Mindful Learning: A 21st Century Technology?

Mindfulness is a technology of the future, not a relic from the past. The rich and transformative traditions of eastern culture and the western adaptation of those traditions as insight meditation practices are still incredibly powerful today. It’s a curious thing how the human body and mind function together, whether we realize it consciously or not. School is very much built on the assumption that it is focused primarily in terms of time and resources on the domain of the mind. Physical body is considered, in some ways, but has not been updated to fully recognize the actual power, speed and force by which a human being can grow, learn and change. This is simply because it takes time for the latest research and knowledge to filter down into practical settings in our society. If there’s anything we can learn from eastern traditions, which there is much we can learn from, it is that growth, learning and positive change occur naturally, organically and holistically. The outcomes become outstanding when individual that was once perhaps not nearly as mindful as he or she was mindless, but have learned a new mindful and evidence-based approach to challenges, learning, relationships and mindset.

Mindful Learning is a simple approach to learning and it addresses a number of areas that teachers often struggle with a simple, rapid and evidence based approach. Mindful Learning integrates nicely with lesson planning, instructional design, classroom management, student learning outcomes, social emotional learning & health, learning interventions & strategies, curriculum and numerous additional elements of a healthy and thriving school. Taking the time to consider and plan for building an effective Mindful Learning program is a wonderful way for schools to introduce mindfulness to their community and a great way to build on the effective experience that mindfulness meditation programs have already begun to introduce in some schools. Mindful Learning programs allow for schools to create generative growth in the quality of learning, experience and outcomes had by students, teachers, staff and families. 

Mindful Learning is both a learned mindset as well as a framework to integrate concepts, beliefs, techniques and research findings into your classroom, self-care, and community programming. It’s best to take your school culture, familiarity with mindfulness, interest in mindfulness and capacity for new programming into account when considering brining Mindful Learning into your school or district. Some organizations elect to incorporate mindful learning workshops into their faculty professional development programs. Administrators and faculty leaders often enjoy learning in small groups how they can slowly begin to introduce mindfulness and mindful learning into faculty meetings, team meetings and into their classrooms. One of my favorite types of trainings is where I teach the students about mindfulness and mindful learning in an assembly or classroom setting where the faculty and staff can see me model to the students. Then a followup presentation to faculty along with a planning session can get you off to a strong, efficient and most importantly enjoyable start!

Students and teachers have gone through a number of major transitions throughout their lives, it's a normal part of growing up and it has also been the constant theme of the past year and a half for many. We can build off of that growth as individuals, organizations and communities. Mindfulness enriches your curriculum because it provides a calmer and more engaging environment for connecting with the material and each other. Mindful Learning promotes a self-discipline of engagement through curiosity, exploration and creativity. Productivity is almost always increased along with an overall sense of relief of stress and improvement in overall wellness. Mindful Learning program developing, training and implementation is a small investment with major outcomes. It’s important to involve the community, to learn and grow together. Creating shared experiences, language and visions for learning, supporting and succeeding together.

To learn a bit more about how I can help you build your Mindfulness and Mindful Learning program check out my website to learn more or message me directly.