It refers to a combination of strategies utilized across eras to assist individuals in focusing their minds on present occurrences instead of their minds racing through different scenarios and other stressors. Mindfulness can be called a form of meditation where people focus on being intensely aware of what they are feeling and sensing at the moment, without judgment or interpretation. Mindfulness also involves acceptance, which means people practicing it pay attention to their feelings and thoughts without judging them or without believing, for instance, that there’s a “correct” or “incorrect” way to feel or think in a given moment.
When mindfulness is practiced, individuals become cognizant of their emotions, thought processes, and bodily movements. Thus, by practicing mindfulness, people’s thoughts tune into what they are sensing in the present moment rather than going back into the past or imagining the future.
In addition, the process of mindfulness will help improve an individual’s concentration span, sharpen his socio-emotional intelligence, and boost his physical wellbeing. According to scientific studies, this process is very helpful in the classroom as well as in helping students and teachers alike be in sync with their bodies, souls, and minds. It also ensures impactful collaboration that leads to immense classroom success.
Teaching mindfulness to students can help them learn empathy, self-awareness, mindful communication, and techniques to calm the mind and focus better. Mindfulness can also benefit teachers, the administrative staff, parents, and the community as a whole. From reducing anxiety and stress to improving their sleep, boosting their attention, and reducing job burnout, mindfulness can offer them several benefits.
Anyone can start practicing mindfulness by following some simple techniques like these:
· Focused breathing: After sitting in a comfortable position, an individual needs to take a deep breath and close his eyes. He should continue breathing in and out while focusing on his breath. Doing this for even a few minutes can help calm frayed nerves and let a person break the chain of negative thoughts.
· Body scan: For this, an individual needs to lie on his back with his legs extended and arms by his sides with the palms facing up. Next, he needs to focus his attention slowly and deliberately on each part of his body, beginning from head to toe or vice versa. During this exercise, the individual should be aware of any emotions, sensations, or thoughts associated with every part of his body.
