Neal gets teens high on life
CD offers meditation techniques for coping
BY DANA RASMUSSEN
Nancy Neal’s been getting teens hooked on a natural high for years.
Her meditation classes and CD made her popular with teens throughout Miami County; especially with the youth in West Central and the David L. Brown Youth Center, and now she’s making it possible for those teens to hear her message of relaxation whenever they want.
"She teaches teens positive techniques to cope with and respond to their negative feelings," said resident adviser for DLBYC Jessica Drake. "Some of the boys practice her techniques outside of class."
Together with local music producer and pianist Scott Oglesbee, Neal has made a commercial version of the meditation CD called "InnerTeen," which she donates to the county’s juvenile facilities.
"There’s nothing out there like it," said musician and Oglesbee’s wife Kimberly.
(Neal) said she hopes proceeds from the commercial venture will afford her the ability to continue providing teens with "InnerTeen" free of charge. Currently, Neal pays for all of the supplies it takes to package the CD’s out of her pocket. Oglesbee donates his production services and piano playing.
"I like the idea that it’s helping kids and teens," Oglesbee said.
Neal said her guided meditations appeal to teens in the juvenile facilities because she tells them she’s going to get them high without using any mind-altering substances.
She also leads teens through lessons that teach them about the importance of being responsible for their actions and choices.
"She sees teens as people; unique individuals who are an important part in the evolution of our society because they are responsible for changing social mores for the better ," Drake said. "She reminds them to not just sit back, but to be proactive.
Adults are happy to go with the status quo, while teens are needed to blaze a trail in the places where adults may have forgotten due to their mundane, daily responsibilities."