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?
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 now closing in on 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 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.
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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
2020 workshops...
past workshops that will come again in 2020...
Private: Local Childcare/Preschool Workshops
2020 workshops...
TBD
2019 workshops...
Community: Hilton Community Education
(open to Hilton & Parma, NY Residents)
(open to Hilton & Parma, NY Residents)
