeckChurch.com, call 732.462.2779 or email office@ coltsneckchurch.com. 50
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To get your copy today, visit ShariLaRosa.com. By Jeanne Wall Publisher and Editor, TAPinto Holmdel, Colts Neck & Middletown Sign-up for free daily online news for Holmdel & Colts Neck at TAPinto.net/enews.