ABOUT
At Luminous Minds Project, our mission is to liberate minds and empower our community to think differently about mental health, neurodiversity, trauma and addiction. We believe that every mind has the power to awaken and grow. We offer a different way to think that is multi-intelligent, trauma-informed, anti-oppressive with an ACE lens.
We advocate for and promote equitable arts education and social/emotional learning (SEL) as a way to better understand ourselves, others, and our environment, and to foster a sense of belonging and connection. Our services are all trauma-informed, anti-oppressive, and neuro-divergent friendly. We collaborate with artists, coaches, healers, therapists, educators and doctors to bring forth the most current research on brain health and human development to create relevant ground-breaking trainings, events and learning opportunities to learn, heal and grow out loud together. We offer peer support to those that want to implement our philosophy of recovery in their lives to consciously and humanistically recover their mind.
Join us as peers, to learn how to change your mind and to create a brighter future for all .
Our Mission
"The Luminous Minds Project is dedicated to fostering a sense of community care that is inclusive to everyone, with a focus on addressing the impacts of Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs). We believe in using a trauma-informed approach, combined with mindful practices and the transformative power of art, culture, and storytelling, to facilitate recovery and promote healing, learning, and growth. Our mission is to create a more compassionate society by advocating for policy changes in education and healthcare institutions, and by offering support and creative learning opportunities that prioritize the well-being and empowerment of individuals and families in recovery. We are committed to liberating minds, shifting culture towards greater empathy and understanding, and promoting the healing, learning, and growth of all minds."
"Education is a crucial part in the intricate process of the development of human beings."
-Tsunesaburo Makiguchi.
The term "Luminous Mind" refers to the innate radiance and clarity of the human mind, especially when it is free from oppression and suffering. It suggests that anyone has the potential to cultivate a bright and shining mind, regardless of their mental abilities, past traumas, or current circumstances.
The Luminous Minds Project, which is inspired by Buddhist philosophy, promotes the idea that through mindfulness, empathetic dialogue, and radical self-compassion, we can transform our own minds and experiences, and find value in even the most adverse situations.
The Luminous Minds Project emphasizes the importance of the heart in the learning, growing and healing process, as it is the heart that guides and drives the transformation towards a brighter, more luminous mind.
WHAT IS A LUMINOUS MIND?
She/They
Jodie Knowles
Creator. Trainer. Advocate.
Jodie Knowles is a dedicated mental health advocate and recovery coach who has been in recovery for over 15 years. They are committed to sharing their experience and helping others avoid harm from institutions that are not yet trauma-informed. With a background in Buddhism, social justice, recovery and a wealth of experience in the creative arts, Knowles brings a unique perspective to their work, focusing on the interconnectedness of the self, others, and the environment and the importance of creative, humanistic, community based approaches to healing, learning and growth.
To further this mission, Knowles founded the Luminous Minds Project, which aims to empower youth, families, and communities to learn, heal, and grow from the effects of ACEs (adverse childhood experiences) and trauma on the brain. As a trauma-informed strategic intervention coach and peer support specialist, Knowles helps clients tackle the systemic issues that prevent them from living fully empowered lives. Additionally, as a teaching artist, they use the power of the creative arts to educate communities on the importance of developing their social, emotional, and creative intelligence to safeguard their mental health.
Knowles lives in Seattle, Washington with their partner and fur-mates Maudie & Charlie. They spend their time with friends in recovery, reading, writing and performing as a community artist and helping youth and families connect through sharing art and culture.