Being Mindful in the Classroom

Let's face it, these days we live in fear. We are an anxious lot. Our kids are growing up afraid of all the bad things that could happen in their lives, to the point that many are afraid of going to school. I never imagined a world where this could be so but it is.

What do we do about it? We could strengthen our defenses against violence that might enter the classroom. We could install security equipment, train school personnel, ask military vets to maintain a presence.

Or we could work toward a more peaceful solution, one that isn't difficult either. Let's put mindfulness in the classroom.

Practicing mindfulness builds bonds and creates a feeling of connectedness. Simply put, it is paying attention to ourselves, others, and the world around us. We are all part of this planet and have challenges to overcome.

Mindfulness is based on simple concepts, according to Calm Classroom (https://calmclassroom.com):

• Self awareness: if we understand how our emotions and thoughts affect our behavior, we can make more conscious, responsible decisions.

• Mental focus: cut out the distractions and build the ability to focus.

• Emotional resilience: learn to manage emotions and achieve a state of calm when we need to.

There are many simple to learn and use practices that can help kids and teachers achieve the above. Most only take a few minutes, offering calming moments in a bustling school day.

Ideas for mindfulness practices can be found at the Positive Psychology Program website (https://positivepsychologyprogram.com/mindfulness-for-children-kids-activities/:) They include:

• sit quietly, outside if possible, and use all of your senses to notice what is going on around you. What do you hear? What do you see? etc.

• strike a Superman or Wonder Woman pose and notice how it feels physically and emotionally (this really works)

• notice your breathing. Imagine a boat rising and falling on the waves as you breathe in and out. Imagine your breath is a color and you are a fish breathing in air for the first time.

Many New Mexico teachers and students are already mindfully working through the school day. Rio Grande School is offering mindful parenting workshops this year to include parents and families in their mindfulness practices.

Simple daily practices like this lead to amazingly good things in the areas where we face problems like bullying, ADHD, the acquisition of social skills, and good mental health.