Mindful and Meaningful

From the desk of Leigh Ann . . .

All week I worked with a student on being “mindful” about his words and actions.  I had encouraged him to stop and truly focus before completing a task, answering a question, or reacting to a classmate.  Then I was challenged to take an “Awareness Test” and I realized that I needed to practice what I had been preaching.  Give it a try.

I had focused so hard on the required task, that I missed something very interesting.  Did you do the same?  This experiment made me think – to make learning more meaningful, I need to be more mindful.  I have to be mindful of the unique needs of each student.  I have to be truly present and connected, so I can help them learn to be the same.  When we are focused and mindful, the process becomes more authentic, students become more connected, and learning becomes more exciting and meaningful.

Check out this article from Education World on Mindfulness in the Classroom:

http://www.educationworld.com/a_curr/profdev/profdev170_a.shtml

Genuinely connecting with a child can truly influence growth, development, and the desire to learn.  If my goal is to be a catalyst that promotes a love for lifelong learning, I must be mindful of the unique needs of each learner.  Connecting is a truly reciprocal process too because when we inspire, we become inspired.

“Mindfulness of oneself cultivates wisdom.  Mindfulness of others cultivates compassion.”  – Stonepeace