1. Louise Birch mindfullivingshropshire@gmail.com 07761404216 May 2016
Mindfulness
Louise Birch
May 2016

2. 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:

3. 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

4. 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

5. © Mindfulness in Schools Project, 2012
Pain
Anger
Eating
Sleeping
Stress
Depression
Relationships
Exams 5
© Mindfulness in Schools Project, 2012

6. 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

7. Mindful Nation UK http://themindfulnessinitiative. org

8. © Mindfulness in Schools Project, 2012
My Body feels …..
My Mind feels ….
© Mindfulness in Schools Project, 2012

9. Thinking or Sensing?

10. Mindfulness Practices
Mindfulness In Schools Project

11. 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:

12. Mindfulness: where next?
Mindfulness in Schools Project
Bangor University Centre for Mindfulness
Cambridge University Mindfulness Centre
8 Week MBSR (Mindfulness Based Stress Reduction) course
Mindful Nation UK:
Mindfulness Teacher : Louise Birch of Mindful Living Shropshire