Mindfulness provides a tool for creating a space between BIG feelings and BIG reactions.....
Sometimes we have big feelings and with that sometimes come big reactions. Mindful tools teach us to put a little space between big feelings and those quick, impulsive, instant, big reactions.
It's in that little space that we can control what we do (i.e.. respond) instead of our feelings being in control of what we do (i.e.. react).
With a personal mindful practice for over 30 years, I bring mindful tools into both the therapeutic room, as well as elementary schools throughout Marin County, California. Both a goal and intervention, mindfulness is paying attention here and now, with kindness and curiosity, so we can respond with intention. With practice, mindfulness can play a powerful role in supporting children, adults, parents and families through increasing emotion regulation, self-awareness, impulse control, focus, empathy, communication and connection......while decreasing reactiveness, defended behavior, stress and frustration.
Mindfulness is a form of attention, an inner awareness, which can be applied during any activity throughout the day. We can use mindfulness when we're seeing, hearing, walking, eating, playing, test-taking, etc. It is not about clearing your mind. The purpose is to notice what is happening in the present moment. Being mindful strengthens positive human qualities like empathy, kindness, trust, generosity and patience.
making way for a thoughtful response as opposed to an impulsive instant reaction.
Trained by Mindful Schools to teach mindfulness to students in grades K-12, I am excited to offer this curriculum to complement any school's existing social and emotional programming. The benefits to educators and students, and therefore the entire school, include:
Sun Valley Elementary School, a national Blue Ribbon School, provides the Mindful Classroom program as part of the socio-emotional tools offered to their students.
Increased focus and concentration, especially with today's increased use of technology
Increased self awareness in an effort to recognize and process emotions and feelings
Improved impulse control by creating space to respond versus react
Reduced anxiety/stress through self-soothing and self-regulating
Increased empathy and understanding of self…..and others
Increased skillful responses to big difficult emotions
Mindful Sun Valley School
To find out more about mindfulness and/or bringing mindfulness into your student’s classroom or school, please don’t hesitate to contact me.
Resources include:
To Share with children: