Mindfulness Makes a Difference in Schools

We've blogged before about mindfulness and the positive effects it can have on both teachers and students.  "Mindfulness" can be misunderstood by some as having a religious or spiritual context.  In fact, mindfulness is simply about awareness.  When we practice mindfulness, we have an "in the moment" awareness of our thoughts, our feelings, how our body feels, and our surrounding environment.  As we tune in to this awareness, we pay attention to our thoughts and feelings, without judging them, or believing that there's a “right” or “wrong” way to think or feel in a given moment.

In this incredibly busy world, where technology seems to inundate us with a never-ending barrage of information, it can be easy to slip into "autopilot" mode.  For example, have you ever driven somewhere without really thinking about what you were doing until you arrived?  That was autopilot.  Another example I've been hearing a lot lately is "mindless eating," where you may be sitting in front of the television with a bag of snacks and suddenly realize that the bag is empty.  Mindful eating helps you tune in to what you're doing, focusing on the various sensations of the snack, without slipping away into "mindless" (autopilot) snacking.

There are simple things that can be done to incorporate mindfulness activities into your day, such as breathing and relaxation techniques.  This article provides additional information on how mindfulness can make a difference in schools.

Mindfulness Make a Difference in Schools