Mindfulness In School
“One of the tricky things in finding someone great to support teachers to develop mindfulness is that they have to both understand how to facilitate the practice, but also understand the very unique experiences of being a teacher. Adam understands both these aspects deeply.”
One Mindful provides a series of offerings focused on building community, prioritizing self-care, and embodying the principles of mindful awareness in the service of youth.
“I learn how to respond to emotions.”
~ 8th Grade Student
Children and teenagers deserve the opportunity to discover ease in their bodies, minds, and hearts—and to experience the empowering agency that develops when that ease is discovered. This discovery, however, is not intellectual, academic, or knowledge-based. It shows up when students are offered safe spaces, on a regular basis, to go inward and learn to navigate their “inner curriculum” of thoughts and feelings.
As students begin to unearth this resource of ease within themselves by learning to connect to the present moment, attention, curiosity, compassion, and so much more become natural and automatic. Rather than trying to tell students to be more of something they are not, mindfulness helps them awaken to their natural state of tranquility, openness, and kindness.
Time Within
Every day, teachers and school staff are challenged to show up with patience, empathy, and emotional intelligence, for students and also for themselves. From the mindfulness perspective, we can learn to soak in the joy of teaching while meeting its immense demands with resilience.
Through our program, educators will learn evidence-based practices designed to cultivate ease, gratitude, and inner resource. Teachers who are passionate about bringing mindfulness practices into their classrooms may elect to receive a curriculum, train in mindfulness facilitation, and collaborate through coaching. Just as an English teacher ideally has a deep love for words, a mindfulness teacher embodies and expresses mindfulness on a daily basis. This takes time, training, and practice. Over time, we can reduce stress, improve health, and become an even greater source of safety and love for our students.
Pathway & Options
Community Gathering | 60 or 90 minutes
These sessions foster connection, community, and a powerful sense of individual and collective learning. We take time to authentically be together while exploring a specific facet of awareness, presence, and self-growth. These gatherings include an introduction, guided meditation based on a particular theme, a teaching on that theme, and guided group dialogue and inquiry. We end with time for the whole group to ask questions and share insights.
Session Themes:
Beginner’s Mind in the Service of Teaching and Life
Embodiment: Liberating the Mind Through Awareness of Body
Feelings! Taking in the Joy and Working with the Difficult
Wise Response: Discovering Equanimity in the Midst of Challenge
Expanding the Heart: Cultivating Love in All its Forms
Staff Meditation and Mindfulness Session | 30 minutes
Attendees will learn to cultivate recognition and ease within the present moment and learn to apply the teachings of mindfulness to teaching and life. Each session includes guided meditation and ends with a short teaching, group reflection, and Q&A.
Elements of Mindfulness | 8-Week Training
For those who wish to deepen their understanding of mindfulness and develop a personal practice, Elements of Mindfulness for Educators is an eight-week training specifically designed for teachers and school staff. We will approach mindfulness systematically, engaging in both formal meditation and informal practices and weekly teachings supporting educators to experience the joy of teaching and meet its immense demands.
Mindfulness in the Classroom | 6-Week Training
Educators who have completed Elements of Mindfulness and want to teach mindfulness to their students may train to integrate formal mindfulness practices into the classroom. Teachers will receive a curriculum containing simple lessons and learn to support students to discover ease and agency within. Additionally, teachers will be supported in their training with observation and coaching sessions.
Get in touch.
Let’s connect to discuss the specific needs and goals of your school community.