Intro to Mindfulness

What is it? Mindfulness it the ability to be present, to rest in the here and now, fully engaged and without judgement, with whatever we're doing. (Definition from Headspace)

Why do it? Our world is creating more trauma, anxiety, distraction, and isolation for everyone -- especially our youth. Mindfulness is an effective way to calm anxious nervous systems while promoting focus and connectedness. Mindfulness is about being fully aware of our minds and bodies so that we can 'show up' with radical calmness and clear intentions. It allows us to bring our best selves forward and prevents us from overly reacting and becoming overwhelmed. It brings gentleness, openness, kindness, and curiosity towards ourselves and others. It's like keeping a little bit of peace and security in your pocket.

How? Just like with all things SEL, the best way to teach it is by living it...practicing it yourself so you can model it and infuse it into your classroom routines, language, and culture.

The following is a simple practice that can be used anytime, anywhere, and with anyone (helps us to show up and be engaged in the here and now):

5 Senses Practice: Any time you complete a task - like brushing your teeth, or washing your dishes - tune into your five senses (sight, hearing, touch, smell, and taste). For each sense, name two to three examples of things you notice as you complete the task. (from Meena Srinivasan - SEL Every Day)

To transform our habitual responses and build resilience, we need to create space to regularly practice our skills when we are not in "fight-flight-freeze" mode. (Mindful Schools)

I asked some staff members for their top mindfulness picks and have listed them below. If you're interested in learning more about mindfulness, start with one to try and share with others.

Mindfulness for Educators

• • • Using Mindlessness to understand Mindfulness

    • Happy Teachers Change the World (book with scripts for classroom exercises)

    • Teach, Breathe Learn

    • Jon Kabat-Zinn: What is Mindfulness?

    • Brilliant Mindfulness - USCD and UCLA

    • Daniel Goleman: Cultivating Focus

    • 7 Simple Ways to Sneak Mindfulness Into Your Teaching Day

    • 15 Mindfulness Activities to Reduce Stress and Increase Calm

    • Headspace App Headspace for Educators (free) Headspace YouTube Channel Examples of animations and mini-exercises: Finding Focus - Let Go of Stress -Happiness - Remember the Blue Sky - This Too Will Pass

    • Self-Compassion Resources and Exercises

Mindfulness in the Classrooms

• • • Mindful Schools

    • SEL Everyday

    • YoMind videos with JusTme

    • Breathing Buddies

    • Sitting Still Like a Frog (book and audio exercises) free activity book

    • Mindfulness Practices: Take 5ive

    • Mindfulness Exercises For Kids in the Classroom

    • Free Mindful Schools Videos for Kids

    • Plum Village Playlist for children

    • One Minute Practices - SEE Learning

    • GoZen