Does it surprise you that our brain can change depending on our daily experiences? It shouldn't be. Not only is brain transformation dependent upon what we do but also how we think and feel. As an educator and teacher, mindfulness is something that I incorporate into my classroom every single day. Many folks complain that they do not have enough time in their busy schedules and how I respond, MAKE TIME! Mindfulness practice only takes 3-5 minutes and has ENDLESS benefits.
During morning meeting daily, my students practice mindfulness. It is the start of the day and it is the time that we each take a moment to set an intention for our day - academic, social, or behavioral. After each student verbalizes their intention, I write it on a chart so that they can look back at it throughout the day. At the end of the day before we all go home, we practice mindfulness by breathing and meditating. We prepare our minds, bodies and souls for the next activities in our day - whether it is going home, going to a friends house, an after school program, or childcare.
As we practice mindfulness, we develop our brains - the neurological pathways and we experience a greater sense of compassion, lower stress levels, and a greater sense of well-being. Through meditation, we rewire our brains and gain a new awareness of ourselves, others and our world.
The most key aspect to mindfulness is to take what you learn from it and apply it, or transform it, to the rest of your life. For example, you may find that you are able to stay in a moment of silence and appreciate its beauty. Or, you may be eating one of your favorite meals but realize how that food is nourishing your body, mind and soul. You notice all the different tastes, smells and you can see how your engine is being fueled.
Only 2-5 minutes a day - make time for it. If you want to live a better quality of life, where you are flooded with awareness, happiness, compassion, less anxiety and so many other benefits, try mindfulness. If you are new to the practice, there are many YouTube videos, as well as apps that can be downloaded to guide you.
Mindfulness has changed my life in and outside of my classroom. Because of the practice, I have re-examined my relationship to my own life. Mindfulness is a productive way to begin my days and end my nights. I have gained a sense of power in my own thoughts, voice and can appreciate moments of stillness and silence.
As you practice mindfulness, you may feel that nothing changes but yet everything changes. Yes, you still have to pay the bills, attend work meetings, drive your children all around town. But because mindfulness is WITHIN you - you take on these tasks with a much different approach - a more calm, relaxed and compassionate way.
TRY IT!
