In the past months, thanks to Mr. Marco, we have introduced "mindfulness" sessions into the Reception class program, a practice of oriental origin that many of you will surely have heard of.
Mindfulness means "awareness" and is often mistakenly considered a relaxation technique. Actually, this practice, consists in proposing an introductory level of meditation practice, which is applicable to the everyday context, in our case of children, and to their experience of normal life, which they live every day, both at home and at school.
This approach helps them to stop, look inside themselves and welcome and accept all the emotions they feel, including discomfort, which sooner or later, in one way or another, we all experience. This practice teaches us not to reject this dimension, which we normally tend to reject because it is considered negative, but to make it a reason for growth, learning to know and accept even the emotions that make us suffer, as a normal part of our lives. Thus children learn to pay full attention, to consider and make room for even what they don't like, what makes them feel sad or makes them suffer.
Why is it useful?
Because it helps reduce stress, improve academic performance in school, self-esteem, concentration and behavioral problems. Research says so.
Childhood stress is a precursor to adult stress, because we carry the patterns we learn as children into adulthood. Incorporating tools for stress reduction and relaxation is essential and must be an integral part of the effective education of teachers and pupils.
For these reasons, and given the success of the sessions currently taking place in Reception, we will also extend the mindfulness sessions to some Primary classes starting in March (with the intention of gradually including all Primary classes) that will be included in the school timetable. We’re sure it will benefit all the children involved and the school life in general.
Please note: Mindfulness is not a religion. Practicing it does not require you to renounce your religious faith or adopt a "foreign" faith, or become religious if you are not.
Sources: mindfulnessitalia.it
