Transcript for Unplug creator shares her simple guide to meditation

meditation, because meditation guru Suze yalof Schwartz is here. She made a dramatic shift in her life. I knew you when. Giving up a fast-paced life for peace and serenity doing something she describes in her book as just unplugging. Correct. All about unplugging. I love the name for a book. And congratulations. Thank you so much. So talk to me about what we'll see today. We think of meditation as something where you are sitting, sort of quiet. But you also describe an active meditation. Yes, I mean it's called the breath of joy and basically you go. Ah. Now, you guys do it. We're trying to give you it. Ah. Try it, Lara. Okay. Why not. And basically what it says, gives you energy and makes you happy and gets you there pretty quick. How would you best describe meditation to meme at home? Basically it's like this. This is called meditation in a jar. So your mind is the jar. And the glitter represents your thoughts and your feelings so when we're stressed or we're in a rush our brains look like this. I love that. But when we stop, right and we slow down and breathe, just breathe in slowly. They start to dissipate. That did a beautiful thing. It really just signals to your brain everything is okay and then it settles down and becomes clear and that's what happens to your brain on meditation. When you do things like this active meditation which is something that everybody can do in your office how many do you do? How soon do you feel a sense of calm? You can in 16 seconds completely shift your state and you can also sit for 45 minutes. I mean I love also using essential oils, essential oils are great mood shifters. Let's talk about them. A lot of people -- everyone has some essential oils with them. I want everyone to take your hands, rub them together with essential oils in them. Smell your hands, take a deep breath. I'll ask you what do you smell in yours? Calm, relaxing. Focus. Give me some of that. Lavender. We have some for you actually. This is the lavender oil which is great and makes you calm and it also helps with sleep and Jesse you were smelling this, right? How does this make you feel. This Orange makes me feel happy. It reminds me of little league baseball when the moms would bring Oranges at the end. That was the greatest. And that's what it does to your brain. It's the essential oil of happiness and peppermint. Someone has that. So great have young here. "Unplug" out tomorrow. We'll be right back.

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Unplug creator shares her simple guide to meditation - ABC News

It was mainly sitting relaxingly, and inhaling and exhaling for ten minutes, closing your eyes. There was a cassette available at a reasonable price to take home. The important thing was to be conscious about the process, and the instructor during the training, and also in the cassette, was asking us to concentrate on the nostrils, and how the air goes into the lungs and coming out when you exhale. During this exercise, your mind really becomes focussed.

by Laksiri Fernando

( March 7, 2017, Sydney, Sri Lanka Guardian) I was pleased to read another great piece by Dr Upul Wijayawardhana on the subject of meditation, titled Scientific basis of mindfulness meditation on last Saturday (The Island, 4 March 2017). I am using neutral language as much as possible by purpose without glowing him in praise. It is also my personal experience that meditation to the mind is like physical exercises to the body. I am particularly referring to the mindfulness meditation or Vipassana, as he has explained.

I became attracted to Buddhism at the age of ten when my Mahappa (fathers elder brother) became a Buddhist in 1955. I was inquisitive what he was doing in his room, sitting on a mat in a strange posture; and sitting there for long hours, keeping his eyes closed. It was in 1958 and thereafter, I came across many of E. W. Adikarams articles in the Silumina newspaper, one of which was Jathivadiya Manasika Pisseki (Communalist is a Lunatic). He also published a series of short booklets thereafter called Sithuvili (Thoughts) where he explained some simple methods of meditation. I also had the opportunity to listen to him at Moratuwa town hall as a youngster and on radio. He came for a series of lectures. Everything became forgotten later, engrossed in studies, student politics and in a busy professional life thereafter. However, when I look back, even student politics (!) could have been enriched, if there was a touch of mindfulness.

Current Trends

In Australian schools today, mindfulness training is extensively used and there will be a Mindfulness Teacher Training Certificate Course in Sydney in a weeks time on 15-16 March. As Dr Wijayawardhana says Though the purists may argue that these variants negate the original aims but I am sure Gautama Buddha would not have minded his technique being used, even with modifications, for the good of many. The important point to ask here is whether and how far the Sri Lankan schools use these methods of Mindfulness in a scientific manner for the benefit of the students and the society. Three objectives that Australian schools attempting to achieve are: (1) Relieve anxiety and stress of students (2) Let go of anger and frustration and (3) Overcome worrying and negative thinking.

Wijayawardhana has given a useful exposition to the benefit of many medical personnel at the 39th Annual Academic Session of the Kandy Society of Medicine (15 February) about the various ways the medical science/s today using the methods of meditation, beginning with the initiatives by Professor Jon Kabat-Zinn in 1979 in USA. When I encountered the first symptoms of acute angina in early 1997, after what they called an angioplasty, I was put on a heart rehabilitation program at the Concord Hospital in Sydney. After several weeks of physical exercises, I was surprised when the instructor introduced what he called the Breathing Meditation. It was similar to Anapanasati and when he was talking, he looked at me and said, Fernando, you must be familiar with this, to which I just nodded.

It was mainly sitting relaxingly, and inhaling and exhaling for ten minutes, closing your eyes. There was a cassette available at a reasonable price to take home. The important thing was to be conscious about the process, and the instructor during the training, and also in the cassette, was asking us to concentrate on the nostrils, and how the air goes into the lungs and coming out when you exhale. During this exercise, your mind really becomes focussed. After the process, you feel much calmer and relaxed. This was mainly for stress control, as he said. Only after sometime that I realized, the name of the hospital, Concord, was well suited for this meditation lesson. During that time, we were also living in Concord.

For Peace and Harmony

On a more social or spiritual application, Dr Wijayawardhana has highlighted the recent contributions made by U Ba Khin (the Burmese) and more particularly, Satya Narayan Goenka, to popularize meditation and mindfulness in society. He also mentions its relevance to peace and harmony in the world, referring to Goenkas speech at the UN Summit of Religious and Spiritual Leaders for World Peace in August 2000. This is immensely relevant for Sri Lanka today.

Goenka started his speech by saying that Religion is religion only when it unites. Religion is no more religion when it divides. He ended his speech by quoting Emperor Dharma Asokas Edict XII, which begins with declaring One should not honour only ones own religion and condemn the religions of others, but one should honour others religions for this or that reason. He did quote the whole Edict, which further explains this or that reason why other religions should be respected.

What is more important is what he said as the main thrust of his speech relating to Vipassana Meditation. He related the peace in the world to the peace in the mind. This is also in the motto of UNESCO taking from the Buddha directly which says We must construct the defences of peace in the minds of women and men. He further said, If there is no peace in the minds of the individual, I cannot understand how can there be real peace in the world.

Within a short span of time, given to him at the summit, Goenka tried to illustrate the problem by explaining the common or normal nature of the human mind which is agitated with often-times with anger, envy, hatred and animosity. This is how he tried to emphasise the importance of meditation and mindfulness which are necessary for peace within and in the world. He categorically said, If I have anger, I am the first victim of my anger which is absolutely true.

Therefore, we should thank Upul Wijayawardhana for bringing Goenkas speech and other matters to our attention. He says, When I retired I directed my attention to an organ more obscure than the heart; the brain. I was fascinated by the mind and consciousness and started learning Abhidhamma In my case, my knowledge of Abhidhamma is almost nil. But when he says he considers the Buddha to be a scientist and a philosopher it resonates with my understanding as well. One of my recent journal articles was Origins of research methodology, Buddhism and the Four Noble Truths (Sri Lanka Journal of Social Sciences 39 (2), December 2016). http://sljss.sljol.info/articles/abstract/10.4038/sljss.v39i2.7446/

He has also said A great disservice had been done by making him [the Buddha] a religious leader thus limiting his discoveries only to his followers but, fortunately, it is changing though slowly. I am not going to deduct simplistic conclusions from that statement for the current debates on foremost place for Buddhism in the present or a new constitution. But it might give some food for thought for the Buddhists to think about, while I have no objection for that foremost place or hesitation to appreciate Buddhism as a great religion. It is my observation that Buddhism has given many (or most) people some civility, discipline and a particular serene culture. Listening to Bana (sermons), observation of Sil (precepts) and worship of Bodhi (Bo tree) are good ethnical practices which would be meaningless to those who consider Buddhism only as a philosophy and/or science.

Personal Benefits for Anyone

Be as it may, more pertinent is Wijayawardhanas emphasis on mindfulness and meditation, now for some time in Sri Lankan newspapers. It appears to me that the mind is a jumble of thought processes for whatever the reason/s. I am not sure whether there is a physiological/medical explanation for its erratic nature. When you try to focus on it, it is almost uncontrollable at least at the beginning. That can be one reason why many people (including myself!) are usually grievance ridden, aggressive, agitated and intolerant. That cannot however be the only reason. There are some other objective or external reasons why your agitations are generated. For example, if a person is deprived of possessions or unnecessarily harassed by someone, then the agitation is almost natural.

Thoughts in the mind come and go quickly, unless you are engaged thoroughly in a particular task (i.e. talking, writing, driving) and they usually come and go as images or in words. Your thinking is audio-visual! What comes to mind, when you first observe, usually are grievances or offenses. That your spouse, brother, neighbour or colleague has done such and such a thing to you. Most hearting (particularly among the middle classes) is what happens to your dignity or pride. Most intriguing is the grievances and antagonisms coming in enlarged forms. Some of them can be pure misunderstandings.

Of course, there are thoughts that come to your mind because of sensual or sexual impulses. However, they are (presumably) less, if you try to meditate. If you can observe your thought processes through simple meditation and analyse them for rational reasoning, that renders much peace to your mind than anything else. You also might be able to identify some root causes for your disturbances. Continuous doing so definitely calms you down and your productivity in whatever you do would be increased. Your thoughts become more cohesive and logical and also objective without (much) prejudice. You feel more harmony in life and less conflicts and animosities. You may achieve some detachment.

Conclusion

Therefore, what Upul Wijayawardhana has been saying in his numerous articles in Sri Lankan newspapers should be taken seriously. Three major conclusions that can be drawn could be (1) the introduction of mindfulness training in school curricula with an interfaith or secular emphasis, (2) the setting up of mindfulness/meditation training centres in universities for the benefit of students and academics, and (3) the incorporation of a purposeful Peace of Mind Program (i.e. UNESCO motto) in the national reconciliation and peace building work. It should be emphasised that meditation and mindfulness are common to all religious traditions, and more particularly to Hinduism and Buddhism.

Further, could it be useful if a Mindfulness training program is launched for the Parliamentarians and politicians?

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Some Reflections on 'Mindfulness Meditation' - Sri Lanka Guardian

Spoon River College students got a break from the books recently in their Personal and Physical Mental Health class, taught by Elaine Lucas, health science educator. Meditation, aromatherapy and coloring inside or outside of the lines were the assignments for the day.

Spoon River College students got a break from the books recently in their Personal and Physical Mental Health class, taught by Elaine Lucas, health science educator. Meditation, aromatherapy and coloring inside or outside of the lines were the assignments for the day.

Taking even ten minutes a day to quiet the mind can have a significant impact at lowering stress and staying mentally healthy, and I wanted students to experience that, not just listen to me tell them that, said Lucas.

Students working towards an associate degree are required to take a health science class, regardless of their intended major. Lucas says that occasionally students grumble about it, thinking it wont be relevant to their course of study.

I tell them, no matter what your major, youll get something out of this class. We talk about everything nutrition, physical fitness, STDs, sex, drugs, alcohol, addiction, death and dying, and more, Lucas said. Its life.

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SRC students learn meditation - Canton Daily Ledger

Continuing its path leading attendees to mental, spiritual and physical health, the Olean Meditation Center will soon offer the next in a series of themed presentations.

The next, titled Contemplative Prayer: The Experience of a Franciscan Friar, will be at 7 p.m. Tuesday at the center, 2275 Dugan Road, Olean. Franciscan Br. Joe Kotula will lead the talk.

The tradition of contemplative prayer goes back to the early Christian communities, most notably to the Desert Fathers, and has been carried on in monastic practice over the centuries, says Dr. Richard Reilly, president of the Olean Meditation Center.

The influence of Thomas Merton a Trappist monk whose career writings, including while at St. Bonaventure University, earned international acclaim has boosted the contemplative prayer tradition the last 50 years, Reilly says. He also credits many other faith practitioners. The tradition has become more accessible to laypeople.

Br. Joe, a friar in residence at Mt. Irenaeus since 1989, has had a profound influence on generations of Bonaventure students, Reilly says. Br. Joe shares St. Francis love of nature and has a particular passion for hiking. Our community is very fortunate to have this opportunity to become acquainted with contemplative prayer through the lived experience of a Franciscan practitioner.

The event will be free and open to the public, although donations will be gratefully accepted. Refreshments will be available.

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Remaining programs in OMCs free Tuesday evening series include:

Olean Meditation Center events span topics pertinent to a broad range of religions. Most recently, the center hosted an interfaith forum titled Compassion: When a Stranger Knocks on Your Door.

The panel discussion, including speakers from various area houses of worship and religious organizations from Christianity to Islam to Hinduism addressing The Golden Rule treat others as you would like to be treated.

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State & Union: Meditation center to host Franciscan friar - Olean Times Herald

More and more we hear about the benefits of meditation and mindfulness but many of us can find it challenging to be still in that way. I hope this will help.

If you are new to tapping, it will be beneficial to also watch the first episode in the Tap Out Your Fears series which explains the basics of EFT click here.

As with any of my tapping videos, this is an abbreviated process for releasing uncomfortable feelings and enhancing good ones. Some folks may find their fear dissolve after just one tapping session, but for others, it will take some repetition, bringing the discomfort down little by little each time. (Still others may uncover specific issues that are best addressed directly with a wellness practitioner.) In any event, this brief video should help at least take the edge off the discomfort, freeing you up to enjoy life much more. Let us know how it helped you!

For a picture of the tapping points and more info on EFT click here.

Tapping can sometimes bring up long-buried emotions, which is why I state that, before tapping along, folks must take full responsibility for their own well-being. For more information about that, please read this disclaimer.

Until next time, feel free to tap along with any of the many videos I have on YouTube or the many recordings I have at http://www.TapWithBrad.com.

For EFT with kids, please visit: http://www.TheWizardsWish.com.

For more by Brad Yates, click here.

Follow Brad Yates on Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/tapwithbrad

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WATCH: Meditation and Mindfulness - Huffington Post

Continuing its path leading attendees to mental, spiritual and physical health, the Olean Meditation Center will soon offer the next in a series of themed presentations.

The next, titled Contemplative Prayer: The Experience of a Franciscan Friar, will be at 7 p.m. Tuesday at the center, 2275 Dugan Road, Olean. Franciscan Br. Joe Kotula will lead the talk.

The tradition of contemplative prayer goes back to the early Christian communities, most notably to the Desert Fathers, and has been carried on in monastic practice over the centuries, says Dr. Richard Reilly, president of the Olean Meditation Center.

The influence of Thomas Merton a Trappist monk whose career writings, including while at St. Bonaventure University, earned international acclaim has boosted the contemplative prayer tradition the last 50 years, Reilly says. He also credits many other faith practitioners. The tradition has become more accessible to laypeople.

Br. Joe, a friar in residence at Mt. Irenaeus since 1989, has had a profound influence on generations of Bonaventure students, Reilly says. Br. Joe shares St. Francis love of nature and has a particular passion for hiking. Our community is very fortunate to have this opportunity to become acquainted with contemplative prayer through the lived experience of a Franciscan practitioner.

The event will be free and open to the public, although donations will be gratefully accepted. Refreshments will be available.

+10

Remaining programs in OMCs free Tuesday evening series include:

Olean Meditation Center events span topics pertinent to a broad range of religions. Most recently, the center hosted an interfaith forum titled Compassion: When a Stranger Knocks on Your Door.

The panel discussion, including speakers from various area houses of worship and religious organizations from Christianity to Islam to Hinduism addressing The Golden Rule treat others as you would like to be treated.

Excerpt from:

State and Union: Meditation center to host Franciscan friar - Olean Times Herald

When a crisis or challenge hits, everyone hopes that whoevers in charge remains calm under pressure while at the same time acting decisively and effectively to sort out the problem. But what if that person in charge is you? Unfortunately, so many of us, when faced with a critical decision in a moment of crisis, behave like a dear in the headlights of a car which stares in horror at the approaching lights but dares not move. These people end up achieving little or possibly, like the dear, making things worse.

It may be the last thing you would expect, but theres evidence that people who meditate regularly are more likely to act effectively when things go wrong. Lets take a look at why this might be and look at a quick technique that you can use to help out at those times when a crisis in the workplace (or anytime in your life) requires you to perform at your best.

Meditation used to be confined to Eastern religious gurus and trendy Californians. However, research, much of which is backed up by brain imaging techniques, has shown that regular meditation can produce real changes in the structure of the brain and consequently in the way we behave. Here are just some of the reasons why so many workplaces around the globe are encouraging their staff to take up meditation:

Regular meditators are better at coping with stressful situations

Meditation can help you to control your emotions

Meditation can increase emotional intelligence and empathy

Meditation increases mental resilience

Regular meditators are better at decision-making and problem solving

If you want to start experiencing some of these positive changes in the way you think and behave, then its time to make meditation part of your daily routine. It might be hard to find the time at first, but once you start to experience some of the benefits, you won't leave the house in the morning without having meditated, just as you would not leave the house without having showered or brushing your teeth.

You might decide to join a class or simply to listen to guided meditations in the comfort of your own home or in your office during the lunch break.

Another way to start a meditation practice is to combine it with another activity. Years ago I was having a tough time fitting it into my morning routine so I started meditating right after lunch, before I went back to work. I was already on a break, so I just extended it another 15 minutes with a meditation. I found myself really enjoying the quiet time before heading back to my desk and even experienced feeling rejuvenated and often inspired with new and creative ideas. It also gave me time to step away from the hurriedness of the day and problem solve with greater perspective and clarity.

A moving meditation is another option. Sometimes when Im having an unusually difficult day or just feeling unmotivated, Ill take myself on a short brisk walk. Ill even ask myself while Im walking a question or two and listen to any answers as a way to connect with my inner wisdom. Such as: How can I support myself right now? Or, What are some options for resolving this issue*? (*Insert the actual situation youre seeking solutions for here). Im always amazed at how much better I feel and the ideas that I come up with on these meditation walks.

Next time you have to cope with a crisis or challenge at work, try using this technique. It will only take a couple of minutes and will help you to tap into your inner strengths. Make sure you wont be disturbed for several minutes.

Sit comfortably in a chair with erect posture, close your eyes and focus your attention fully on how your body feels at this stressful moment. Is your jaw clenched? Are your shoulders tense? Has your breath changed from normal? Notice the thoughts you are having (without judging them). Now change your focus so that your attention is just on the sensation of breathing. Do not try to change the way you breathe. Just notice the bodily sensations as each breath goes in and out. Notice how it feels in your nose, lungs or abdomen wherever you feel the sensation of breathing most strongly. Continue to breathe naturally for a minute or so as you observe your breath and how youre feeling. Now open your eyes. You should feel calmer and more able to cope with what you now need to do. The more regularly you take time to pause and practice meditation the easier it will become to use this technique.

I suggest starting with a very easy and do-able first step. Experiment with a minimum of 5 minutes a day to begin. The benefit will come from your consistency versus trying to do 20 or 30 minutes right from the start. Once you have a consistent practice established, you can add more time to your meditation practice. But even if you only have a few short minutes to meditate, you can still reap the benefits.

If you have time to breathe, you have time to meditate.

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Crisis at Work? Time to Meditate - Huffington Post

For the past three years, Youth First has been providing Dialectical Behavioral Training (DBT) to its social workers. The concepts of mindfulness and meditation, which are part of DBT, were new to me.

We are busy people with lots of responsibilities. Most of us rarely take time for ourselves or our relationships.

The concepts of mindfulness and meditation can be intimidating. After practicing DBT skills, however, I clearly see the benefits and how it can help you feel more peaceful and in control.

Mindfulness involves acceptance, meaning that we pay attention to our thoughts and feelings without judging them. Unfortunately, our society is prone to making judgments.

Our brains move from topic to topic. We ignore and push feelings away. We find it difficult to focus and concentrate. Learning how to be mindful and in the moment can reduce the stress in your life, improve relationships, and help sharpen your concentration and focus.

One way to begin a mindfulness practice is to find a quiet place, sit in a chair or on the floor, take a few deep breaths, close your eyes and begin to focus on your breath for two minutes. It sounds easy, but you may find your mind wandering. If this happens, simply return your thoughts back to your breath.

Practice this daily and gradually work up to 10 minutes. Relax and let your body and mind work together.

According to the website Greater Good (http://greatergood.berkeley.edu/topic/mindfulness/definition), mindfulness is defined as maintaining a moment-by-moment awareness of our thoughts, feelings, bodily sensations, and surrounding environment.

Some of the potential benefits of mindfulness listed in this article include the following:

Mindfulness is good for our bodies. Practicing mindfulness and meditation boosts our immune systems ability to fight off illness.

Mindfulness is good for our minds. Several studies have found that mindfulness increases positive emotions while reducing negative emotions and stress.

Mindfulness helps us focus. Studies suggest that mindfulness helps us tune out distractions and improves our memory and attention skills.

Mindfulness enhances relationships. It helps people feel more accepting of and closer to one another.

Mindfulness is good for parents and parents-to-be. Studies suggest it may reduce pregnancy-related anxiety, stress, and depression in expectant parents.

Mindfulness helps schools. Theres scientific evidence that teaching mindfulness in the classroom reduces behavior problems and aggression among students and improves their happiness levels and ability to pay attention.

Mindfulness helps health care professionals cope with stress, connect with their patients, and improve their general quality of life. It also helps mental health professionals by reducing negative emotions and anxiety and increasing their positive emotions and feelings of self-compassion.

Mindfulness helps veterans. Studies suggest it can reduce the symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) in the aftermath of war.

Mindfulness fights obesity. Practicing mindful eating encourages healthier eating habits, helps people lose weight, and helps them savor the food they eat.

Instead of worrying about what may happen, try mindfulness and meditation and be fully present. You will be amazed at how quickly your stress levels decrease.

This column is contributed by Katherine Baker, LCSW, school social worker for Youth First, Inc., a local nonprofit dedicated to strengthening youth and families. Youth First provides 38 Masters level social workers to 56 schools in seven southwestern Indiana counties. Over 60,000 youth and families per year are served by Youth Firsts school social work and afterschool programs that prevent substance abuse, promote healthy behaviors, and maximize student success. To learn more about Youth First, visit http://www.youthfirstinc.org or call 812-421-8336.

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Mindfulness and meditation - Washington Times Herald

Posted March 05, 2017 13:55:48

In the world of elite sport, athletes are always looking for that special something that can help them gain a winning edge over their opponents and cope with extreme pressure.

Mindfulness and meditation techniques have been around for centuries, but increasingly some of Australia's high-profile athletes are using the tools to help them deal with life on and off the playing field..

Sydney Swans assistant coach Brett Kirk was one of sport's fearless competitors during his playing career with the AFL club.

But his ferocity on the field belies his thoughtfulness off it, and he believes it was his daily meditation practice that helped him reach the pinnacle of the sport.

"It gives you great clarity. Footy is like life. It is a game of crazy chaos," he said.

Kirk said he started practising mindfulness and meditation while at the Swans in his early 20s following the death of a close mate.

"Like a lot of young men you get tipped upside down and turned inside out and I didn't really know which was up," he said.

"I found it was really comforting for me and also allowed me to deal with some anger and different other stuff that was going on inside me."

Up and coming Australian cricketer Cam Bancroft's journey to meditation was similar.

"I know that at times I have got some personality traits of being really intense, being really focused," he said.

"And while they are strengths of mine being able to tailor that back to a really relaxed, passive approach is something that I have had to learn and develop."

Bancroft's Perth Scorchers coach and former Australian opening batsman Justin Langer describes his meditation routine as the most important part of his day.

And now at the age of just 24 Bancroft has become a meditation teacher.

"I think it is a really important part of your life. It's amazing what you can come to in your own mind when you have a really passive attitude in the way you think," the West Australian batsman said

Sandy Gordon, an associate professor at the University of Western Australia's School of Sport Science Exercise and Heath, said research showed there were countless benefits to athletes who practised mindfulness and meditation including stress and anxiety reduction, and greater creativity.

He cited the brain's ability to adapt as a key factor.

"The neuroplasticity in our brain has been recognised as promoting greatest well-being of all in terms of forgiveness, self compassion, enhancing performance of people in leadership positions in highly volatile circumstances," he said.

"So there's quite a robust literature now on the benefits of mindful practices."

Kirk said athletes were using meditation in the same way they had embraced yoga and ice-baths in the past.

"I can understand why as a coach you are now looking at why there are fluctuations in individual and team performances," he said.

"I actually find If I don't do it from day to day it is like brushing your teeth. I actually feel a bit furry. I feel like I'm missing something," he added.

Topics: sport, meditation-and-prayer, wa

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Mindfulness, meditation helping elite athletes on and off the field - ABC Online

QUEEN CREEK - Students at Gateway Polytechnic Academy in the Queen Creek School District are practicing mindfulness and meditation in a new club.

"We take three deep breaths and on the last breath, we breathe out for five seconds," said fifth-grader Elyssa Land.

Fifth-grade teacher Melissa Smith said she noticed a lot of her students had anxiety -- and the girls responded well to the new lessons.

The club meets once a week on Monday mornings during the lunch hour. The girls create a circle around Smith and the practice breathing exercises.

The girls even made "worry dolls." They tell the dolls all the things that are stressing them out and sleep with it underneath their pillow.

Many of the students said they use the calming techniques in class and at home.

"I like to find a quiet place and just sit down and realize I'm in control and I'm good," said fifth-grader Shannon Barlow.

It may be a unique approach in the classroom but Smith said it's important for her students to feel comfortable and safe.

"Life skills are one of the number one things we need to do as teachers and we don't have a curriculumfor that and we don't have a standard for that," said Smith. "We have to just know we are teaching kids and we are not teaching subjects."

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Queen Creek students practicing mindfulness, meditation - ABC15 ... - ABC15 Arizona