WHY MINDFULNESS?
With the increased stressors of our modern day lives and its impact on neurological, emotional, executive function development, health, and wellbeing, the necessity to teach our children tools such as embodied mindfulness is paramount. As educators rethink the knowledge, skills, and dispositions needed to thrive in our fast-changing society, it is opportune to consider other life skills that can contribute to wellbeing, resilience, and academic and life success. Numerous studies have pointed to the efficacy of mindfulness to help with multiple mental and physical problems such as anxiety, stress, pain, Attention-Deficit Hyperactivity, and mood disorders. In addition, recent studies have also indicated the success of mindfulness in contributing to empathy, pro-social behavior, resiliency, and academic achievement.
Benefits of Mindfulness
- Improved focus and concentration
- Increased sense of calm
- Reduced stress & anxiety
- Enhanced health
- Improved impulse control
- Greater self-awareness
- Skillful responses to difficult emotions
- Increased empathy and understanding of other
- Development of natural conflict resolution skills
- Overall sense of wellbeing and inner peace
Symptoms of Inner Peace
- Frequent attacks of smiling
- Spontaneous acts of self-love
- An ability to enjoy each moment
- Uncontrollable urge to extend love
- Overwhelming episodes of appreciation
- Authentic expressions of compassion toward others
Step into Discovery!
Step into Play!
WHY NATURE?
More than ever, we need Nature!
In the last decades our children’s reality has dramatically changed from playful moments discovering frogs or playing hide and seek in neighboring grasslands to spending 90% of their time indoors. According to research, children are spending are spending held as much time discovering nature as their parents did. So what you might ask?
Benefits of being Connection to Nature
Mental Health
Yale Social Ecologist Stephen R. Keller concluded that nature connection, including spending time in nature, improved a child’s emotional stability, cognitive flexibility, critical thinking, self-esteem and creativity.
Happier
Research from Dr. Laura Berrera-Hernandez from the Sonora Institute of Technology (ITSON) demonstrated that a child’s connection to nature makes them happier as a result of their pro-ecological behaviors.
Reduces Stress
Nature’s effect on stress reduction has been well documented with adults for a few decades now. Recent research and evidence points to similar affects with children resulting in healthier cortisol levels (stress hormone) as well as lower heart rate.
Increase Motivation
Several researches demonstrated that children motivation, enjoyment, and engagement are better in natural settings. (Becker et al., 2017; Lekies et al., 2015).
Increases Curiosity
Nature offers kids a magical playing ground for discovery. The possibilities are endless.
Pro-ecological Behaviors
Children exposed to nature develop a greater respect for nature and stronger pro-ecological behaviors that are carried throughout their lives.
Wellbeing
According to Dr. Charest (2014), children exposed to an 8-week nature-based mindfulness program demonstrated a greater sense of wellbeing in comparison to control groups.