the education space
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Empower yourself. Empower your students. It all starts with you.
Despite its growing use in common language, there remains considerable confusion about what mindfulness is. Jon Kabat-Zinn offers a simple description of mindfulness: “Paying attention in a particular way: on purpose, in the present moment, and non-judgmentally.” As an educator of teachers, and a teacher myself, I find it essential not only that teachers learn and practice mindfulness, but that they also cultivate loving-kindness and compassion for themselves and their students. As mindfulness increases, the heart develops a greater capacity for caring, and the attitudes of loving-kindness and compassion naturally follow. The mind learns more generous attitudes of the heart simply through the persistent, gentle, yet pervading application of mindfulness.
Teachers have the opportunity to serve as examples to students through their attitudes, their actions, and their interactions and can teach mindfulness & compassion simply by modeling these qualities in the classroom. Research shows that mindfulness skills improve memory, organizational skills, reading and math scores, all while giving kids the tools they need to handle stress & adversity. By creating safe spaces within the classroom for children to explore their mindfulness, I believe we can provide kids a sense of control and the opportunity to achieve their full potential.
Teachers have the opportunity to serve as examples to students through their attitudes, their actions, and their interactions and can teach mindfulness & compassion simply by modeling these qualities in the classroom. Research shows that mindfulness skills improve memory, organizational skills, reading and math scores, all while giving kids the tools they need to handle stress & adversity. By creating safe spaces within the classroom for children to explore their mindfulness, I believe we can provide kids a sense of control and the opportunity to achieve their full potential.
Tedx Talk: What is Mindfulness in Education?
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Be ready for the unexpected with... Equanimity Emotional Regulation Attention Control Presence Compassion |
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My students love our mindful minutes and we start every day with our gratitude journals. It is making a huge positive difference and I am so inspired personally and professionally. YOU are making a difference in this world!
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mindfulness coaching & workshops
Healthy Mind Space offers workshops and mindfulness coaching for educators, childcare centers & preschools, and the community. Browse the current classes available below an please feel free reach out with any additional questions.
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Professional Development Courses for Educators in Western New York
Instructional Coach: Christy Lynn
Educator + Founder of Healthy Mind Space
Educator + Founder of Healthy Mind Space
Past Workshops
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Private: Local Childcare/Preschool Workshops
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Community Education
(open to Hilton & Parma, NY Residents) |
2020 workshops... |
2020 workshops... |
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TBD
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TBD
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2019 workshops... |
2019 workshops... |
When Christy offered Launching Mindfulness in the Classroom I thought that this might not only be good for my students, but for me as well. Christy, always an educator at the top of her class, showed us ways to simplify, to ground children in mindful existence and how to be present using very simple techniques and tools. Not yoga, not meditation, just quieting the mind and being momentarily still. Being present is not easy in our fast paced, ever changing society and I feel this was where I needed some growth. I started small with activities suggested by Christy with my class, using glitter calm-down jars, a chime, mindful minutes and deep breathing exercises. We also incorporated daily gratitude journals. My students and I are LOVING every minute! It’s a break in the craziness of school to regroup, quiet our thoughts, still our bodies and ready ourselves for the next adventure. Mindfulness in life and in schools is a must. We are still practicing (kids and I both!) but are learning many things about ourselves and how important a few quiet moments can be. Forever thankful for a friend who decided to take her dream and share it with us! Healthy Mind Space for all!
- Jess, Launching a Mindful Classroom Participant
My Personal Journey to Mindfulness
I began with my own practice of Mindful Meditation sits of 5-20 minutes a day. After about 8 weeks of consistency, I noticed a tremendous impact on my communication and responses to situations across the board. I then explored ways to infuse mindfulness bits, mindful activities (3-5 minutes) and focused mindful sits (1-3 minutes) in my PreK classroom. Once I saw the power of this, I began taking online courses to learn more...and then sharing with colleagues through presentations, collaboration and leading mindful moments across my district. Several courses and a children's yoga certification later, I am a graduate of an additional certification (post-graduate level) through the Mindful Educator Certification program. This 1+ year program is providing me the tools to be an effective and powerful Mindfulness in Education Teacher & Coach.
It's all about spreading what I believe is best for kids - and all of us! And this, my friends, is it. The power of the breath.
It's all about spreading what I believe is best for kids - and all of us! And this, my friends, is it. The power of the breath.
