What is "Mindfulness"?

• Definition: Mindfulness is being fully present and aware of your body, breath, emotions, and thoughts with an attitude of curiosity, openness, and acceptance. (CCSD59 definition modified from the Morale & Mindfulness Committee, Breathe for Change, and various sources)

• Each person has their unique interpretation and definition about what mindfulness means to them. Additionally, mindfulness looks different for every person. It may look like listening to a particular song or type of music, it may be a walk, it may be centered breathing, it may be a mindful movement, running, gardening, playing an instrument, etc. Mindfulness allows an individual the opportunity to stop, take a moment, and to be fully present in order to positively regulate their own breath, body, emotions, and thoughts.

• Mindfulness is also equitable for all people, it is accessible anywhere & anytime, and is free for all.

Is mindfulness secular?

• Yes, the goal of mindfulness is supporting the wellness and wellbeing of all learning community members. Although mindful practices can be found within various backgrounds across the world, mindfulness itself is NOT a religion. Within education we uphold the the separation of church and state, First Amendment Rights, and other legal parameters.

"...Mindfulness is secular insofar as its central aim is not to instill a particular set of beliefs, but to support introspective practices that attenuate distress and enhance well-being. The advanced practitioner of mindfulness is not a person who declares metaphysical truths, but a person who has cultivated her/his attention in such a way that she/he struggles less,4 has more joy5 and engages others with greater interpersonal skill.6" (Mindful Schools)

"Mindfulness is a state of awareness and a practice; it involves attending to the present moment and cultivating an attitude of curiosity, openness and acceptance of one’s experience. It is a secular (non-religious) practice that is backed by a growing body of compelling scientific evidence that indicates a wide range of potential benefits, from improving physical and mental health to promoting pro-social behavior. Mindfulness can play a vital role in helping students and teachers create a classroom environment conducive to learning and personal growth." (Transforming Education)

Is everyone required to participate in mindfulness?

• No, mindfulness is one part of many types of strategies to help our learning community become self-aware and have self-management skills. We take a trauma-skilled approach when incorporating mindfulness into the school day. This means:

  • Participation is always optional

  • Other strategies are offered simultaneously

  • Guidance is provided to create a safe environment

  • Staff embed mindfulness based on their comfort level and personal connections

How are staff trained and supported as they embed mindfulness into the school day?

• Our Climate and Social Emotional Learning Coach has had specialized training from Breathe for Change. Breathe for Change is a wellness company that was specially created by teachers for teachers to bring wellness practices into schools to create positive learning environments. Professional learning has been developed and tailored to CCSD59, specific schools, and specific classrooms. Ongoing embedded coaching is also available for staff who want to integrate mindfulness.

  • Staff wellness is a main focus in order to have a strong positive impact on the school community and learners:

    • "MAPs (mindfulness awareness practices) are also increasingly part of teacher and leader wellness initiatives in schools and school districts, and there is growing research on how growing MAPs in teachers can positively influence their teaching practice and lead to increased teacher happiness and retention." (Mindful Schools)

Is mindfulness research-based?

• Mindfulness has been around for many years, but it's prevalence in schools began more recently in the early 2000s. Due to the limited time within schools and size of studies, there is limited long-term research available at this time. However, there are many meta-analysis studies, independent studies, program reviews, and research being conducted to develop the validity of mindfulness and its impact on children. The results of these research reviews have had very positive results and provide a hopeful lens within education through a holistic view. The time is now and our children depend on their real-world skills in order to be successful for life.

• Mindfulness-based interventions in schools—a systematic review and meta-analysis

• Evidence for the Impact of Mindfulness on Children and Young People

• The Effects of Mindfulness on Elementary Aged Children