Mindfulness

Mindfulness is a training of our mind to be fully engaged with whatever we do and not forgetting it. It can be applied to any activity we participate in through daily life. These skills teach children not only how to recognise their thoughts, emotions and actions, but also how to react in positive ways. When students become overwhelmed or anxious at school, we encourage them to take some time out to practice mindfulness. This usually is either to go to the “calm corner” to take some deep breaths, play with some sensory toys like squishy stress balls or read a book. It could also be to take a deliberate mindfulness walk. This is a tool that encourages the student to take notice of what they can see (birds, flowers, leaves floating around) what they hear (people talking, birds, music) what they can smell (the trees, canteen food) which takes their mind off whatever is effecting them , so that they calm themselves enough to go back to class more able to focus. It isn’t about just rushing to get back to the classroom as stressed as before they left. When we practice mindfulness, we are in control of our concentration and are able to block any distractions that interfere with the present. It is used to assist us in becoming more focused and more aware of our present surroundings and thoughts in our mind that may be causing us discomfort, pain or distraction.

Some other ways we practice mindfulness at St Benedict’s is through meditation or listening to calming music in class after lunch or recess. Providing “Calm Club” at recess on Mondays and Wednesdays where Mrs. March facilitates things like guided meditations, body scans mindfulness colouring or tapping exercises. Mr. Hassett is running a wellbeing program where he visits every class and teachers the students about various subjects like mindfulness and healthy friendships. Mindfulness is one of the components of wellbeing, and wellbeing for all students is something that we are passionate about at St Benedict’s.