Mindfulness in the Classroom

What is mindfulness?
Simply put, mindfulness is paying attention to the moment we are in, using the breath as a vehicle. It is also a way to examine and acknowledge what we are feeling in any moment. Finally, it is a method for developing our ability to respond, rather than react, to people, feelings or situations.

Let’s consider mindfulness first. The practices of mindfulness include explicit attentional training. Students are guided in exercises to anchor the attention to simple bodily processes, such as the sensations associated with the breath or ambient sounds. Mindfulness also explicitly develops emotionally positive states including kindness, compassion, and gratitude through practices that evoke and amplify particular emotions. It includes training in regulating our responses to impulses. Mindfulness is a practice of developing equanimity, meaning an ability to let go of reactivity and act from a place of greater ease, stability, and wisdom, rather than compulsively pursuing our preferences. From "Integrating Mindfulness & Social-Emotional Learning Programs" by Matthew Brensilver, PhD

Why Teachers should cultivate their own mindfulness practice:

 Patricia Jennings wrote the book on it (literally). It's called Mindfulness For Teachers.


Jennings was a teacher herself for two decades and now studies stress in the classroom as a professor and researcher at the University of Virginia. The Journal of Educational Psychology will soon publish a study of her work in New York City, teaching mindfulness to more than 200 educators in high-poverty schools.
Jennings says the teachers who received mindfulness training "showed reduced psychological distress and time urgency — which is this feeling like you don't have enough time. And then improvements in mindfulness and emotion regulation."
Translation: These teachers were better able to cope with classroom challenges and manage their feelings, which made it easier for them to manage their students' big feelings. And that, says Jennings, helps students learn. 

Anything that is accessible, healthy, grounded in science and easily available is worth prioritizing. Not to mention that is is cost-effective as well.

Many resources exist to help support both a personal practice and a classroom practice.  There are apps, timers, on-line training, web sites, guided meditations and books galore. In fact, it can be a bit overwhelming! Where and how do I start?

Chooses one resource, a book or an app, and begin with the breath. Sit quietly for five minutes and just notice the flow of your breath, in and out. Don't try to change it or judge it. When your mind wanders, and it will!, return your attention to the breath. When five minutes is up, notice how you feel. Then, the next day, do it again. You are beginning to train your mind. Be open to what arises, and don't judge your self. Be gentle with you.

Resources:
Sharon Salzberg. Much of my time is spent learning from her.
Calm - teachers get a free account
An app that I use daily is Insight Timer.
Dan Harris: 10% Happier 
Mindful Schools

Finally: if you have an hour. Jon Kabat-Zinn speaking on the Google campus: