Mindfulness has become a buzzword among modern educators. In fact, in some countries there is a mindfulness revolution happening right now. In others, it is the future of education.

There are several ways to define mindfulness, but essentially, it is the practice of being present in each moment. Kabat-Zinn in 1994 defined it as such: “Mindfulness means paying attention in a particular way; on purpose, in the present moment, and non-judgmentally”.

The practice is useful to students because it cultivates consciousness of awareness and promotes a healthy learning environment. It is also useful to humans in general, regardless of age and/or career. Research shows that frequent mindfulness practice in children leads to structural changes in the brain, which are related to positive outcomes. Students are calmer, have higher self-esteem, are more confident, and are empathetic.

So, this definitely is something to examine closely and to consider implementing in our schools. Imagine walking into a classroom filled with kids under five years old and finding them all relaxed and focused rather than distracted and possibly noisy. Imagine that these kids achieve more but are less stressed and/or anxious. This should be the aim of all of us; to see students succeed without burnout.

The pressure of today’s education system is evident even at the primary school level. Up to last year students had Grade Six Achievement Test with which to contend; now it’s Primary Exit Profile, but the result is the same — less time for play. Our young students are experiencing heightened levels of stress and anxiety which can negatively affect learning and memory.

There are many ways to practice mindfulness, but let’s clear up a few misconceptions. Mindfulness is NOT:

• A relaxation technique

• Going into a trance

• Positive thinking

• Blanking your mind

• Religious

• Meditation.

The following excerpt is taken from www.kidshealth.org and describes one method which you can attempt with your child:

1. Sit in a relaxed, comfortable position. Pick something to focus your attention on, like a word you repeat in your head, or your breathing.

2. Let’s say you decided to focus on your breathing. Breathe normally while you simply pay attention to your breath. If you want, you can close your eyes. As you breathe in and out, just notice each breath. Pay attention in an easy way — on purpose, but not forced.

3. Notice when your mind wanders away from paying attention to your breath. Maybe you start thinking about what’s for lunch, or whether you remembered to bring your soccer gear, or that funny joke someone told at recess. That’s your mind wandering and getting distracted. It’s natural; minds do that all the time!

4. Whenever you notice your attention has wandered, gently remind yourself to pay attention to breathing again. That’s how you train your attention.

5. Keep breathing, keep relaxing, keep paying easy attention to your breathing. Can you feel the place where the air tickles your nostrils? Do you notice how the breath gently moves your body? Can you pay attention to your belly or your chest moving as you breathe? Keep bringing your attention back to the breathing every time your mind wanders. Try to do this for five minutes.

There are many other techniques, scripts and activities available online that can be used to encourage mindfulness in your child. Ultimately, it’s all about paying close attention to the present moments and reducing thoughts about the past, or the future. The benefits are numerous and indisputable. Give it a try.

Dr Karla Hylton is the author of Yes! You Can Help Your Child Achieve Academic Success and Complete Chemistry for Caribbean High Schools . She operates Bio & Chem Tutoring, which specialises in secondary level biology and chemistry. Reach her at (876) 564-1347, biochemtutor100@gmail.com or khylton.com.