Mindfulness is simply paying attention on purpose to the present moment with kindness and curiosity, without judgment.
It is a specific and intentional practice that builds focused and specific awareness, which can successfully help navigate all thoughts, emotions, physical sensations, and experiences by coming back to the here and now.
Although the roots of mindfulness can be traced back to centuries old Eastern meditation practices, in the West, we have taken the basic skill of paying attention to maintain a secular approach.
The practice of mindfulness improves the connections between synapses in the brain. The consistent practice of mindfulness has been proven to make the brain sharper and more resilient to the traumas of stress and anxiety.
As well, scientists are finding that mindful practice can even correct the damage done during periods of prolonged trauma or traumatic damage transmitted through heredity.
Mindful practices have been successful world wide, with countless school programs being implemented and documented in urban schools around the country.
The video included here examines a school in New Haven, CT that has successfully employed mindful practice in their curriculum.
Their work is to be lauded for its commitment both to the practice of mindfulness and their equity stance.