From Leaders:
“We have had the pleasure of working with Pete for the past few years, and his impact on our boys has been profoundly positive. Pete has introduced our students to the transformative power of gratitude and the importance of developing a mindful, present-focused practice. His guidance on managing mindset has been particularly invaluable.
Pete’s approach is both practical and motivational. He emphasizes that we are always practicing something, and whatever we practice, we become proficient in. This perspective has been eye-opening for our boys. His “reset” bracelet has been a practical tool in helping them shift their mindset and foster resilience.
The skills Pete imparts are not just theoretical but highly applicable and relevant to each student. The feedback we consistently receive from the boys is universally positive, highlighting how deeply Pete’s message resonates with them. His contributions have truly made a difference in their lives.”
– Hope Rupley, Director of Health and Wellness, Belmont Hill School
“I’ve worked with Pete for several years now. His ability to understand and anticipate our needs is uncanny. He is a great partner in helping me to navigate the complexities of leading an independent school during these unpredictable times.”
– Chris Burner, Head of School, Nichols School
“Every single member of my team and my coaching staff benefited from the time we spent with Peter. The mindfulness training sessions were unbelievable and it turned our season around and was a big reason we made it to the Final Four. I grew as a person and became a better coach while working with him. The team and myself can’t wait to spend a whole year learning from him!”
– Mike Faith, Franklin and Marshall College
“I look forward to my weekly meeting with Pete. His insight and knack for asking me the right questions, quickly understanding my company’s business model and team dynamics, and inspiring me to be the best leader I can be is invaluable. He met my team and they immediately felt comfortable with him.”
– Dan Garrett, CEO, Osen-Hunter
“I have had the distinct pleasure of coaching against Peter during his days at Governor’s Academy and then coaching with Peter for a season at Belmont Hill. Over the last two seasons he has worked with our varsity lacrosse team on team building and establishing core values and also with performance and mindfulness. During the 2024 season, Peter worked with our team in person and virtually on the topics of mental resets, team mentality, believing and playing for each other. A lot goes into achieving a championship season and Peter’s work with the team played a critical and pivotal role in our championship run. Peter connects so well with players and coaches and his warmth, understanding, experience and knowledge was an incredible asset to our team.”
– Tim Sullivan, Belmont Hill School
“Peter – everything I’ve heard from the students has been something along the lines of ‘this is the best programming I’ve done – why can’t we do more advisory work like this?’. Your advocacy is having an impact on our students, and we’re grateful to have the opportunity to work with you. Thanks again for all you do.”
– School Administrator
From Student Athletes:
“I give all the credit in the world to Coach Bidstrup for the reset bracelet and advice about approaching the team as a leader. I think that he played an essential role in our championship.”
“You related to us the students very well and made us think that we could connect with you.”
“I just think athletes overlook how important the mental game is for overall performance.”
“Helped shape our mental game as a whole. Helped us to focus and lock in especially when there were lots of outside distractions.”
“We became much calmer and more present, especially in games that we were down by a few goals and came back.”
“Because it helped us focus on more important parts of our game that usually we don’t focus on (mental side.)”
“You were a great person to put into perspective my own personal affect to the team and our successes.”
“I loved using the reset mindset. I also found myself reminding my mind and body to be present, using grounding techniques.”
“You made me understand how personal actions affect the group.”
“I learned to be grateful, and to be present and not worry about the outcome but to believe in it.”
“I learned how to change my mindset.”
“Having more fun and not being as anxious on the field has translated into my everyday life and how I handle different situations.”
“I think that everything I have learned I can take when doing my school work, studying for a test, and especially applying it to the outside world. Oftentimes I get too caught up focusing on the future and not living in the present. I am able to live in the moment better and find time to meditate and take time to myself.”
“I love the energy he brought into the room and the wisdom he spread to us. Expectation vs preparation, mindfulness, positive self talk, all great stuff.”
“His Ideas were very clear and he offered new ways of approaching problems. Inspiring and relatable.”
“I think it gave everyone the same mindset for every game. we were never worried about who we were playing, we just focused on how we played.”
“You were such a calming presence to the team. Meeting with you allowed us to take a deep breath and not feel guilty for it.”
“Helped us remember to stay in the moment and focus on where we are not anything else.”
“Working with Peter helped me to better my mental game. I was able to get rid of the negative self-talk.”
“I felt like this was a time for me to relax and not be judged for it and you were always such a calming presence.”
“I learned to not take the sport so seriously. I’m here because I already have the skill and because I love to play. I learned how to relax and have fun.”
“I learned more about what it means to be fully present and how I can ground myself in the moment at hand vs being distracted by noise around me.”
“Just resetting after something bad happens in general. Like a bad test or something.”
“I began to get anxious with school work and daily chores and tasks but by remaining calm and present, I was able to compartmentalize and focus, helping me in school and life.”
“Be kind to people, see things differently.”
“It helped me feel more grateful towards individuals off the field. And for my life in general same thing- to be present.”
“I thought it was very informative, especially at that moment because I felt myself becoming lost with school, lacrosse and social life, and a talk about being present and other things was very much needed.”
“Helped us build a great mindset going into difficult games.”
“Just focusing on the next game, not the name on the jersey, grounding all of us.”
“Your information was very relatable to the mental side of what we experience whether it’s on the field or off the field.”
“I think we all learned to be where our feet are a lot more and be more grateful for lacrosse and our teammates. We’ve faced a lot of adversity as a team and I think that this mindset has helped us be so successful in games.”
“He taught me ways to approach negative feelings/anxiety. And really just understand all they are – are just thoughts.”
“It helped me grow to accept the mental side of lacrosse. I especially connected with being present. Sometimes I can find my mind wandering throughout games & you helped me to remember to stay focused.”
“I learned how to recognize negative self-talk and instead bring my body to a calmer state by being aware of the senses around me rather than what’s in my head.”
“He taught me to focus and be present, resetting your mind after a bad play, or even a good one.”
“I think the resetting has been helpful off the field as it can be applied to the classroom. Just to not get down about myself if I don’t perform how I want to, remember the fun in life, remember I like doing what I do.”
“You have allowed me to focus on staying present at many different times in my everyday life. Whether that is in the classroom, on the field, or driving.”
“It’s helped me be more present with my family.”
From Mindfulness/Meditation Class Participants:
“You have a way of cultivating warmth, vulnerability and “space” for others. The course has been tremendously helpful in solidifying my understanding of meditation, and made me realize the benefits of it. Thank you!”
– Adult Mindfulness Class Participant
“This class was great! I appreciate all your work and effort!”
– Adult Mindfulness Class Participant