Meditation! Why I believe every school needs to be teaching and leading it - BREATHE for wellbeing, for learning and for life

“Wellness is the way forward, wellness builds foundations for engaged learning. Wellness and resilience create a ripple effect that builds confident students who are keen to create, keen to explore and keen to learn. ”

What would I know?

I am a teacher, educator and leader called to serve and support the development of young people in this new educational and world climate. I bring to this vision 18 years of experience working in wellbeing and pastoral care development and support.

My natural path drew me to the wellbeing and welfare needs of young people and their families. I have worked closely with students, their parents and teachers in a management capacity for over 10 years as a wellbeing leader and various other roles before that.

My inspiration stems from time living and traveling abroad and through my personal and academic study. Having completed a Post Graduate Diploma in Educational Leadership and training in Meditation, Hatha Yoga, and Energy Healing I have discovered the powerful gift of balance and the reward of slowing down to embrace the power of a conscious breath, turning in and resting the body and mind.

Looking at learning

'We all learn best when we enjoy the journey and this involves feeling calm, focused and energised'.

The many issues and situations faced by the individuals that I have worked closely with although individually unique, shared common ground. The same challenges of varying degrees were experienced by many, namely, a pattern of deteriorating mental health, family breakdown, trauma, illness and grief. All of which adversely impacts large numbers of students and their capacity to LEARN and to ENJOY LIFE!'

Wellness is the way forward, wellness builds foundations for engaged learning. Wellness and resilience create a ripple effect that builds confident students who are keen to create, keen to explore and keen to learn.

A healthy wellbeing and self -regulation tools are necessary for young people and adults alike to enjoy both their learning and their lives. When we enjoy what we do, we naturally find our flow. When we feel good, calm and safe our body and brain function better allowing learning to occur. No-one is learning anything if they are overcome with stress and anxiety.

Do we really need this? Yes!

EDUCATION IS IN NEED OF CHANGE.! Adults and young people alike are challenged by increasing demands, deadlines, responsibilities, expectations and competition. Many find modern life over stimulating, resulting in a state of dis -ease: physically, mentally and emotionally. This often leads to mental overload, agitation or moodiness throughout the day- this is not conducive to enjoyable and exciting learning.

Education must change. Are we in need of a knockdown rebuild or can we restructure and renovate?

WHEN WE ARE WELL BOTH LIFE AND LEARNING FEEL BETTER. Breathe for wellbeing, for learning and for life is one place to start the education renovation.

“The state of body, mind and yes, spirit, directly impacts the lives and learning of both our staff and students. Taking a break to slow down, stop, reconnect and reset makes us much happier, feel better, learn better and be more efficient, creative and constructive.”

How can we take a positive step forward in education? Let’s Breathe!

Help boost the wellbeing needs of all students and staff in schools by educating on breath-centred meditation.

Breath-centred meditation leads to improved self-regulation and self-care skills and this leads to resilience and a capacity for flourish and flow.

Meditation is supported by the latest neuroscience studies. Calm breathing practices improve both body function, immune system health, mental and emotional health and brain function. Why wouldn’t you be doing it?

Let’s look at a pilot study

In 2017, I ran a pilot program implementing breath-centred meditation (BCM) with Year 9 at a Sydney High School’ the project lead to quality findings. The process included the training, implementation, and monitoring of BCM for both staff and students. Initially, the concept and vision were pitched to the staff body and enthusiastic staff would become part of a team, 'The Breathe Team' .

These staff volunteers took part in 6 weeks of training and practice, which allowed these teachers to implement the learned training in their Year 9 classes throughout the day with skills and experience to share. Surveys were completed before, during and after the program to monitor progress and share feedback for both staff and students.

The training program supported both staff and students with the aim of developing and maintaining a healthy sense of wellbeing, improved brain function and capacity. The breathing technique is supported by the latest neuroscience research, whereby the breathing takes us out of the stress response of 'fight or flight', instead activating the parasympathetic nervous system which calms the body and activates the rest and digest response.

The feedback from staff and students was positive, with everyone experiencing some benefit from the program. The challenge that remained was the discipline and commitment of developing a consistent practice. The negative mindset bias we have as humans often leads people away from doing the very things that make them feel good.

In 2018, the meditation program commenced 3 mornings a week as part of the Year 7 morning Homeroom program. Students commenced surveys after 6 weeks and 10 weeks of practice the findings again were supportive of the benefits of meditation for these young people. Diaphragmatic breathing practices are shown to improve mental health, promote calm and enhance wellbeing.

So let’s see what the staff and students had to say?

How did they feel prior to meditation?
What did they notice in their mind and body post practice?

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Low energy, irritability and brain fatigue were the common main reasons teachers sought meditation.png

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I am less frustrated, I am more chill, I just feel calmer in my body.png

I feel calmer, I am less reactive, my mind is quieter. Year 9 student.png

_I feel calmer, my mood is better and I am more positive_ Year 9 Student.png

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“The state of body, mind and yes, spirit, directly impacts the lives and learning of both our staff and students. Taking a break to slow down, stop, reconnect and reset makes us much happier, feel better, learn better and be more efficient, creative and constructive.”