Mindfulness for Children

Mindfulness is a buzz word we hear a lot. But what does it actually mean? 

What is Mindfulness? Simply put, mindfulness means being in the present moment. 

Most of the time our thoughts are ruminating about the past or worrying about the future. In fact we have 60,000 - 70,000 thoughts each day!! Mindfulness takes us out of our thinking minds and into the present moment. 

Why do surfers and skiers feel so good when they are engaged in their sport? Why do painters and dancers feel so good whilst they are absorbed with their form of art? Because they are being mindful. They are completely immersed in the present moment. 

Mindfulness makes you feel happier, less ruminating, less worrying and more just being. 

Mindfulness can be taught and needs to be practised. Children learn and practise  mindfulness through our Yoga and Wellbeing programs. There are so many different ways to practise being mindful; mindful colouring, mindful eating and breathing exercises to name a few. 

When I was a classroom teacher, my class started the day with mindful walking. We began by doing some belly breathing whilst we were lining up, then we walked up the stairs to our classroom. We focused on our breath as well as our senses; what we could see, feel (our feet on the floor), hear and even smell. By the time we reached our classroom my students were settled and focused and ready to learn. 

Mindfulness helps children (and adults alike!) to be more focused and more productive. It helps us relax and better access our creativity and may improve sleep. Mindfulness helps us make better choices by allowing us to respond rather than react. 

A classroom filled with little people who are focused, creative and productive, who have had enough sleep and who respond to one another rather than react. That is what a classroom looks like when children have learnt and practised mindfulness.