Each week we will explore this question and offer a few bite-sized mindful moments for you to bring to your life and the lives of your students.
MINDFUL MOMENT FOR YOU: Body check
Photo by Richard Jaimes on Unsplash
At the end of each class and the school day, take a moment to check in with your body, especially in areas that carry stress like shoulders, jaw, forehead, and stomach. Then, as you inhale train your attention on each individual spot, hold for a count of three, and as you exhale invite that area to release. Notice what the body feels like after that release.
MINDFUL MOMENT FOR YOUR STUDENTS: Body check
Photo by Volkan Olmez on Unsplash
Just as we can take these moments for ourselves, we can offer these moments to our students. Invite them, at the beginning or end of class, to close their eyes or gaze down, and notice any sensations in their forehead....jaw...shoulders...and belly. Then, invite them to scan again, this time taking one breath and inviting relaxation at each spot. Finally, have them notice what the body feels like after the release.