MINDFULNESS MEDITATION Smiling Mind By Amelia Donnelly

Latest Findings: The World Economic Forum recently reported that non-communicable diseases will more than halve global GDP over the next 20 years, pushing millions below the poverty line. Mental health conditions will remove $US16 trillion ($17.2 trillion) from world economies and represent 35 per cent of this cost, slightly more than cardiovascular disease and much more than cancer. Seventy-five per cent of cases emerge before the age of 25 years and impact heavily on the productive decades of our lives. health-in-australia-the-government-fiddles-while-young-people- die giuxwz.html#ixzz3jnDZvFnz

The biggest study ever into the mental health of Australian children and teenagers has provided a chilling reminder that an ongoing systemic failure to prevent and treat mental illness is costing young lives. The researchers estimated that as many as 560,000 young people experienced mental ill-health in the past year, primarily anxiety disorder and/or depression, one in 13 children aged between 12 and 17 having seriously considered suicide. 1 in 4 experience a mental health illness Released by the University of Western Australia 7 th of August 2015

So what are we doing here at Auburn South Primary School? 9 Staff completed training in Positive Education at Geelong Grammar (4 day PD) Focus on latest research and findings regarding developing resilience – through embedding Growth Mindsets, Character Strengths, Mindfulness Meditation, Gratitude into the curriculum Leadership part of a Boroondara Network to support other schools embarking on Pos Ed journey Part of our School Strategic Plan to focus on Student Wellbeing PD for Staff, programs for parent and student community – Hugh Van Cuylenburg and The Resilience Project Staff Yoga weekly, vision to create Student Lead Action Teams Created a new PYP Mission Statement – ‘At Auburn South Primary School, we develop a positive sense of identity within a community that encourages individuals to flourish as inquirers, creative thinkers and globally responsible citizens’

My Passion – Mindfulness Meditation 10 week Mindfulness course facilitated by Dr Craig Hassed Thesis in final year uni (2010) researched into the effectiveness of mindfulness meditation to reduce anxiety and promote positive behaviour 2 day Mindfulness course with Janet Etty Leal to use her program, Meditation Capsules 4 day training at Geelong Grammar 3 week course at Sienna College on Growth Mindsets Focus – ‘Learn it, Live it, Teach it, Embed it’ Personal life, practise yoga and meditation – so important to practise and believe in to develop understanding and experience

What is Mindfulness Meditation? ‘Mindfulness is being awake and present in each moment of our lives. It is about being fully engaged in whatever is happening around us and within us. When we bring an attitude of curiosity, acceptance and friendliness to whatever is experienced, rather than habitual patterns of judgment and criticism, our wellbeing and performance improve and life becomes richer and more satisfying.’ Dr Richard Chambers, clinical psychologist, mindfulness consultant and one of the founders of Smiling Mind Shifting from ‘thinking’ to ‘sensing’ Using the breath as a vehicle to tap into the present moment – be here now Observing thoughts, feelings, sensations, colours, sounds, tastes without reacting and as they arise Focus on HUMAN BEING not HUMAN DOING

My Classroom Practice Everyday starting at 3 minutes and building up to 7 minutes after lunch (majority of the SM meditations are 5-7 minutes) Observed that straight after lunch is a perfect time Allows time for students, and you, to have a ‘pause’ in your day Balance of formal and informal practice - Variety of resources, Smiling Mind, listen to relaxing music, inquiry ‘What do you see when you close your eyes?’, visualisations like Body Scan, can lend to creative and imaginative writing, Some parents have been using at home to help anxious children go to sleep, manage emotions before sports competition and even play in the car before arriving at school – great feedback and praise

It starts with you

Here to support you on your journey – please feel free to me if you have any questions: Free 6 week online Mindfulness Course with Dr Richard Chambers and Dr Craig Hassed (14th September)