Mindfulness is a way of paying attention to things as they happen, to be consciously attentive and present with what is happening. Being aware of the sun on your skin, the wind in your hair, even those little irritations, or the tiredness in your body. With mindfulness we can observe how things are in our inner and outer world, as we learn to be less reactive to our experiences.
With kindness and curiosity young people can learn to direct attention with intention, to concentrate better, and to deal with the stresses and anxieties affecting their young lives.
Learning mindfulness through our program Mindfulness Matters young people benefit by:
• feeling calmer and happier with themselves and others
• developing better relationships with others
• understanding the workings of the brain and how it effects emotions and thoughts
• learning strategies and tools to help cope with stress and anxiety when it arises
• understanding their emotions and how they project in the mind and body
In our age specific programs for children and teens, we teach mindfulness through short meditations and breath work, games and activities, movement (yoga), and stories around the theme of each lesson, as well as home activities for the students and other family members.
