Louise Birch mindfullivingshropshire@gmail.com 07761404216 May 2016 Mindfulness Louise Birch mindfullivingshropshire@gmail.com 07761404216 May 2016
Mindfulness is …. “ ….. about learning to direct our attention to our experience as it unfolds, moment by moment, with open-minded curiosity and acceptance. Rather than worrying about what has happened or might happen, it trains us to respond skilfully to whatever is happening right now, be that good or bad.” source: http://www.mindfulnessinschools.org
Using the tools of mindfulness we can learn to: cultivate present moment awareness pay skilful attention to our experience to notice patterns make choices about how we respond rather than react to our experiences Mindfulness is a skill that has to be learned and practised to be effective
When students are stressed: Independent thinking & learning skills deteriorate Increased difficulty in dealing with strong emotions depression, anxiety, anger Learning is blocked Relationships with peers, teachers, family may suffer Mindfulness can help to address these issues
© Mindfulness in Schools Project, 2012 Pain Anger Eating Sleeping Stress Depression Relationships Exams 5 © Mindfulness in Schools Project, 2012
Evidence shows that mindfulness can be developed in schools & colleges as a life-skill Concentration, focus, confidence Independent thinking Coping with stress around exams, deadlines Dealing with strong emotions Interpersonal relationships Attendance Performance in sport “It’s helped us with concentration in lessons and exam stress, nerves and music performance and sport!” Source: 16 year old student at Mindfulness in education conference March 2013
Mindful Nation UK http://themindfulnessinitiative. org
© Mindfulness in Schools Project, 2012 My Body feels ….. My Mind feels …. © Mindfulness in Schools Project, 2012
Thinking or Sensing?
Mindfulness Practices Mindfulness In Schools Project
The .b for Teens curriculum: Ten lessons, each teaching a distinct mindfulness skill designed to do so in a way which engages young minds lessons include a brief presentation by the teacher with the help of lively visuals, film and sound images, and practical exercises and demonstrations to make the ideas vivid and relevant to their lives: Source: http://mindfulnessinschools.org
Mindfulness: where next? Mindfulness in Schools Project http://mindfulnessinschools.org Bangor University Centre for Mindfulness https://www.bangor.ac.uk/mindfulness/ Cambridge University Mindfulness Centre 8 Week MBSR (Mindfulness Based Stress Reduction) course Mindful Nation UK: http://themindfulnessinitiative.org.uk/images/reports/Mindfulness-APPG-Report_Mindful-Nation-UK_Oct2015.pdf Mindfulness Teacher : Louise Birch of Mindful Living Shropshire