Mindfulness

This quote was shared with me recently and I thought it might be helpful for those of you new to the concept of mindfulness. Mindfulness means being present in the now, without placing judgement on one's experience in that moment. Mindfulness is an awareness of feelings, both physical and emotional, without immediately trying to change them. It is using your being mind, not your doing mind. Mindfulness isn't a new practice, with its origins in Buddhism or Hinduism, and we are seeing a resurgence recently in mindfulness practice with some very concrete benefits. Research shows that mindfulness practice can lead to stress reduction, boosts in working memory and focus, emotional regulation, cognitive flexibility, and increased empathy (http://www.apa.org/monitor/2012/07-08/ce-corner.aspx).

I have been teaching mindfulness to our Annie Wright students for several years and find they really enjoy it. Some almost seem hungry for it. I have also found it to be a nice complement to Responsive Classroom and the Primary Years Program. Here are some of the resources I use with students across a variety of grade levels:

• Sitting still like a frog: Mindfulness exercises for kids (and their parents), by Eline Snel. http://www.shambhala.com/sitting-still-like-a-frog.html 

• A handful of quiet: Happiness in four pebbles, by Thich Nhat Hanh. http://www.amazon.com/Handful-Quiet-Happiness-Four-Pebbles/dp/1937006212

• Pictures books including:
• What does it mean to be present?, by Rana Diorio
• The Lemonade Hurricane, by Licia Morelli
• Anh's Anger and Steps and Stones, by Gail Silver
• Mindful monkey, happy panda, by Lauren Alderfer and Kerry Lee MacLean
• Moody cow meditates, by Kerry Lee Maclean
• Visiting Feelings, by Lauren Rubenstein

With holidays approaching, mindfulness can be a great antidote to impending stress. Six quick and easy mindfulness tips to combat holiday stress

Just as we are working on teaching mindfulness at school, adults can incorporate mindfulness into their work day. Mindfulness at work

I hope to see lots of folks at the Internet Safety speaker on Monday. Take care and have a wonderful weekend!