The Way of Mindful Education: Cultivating Well-Being in Parents, Teachers and Students By: Ms Kashfia Latafat

 

The Way of Mindful Education:    Cultivating Well-Being in Parents, Teachers    and Students

Mindfulness means paying attention in a particular way; on purpose, in the present moment, and nonjudgmentally.” – Jon Kabat-Zinn (1994).

Mindfulness means paying attention to what’s happening in the present moment in the mind, body and external environment, with an attitude of curiosity and kindness. It is typically cultivated by a range of simple meditation practices, which aim to bring a greater awareness of thinking, feeling and behaviour patterns, and to develop the capacity to manage these with greater skill and compassion. This is found to lead to an expansion of choice and capacity in how to meet and respond to life’s challenges, and therefore live with greater wellbeing, mental clarity and care for yourself and others. In these days teaching and learning both create stress in parents, students and teachers, especially as learning becomes more high-stakes for everyone. However, through mindfulness activities, parents, teachers and students can become more productive in the process. It helps control emotions, maintain focus, and increase productivity. When emotions run high, you’re going to practice these mindfulness techniques in the classroom.

 

Mindfulness Techniques:

· Mindfulness through Breath: Mindfulness through breath can be used when we feel stressed or anxious. Deep breathing make your body and mind calm. We can use this technique throughout the school day while doing transition, before test and whenever we are in difficult situation.

·  Mindfulness through Sensory Experiences: It also make the learners focus and relax. Try out to listen surrounding sounds in the classroom. We might ask learners try to recognise sounds in nature.

· Mindfulness through Guided Imagery: Learners imaginations develop well by engaging in the technique of guided imagery. Whenever you are willing to start new lesson in classroom ask learners to close their eyes and slowly take them to new journey which should be based upon their prior knowledge. Move your learners thought process by using relaxing story telling which help them to calm down and re –energize.

· Mindfulness Through Movement: Its human nature to move around and learn from their existing environment. By adding simple yoga techniques we bring movement in our classrooms, staff rooms and homes.

Mindfulness is a process through which we can control our emotions. First pick one mindfulness practice to start for yourself. Then introduce it to your learners, adapting the experience to cater to their needs -- even if it’s for only two to five minutes per day during transitions or for brain breaks. You might try introducing a new mindfulness practice every week, every month, or every term, or just choose one idea (mindful breathing, for example) and practice that throughout the year. Plant the seed of mindfulness and meditation right now, and it will stay with your students for their entire lives.