Mindfulness

By Kathryn Netherwood, School Coordinator

What is Mindfulness?

Mindfulness is paying attention to the present moment with openness, curiosity and without judgement.

Why use Mindfulness?

Mindfulness is a tool that can be used to promote wellbeing.

The Science of Mindfulness

Professor Felicia Huppert, Director of the Well-Being Institute at the University of Cambridge and Emeritus Professor of Psychology speaks on Mindfulness.

Associate Professor Dr Craig Hassed from Monash University talk through the scientific benefits behind mindfulness.

Smiling Mind

In January our staff were involved in Mindfulness training with Smiling Minds. It was both a session on using mindfulness for staff wellbeing and also about teaching mindfulness to our students for their wellbeing.

Mindfulness and our Staff

As busy educators we sometimes need to take time to focus on our own wellbeing and Mindfulness is a tool we can add to the ‘wellbeing toolbox’.

“I find the practise of Mindfulness to be helpful in reminding me to stay present in the moment, focus on what is important to me, and to keep things in perspective. It has been particularly helpful after a long day. I appreciate the emphasis Lance Holt places on the wellbeing of its staff, and the recognition that in between the business of life, taking moments for quiet and calm is in all of our best interests.” Teacher

“I have had the opportunity to visit the app and have found everything I’ve listened to fabulous. The individual relaxation sessions are very effective and have been utilised by the whole family. I have also suggested to parents from school to download the app. and from all accounts they have found it to be worthwhile and helpful. It’s a little tool in my handbag that I can draw on when needed…Thank you!” Teacher

Mindfulness in Our Classrooms

Debra, our Year 2 teacher, conducts Mindfulness sessions with her students. She uses the ‘Smiling Mind’ app but on some days the children ask for music so she selects some fragments of classical pieces such as Chopin’s Nocturnes or gentle pieces of Bach. The children are accustomed to setting themselves down with cushions and other soft furniture and are always really eager to begin the session. Debra finds many benefits in the children having this experience. She says it promotes a very calm classroom environment and that the short restful time really helps the children be engaged and ready to learn for the remainder of the afternoon.

“It makes me feel relaxed and my body is not all quick, like it usually is. It is all calm for me.” Year 2 student

“My mind gets all soft and I only think of one thing at a time and I feel a bit ‘slow dizzy’.” Year 2 student

“I just feel in Peace.” Year 2 student

Smiling Minds App was recently named as one of the world’s 100 most inspiring education innovations by Finnish Institute, HundrED. https://hundred.org/en/innovations/smiling-mind

Smiling Mind https://www.smilingmind.com.au