The Mindfulness in Schools Project

What is Mindfulness?

Probably the most widely quoted definition of mindfulness is that…

"Mindfulness means paying attention in a particular way: on purpose, in the present moment, and non judgmentally."

(Jon Kabat-Zinn)

See the booklist (right) and click here for further explanation of what this actually means.

Watch the short video above for an explanation of mindfulness and how it might be used in schools.

Richard Burnett explains that mindfulness is not some trendy, new-age fad, but rather a provenly effective discipline for the mind which brings a whole range of benefits to children and adults alike.

Just as children learn to read and write at school, shouldn't they learn how to understand in greater depth and use more effectively the most precious instrument they have: their minds.

Two pupils also explain what mindfulness means to them and how it has helped in their daily lives.

Michael Chaskalson, a Buddhist, teacher, meditation trainer and author, defines mindfulness in this audio clip taken from a MiSP conference held in March 2010.

A Kung Fu Panda explanation

One of the most succinct and compelling ways of explaining mindfulness to a class full of children is to show them a short clip from the 2008 DreamWorks animated film 'Kung Fu Panda'.

Po (our hero panda) is feeling very low, his anguished monologue touching on many a 21st century anxiety. He thinks he is rubbish at everything (low self-esteem), he knows he eats too much (eating disorders), he worries a great deal (stress/anxiety), and is now on the verge of giving up his dream of kung-fu glory. Thankfully, the wise old turtle Oogway arrives and gently reprimands the troubled panda:

You are too concerned about what was and what will be. There is a saying: yesterday is history, tomorrow is a mystery, but today is a gift. That is why it is called the ‘present’.

A look of realisation dawns on Po as he understands that he is worrying about what has happened and what might happen rather than simply being in the present moment, itself a gift that we rarely appreciate. Not only do kids understand this, it is not a million miles away from definitions of mindfulness that you will find in the books.