Re-framing mindfulness

Mindfulness in education is something new- although it draws its  inspiration from many sources, some very old.

At conferences and workshops I've attended, I've met people using poetry for contemplative reflection; who've taught focusing and awareness techniques; who teach slow, mindful movement; who draw  on the work of  St. Benedict  to reflect on the previous day's activities; and who teach the ancient practice of "Lectio Divina"- or what we would now call, "Close Reading".  People seemed more than happy to adapt any process that would work to make kids more self-aware, focused, and kind.

Jon Kabat-Zinn has been a  pioneer in bringing mindfulness into the health care system, which he began  over 30 years ago. He took elements from ancient spiritual traditions and "secularized" them- making them palatable for anyone, regardless of religious or philosophical orientation-or of no orientation. He re-framed these practices in the service of health, and the reduction of suffering. His famous eight  week program is now being taught around the world, and has been adapted for many secular situations  like hospitals, clinics, mental health, and prisons.

 And now it is being brought into schools all over the country, by teachers who have tasted the quiet power of this practice. For Jon Kabat-Zinn, the original doorway was helping chronic pain patients. For educators, the doorway will probably be emotional intelligence- self-awareness, and self-management.

Experts both in and out of the classroom will continue to debate the nuances of this work, and just how this will ultimately play out in education. But teachers don't always have the luxury of waiting for years to implement effective practices. We have students right now who face enormous pressures both at home and at school. (It's estimated that 1 out of 4-5 kids will have mental health issues in their lives). And teachers are under pressure too. Let's hope that the secular adaptations of mindfulness will be of benefit to all.