Mindfulness
What is Mindfulness?
Mindfulness means maintaining a moment-by-moment awareness of our thoughts, feelings, bodily sensations, and surrounding environment. Mindfulness also involves acceptance, meaning that we pay attention to our thoughts and feelings without judging them—without believing, for instance, that there’s a “right” or “wrong” way to think or feel in a given moment. When we practice mindfulness, our thoughts tune into what we’re sensing in the present moment rather than rehashing the past or imagining the future...Studies have shown that practicing mindfulness, even for just a few weeks, can bring a variety of physical, psychological, and social benefits.
from The Greater Good Science Center at the University of California, Berkeley website (Copyright 2017)
Benefits of Mindfulness at OV:
- Boosts mood and self esteem in students, while also promoting self acceptance (Core Value: Character & Excellence)
- Encourages empathy, emotional control, and optimism (Core Value: Family & Relationships)
- Aids in learning, attention, and cognitive control (Core Value: Learning & Instruction)
- Used as a coping strategy for symptoms of stress, anxiety, and depression (Core Value: Opportunity & Access)
How Mindful Am I?
The benefits of mindfulness are most effective when mindfulness is practiced consistently. You can get more out of it, when you put in the time and effort. Below you will find a link to a Mindfulness Quiz, created by Mindfulness Without Borders, and reproduced on MindfulTeachers.org.
This quiz can be used as a tool to check-in with yourself and monitor your mindful habits. It will ask you to pay attention to specific habits and practices, such as breathing mindfully and practicing gratitude. Be thoughtful about how you can incorporate those tools into your daily life with the goal of leading a happy and healthy lifestyle.
Mindfulness Presentation Video