About Mindfulness
What is mindfulness?
Mindfulness is a way of intentionally attending to one’s direct experience (bodily sensations, thoughts, and emotions) in the present moment, with a sense of openness, curiosity and self-kindness to what is noticed.
Is mindfulness the same thing as meditation?
No. Meditation is a formal practice often used to teach and enhance the capacity of everyday mindfulness.
Is mindfulness a religious practice?
No. Mindfulness can be considered a cognitive skill. Experiential practices to cultivate mindfulness come from researched therapeutic, cognitive behavioral, relaxation and compassion-based programs. A variety of mindfulness meditation practices are found in many different religious traditions. The teaching and practice of mindfulness does not involve subscribing to any particular belief system or religious tradition.
What are the research findings on mindfulness in education?
Hundreds of studies have documented positive benefits in health, well-being and interpersonal relationships among adults who practice mindfulness. Research on mindfulness in students and schools is relatively new (the last 10 years) and results from studies are trending in the positive direction. Benefits appear, in terms of student social-emotional development, attention, study habits, academic grades as well as classroom climates.
Mindfulness is a way of intentionally attending to one’s direct experience (bodily sensations, thoughts, and emotions) in the present moment, with a sense of openness, curiosity and self-kindness to what is noticed.
Is mindfulness the same thing as meditation?
No. Meditation is a formal practice often used to teach and enhance the capacity of everyday mindfulness.
Is mindfulness a religious practice?
No. Mindfulness can be considered a cognitive skill. Experiential practices to cultivate mindfulness come from researched therapeutic, cognitive behavioral, relaxation and compassion-based programs. A variety of mindfulness meditation practices are found in many different religious traditions. The teaching and practice of mindfulness does not involve subscribing to any particular belief system or religious tradition.
What are the research findings on mindfulness in education?
Hundreds of studies have documented positive benefits in health, well-being and interpersonal relationships among adults who practice mindfulness. Research on mindfulness in students and schools is relatively new (the last 10 years) and results from studies are trending in the positive direction. Benefits appear, in terms of student social-emotional development, attention, study habits, academic grades as well as classroom climates.
Learning and Teaching Mindfulness
As an adult, what are some ways that I can get training to learn mindfulness for myself?
In-person classes taught by an experienced mindfulness teacher offer the best foundation for in-depth learning. Within most communities, you can find experienced teachers or organizations that offer 4 to 8 week courses based on Jon-Kabat Zinn’s Mindfulness Based Stress Reduction program. There are also week-long immersion training programs offered by national experts. There are also opportunities to take these classes online now.
Is it important that I have a practice of mindfulness if I am teaching mindfulness to my students?
Yes. Research shows that classrooms where teachers have their own practice of mindfulness have more positive climates and teacher-student relationships. When mindfulness is embodied through practice, teachers are able to answer student questions more authentically, from their own personal experience and base of knowledge. The importance of continuous cultivation through formal practice is very important.
Where can I get training to become a mindfulness teacher?
If you have an established mindfulness practice and want to learn how to teach mindfulness to youth, MC4ME sponsors training workshops by national experts yearly. MC4ME also offers a summer institute series to help you get started. Sign up here to get on our mailing list and stay informed about our upcoming events and training opportunities. Check out the organizations in our resource section for training opportunities across the country.
Are there any online resources where I can learn how to teach mindfulness?
Yes. We have listed some of those in our resource section. Not all of these programs offer supervised experience or interaction with the instructor or participants. It is our belief that the most valuable training comes from taking a face-to-face program that includes integration of practices over time, interaction with a peer learning group and mentoring experiences.
What does it mean when a mindfulness training program offers certification?
Mindfulness teacher training programs vary in length and rigor. Several offer their own brand and level of certification. If a mindfulness teacher lists that they are certified, it means that they fulfilled that particular training program’s completion requirements. Certification provides only this level of assurance, and like any other professional training, does not guarantee the quality of that professional.
In-person classes taught by an experienced mindfulness teacher offer the best foundation for in-depth learning. Within most communities, you can find experienced teachers or organizations that offer 4 to 8 week courses based on Jon-Kabat Zinn’s Mindfulness Based Stress Reduction program. There are also week-long immersion training programs offered by national experts. There are also opportunities to take these classes online now.
Is it important that I have a practice of mindfulness if I am teaching mindfulness to my students?
Yes. Research shows that classrooms where teachers have their own practice of mindfulness have more positive climates and teacher-student relationships. When mindfulness is embodied through practice, teachers are able to answer student questions more authentically, from their own personal experience and base of knowledge. The importance of continuous cultivation through formal practice is very important.
Where can I get training to become a mindfulness teacher?
If you have an established mindfulness practice and want to learn how to teach mindfulness to youth, MC4ME sponsors training workshops by national experts yearly. MC4ME also offers a summer institute series to help you get started. Sign up here to get on our mailing list and stay informed about our upcoming events and training opportunities. Check out the organizations in our resource section for training opportunities across the country.
Are there any online resources where I can learn how to teach mindfulness?
Yes. We have listed some of those in our resource section. Not all of these programs offer supervised experience or interaction with the instructor or participants. It is our belief that the most valuable training comes from taking a face-to-face program that includes integration of practices over time, interaction with a peer learning group and mentoring experiences.
What does it mean when a mindfulness training program offers certification?
Mindfulness teacher training programs vary in length and rigor. Several offer their own brand and level of certification. If a mindfulness teacher lists that they are certified, it means that they fulfilled that particular training program’s completion requirements. Certification provides only this level of assurance, and like any other professional training, does not guarantee the quality of that professional.
Introducing and Sustaining Mindfulness in Schools or Organizations
As a parent, how shall I approach my child’s school about bringing in mindfulness?
Speak with a teacher, counselor or the principal of the school, let them know of your interest and see if there is receptivity or advocates already in the school. There may be funds available to bring mindfulness programming to the school. The PTO is often a great resource for this effort. You can contact MC4ME who can assist by offering presentations to your school group or other resources.
How can MC4ME help introduce mindfulness to my school or organization?
One of our MC4ME board members or affiliated trainers can talk or meet with you or a small group of interested members of the school community to plan an introductory program that would best meet your school or organization’s specific needs and interests. The introductory program could include a formal speaker-led presentation in mindfulness or use of a film to encourage discussion. This first audience might consist of staff, parents, or administrators specifically interested in mindfulness. Contact us!
What are some of the practices that are taught in mindfulness curricula in schools?
Mindfulness curricula involve a series of lesson plans (10-30 minutes) to help students better understand their mind, behavior and emotional reactions. Students learn how to pay attention to their breath, bodies, emotions, thoughts and external environment through short (5-15 minutes) structured activities – journaling, movement, and relaxation exercises.
After training occurs what are some ways to insure continuity and embed mindfulness in the school teaching culture?
Opportunities to reinforce practice occur in the busy moments of classroom work on a day to day basis or when actual conflict arises. You can continue to use the activities learned in the formal training program individually or as a group. Specific short guided audios are helpful. Encouraging your administrator to include mindfulness in their annual school improvement plan is another great strategy.
Speak with a teacher, counselor or the principal of the school, let them know of your interest and see if there is receptivity or advocates already in the school. There may be funds available to bring mindfulness programming to the school. The PTO is often a great resource for this effort. You can contact MC4ME who can assist by offering presentations to your school group or other resources.
How can MC4ME help introduce mindfulness to my school or organization?
One of our MC4ME board members or affiliated trainers can talk or meet with you or a small group of interested members of the school community to plan an introductory program that would best meet your school or organization’s specific needs and interests. The introductory program could include a formal speaker-led presentation in mindfulness or use of a film to encourage discussion. This first audience might consist of staff, parents, or administrators specifically interested in mindfulness. Contact us!
What are some of the practices that are taught in mindfulness curricula in schools?
Mindfulness curricula involve a series of lesson plans (10-30 minutes) to help students better understand their mind, behavior and emotional reactions. Students learn how to pay attention to their breath, bodies, emotions, thoughts and external environment through short (5-15 minutes) structured activities – journaling, movement, and relaxation exercises.
After training occurs what are some ways to insure continuity and embed mindfulness in the school teaching culture?
Opportunities to reinforce practice occur in the busy moments of classroom work on a day to day basis or when actual conflict arises. You can continue to use the activities learned in the formal training program individually or as a group. Specific short guided audios are helpful. Encouraging your administrator to include mindfulness in their annual school improvement plan is another great strategy.
Teaching Mindfulness to All Children
What is the best age for a child to begin mindfulness training?
There is no one best age to begin. Our brains evolve throughout life, so the benefits of mindfulness can be experienced as early as age 3 or 4. We know that the earlier we learn new habits, the more easily they can be sustained. We also know that children in preschool experience stress and early negative effects can be longlasting. It is helpful for children at any age to have practices that help them cope with stress.
What is the best way to introduce my child to learning mindfulness?
Practicing mindfulness for yourself and sharing your experience is usually the best way to introduce your child to this practice. Practicing as a family may be even better. It is never a good idea to force mindfulness on your child. With older children and teens, it’s best to discuss how mindfulness assists with stress. They may be encouraged to learn if they know that many college and professional athletes use mindfulness to help them stay focused and increase performance.
Would mindfulness training be helpful to my child with special needs?
Absolutely! Two areas that mindfulness has been shown to have a positive impact are on focus and emotional regulation. Gaining skills in mindfulness can help children deal with their frustration in learning and emotional reactivity. When children slow things down with mindfulness techniques, they see new ways to deal with challenging tasks, and are more able to come up with creative solutions. With better self-control, more positive feedback occurs and children feel more capable and included with their family and peers.
There is no one best age to begin. Our brains evolve throughout life, so the benefits of mindfulness can be experienced as early as age 3 or 4. We know that the earlier we learn new habits, the more easily they can be sustained. We also know that children in preschool experience stress and early negative effects can be longlasting. It is helpful for children at any age to have practices that help them cope with stress.
What is the best way to introduce my child to learning mindfulness?
Practicing mindfulness for yourself and sharing your experience is usually the best way to introduce your child to this practice. Practicing as a family may be even better. It is never a good idea to force mindfulness on your child. With older children and teens, it’s best to discuss how mindfulness assists with stress. They may be encouraged to learn if they know that many college and professional athletes use mindfulness to help them stay focused and increase performance.
Would mindfulness training be helpful to my child with special needs?
Absolutely! Two areas that mindfulness has been shown to have a positive impact are on focus and emotional regulation. Gaining skills in mindfulness can help children deal with their frustration in learning and emotional reactivity. When children slow things down with mindfulness techniques, they see new ways to deal with challenging tasks, and are more able to come up with creative solutions. With better self-control, more positive feedback occurs and children feel more capable and included with their family and peers.
The mindfulness work with our class of third and fourth graders was remarkable. In the world we live in, being quiet and calm doesn’t come easy to anyone, especially children. This was a welcome time for the students. They were very attentive and really embraced this idea.”
– Special Education Teaching Assistant, Ann Arbor Public Schools
