Mindfulness
& Solo Time
What is Mindfulness?
The mind has a great ability to wander and mindfulness is the practice of focusing back to the present moment. There are core formal mindfulness practices which include, breathing meditation, body scan, mindful movement, mindful walking and mindful eating. In particular in Erdkinder we will focus on these practices to help students recognize stressors and teach coping strategies through the art of mindfulness: Can I take a breath when I see my exam and realize I studied the wrong content? Can I notice the sensations in my stomach when I say yes to something when really I want to say no? These moments help students cultivate a sense of self.
What is Solo Time?
Solo Time is the time during our schedule that we have set aside to practice Mindfulness. Some days are unstructured where students are able to practice a mindfulness activity of their choice. Some days are set aside where students are led through formal Mindfulness practices to help build their inward looking skill set.
Why do we do it?
The adolescent mind is much different than that of adults or other children. Adolescents are beginning to become aware of the greater world and communities, and they become more attuned to the dynamics within their own social circles. This, in addition to other stresses such as school, can be especially difficult for adolescents to navigate. Research has shown that regular, formal mindfulness practice positively impacts adolescents in ways such as regulating emotions, decision making and empathy. Mindfulness increases resilience, flexibility, and cultivates greater compassionate attunement towards oneself.
Additional Resources:
We use the app CALM to guide us through meditations
Mindsight by Daniel Siegel
The Mindful Child by Susan Kaiser Greenland
