Meditation, Mindfulness & Yoga for Kids


By James Trifone, MD


disadvantage that can only be remedied by a significant change in the way we structure and approach teaching and learning. Howev- er, while well intentioned, the current nationally imposed reform efforts have led to increased levels of anxiety, frustration and stress amongst educators. Moreover, contending with students’ increas- ing levels of anxiety, depression and stress to succeed in a com- petitive world have led to unprecedented educator absenteeism and burnout. Not surprisingly, research studies have revealed that stressed teachers create stressed students.


E If we, as adults, are living and dying


stressed out, how have we not caught on that students are also impacted by environmental stress?


Perhaps, one might wonder if teenagers and children experi- ence more stress than adults, since they are not ‘in control’ of situations as adults would be. Youngsters are also in the process of maturing, trying to find their place and exploring the world, which, of course adds another layer of underlying stress. Add to that the expectations of tests, homework, pressure to succeed or just to pass a class. Moreover, students are stressed to get a scholarship or make a team, cope with family hardships, health problems, parent’s fighting or breaking up, navigating their own feelings and relation- ships, not to mention trying to fit in or standing out. Therefore, how do we expect students to find success and exceed in academics if they are not being taught healthy coping mechanisms? Stuck in a society of stress, we forget what a danger constant stress can be to ourselves and our children.


However, there are a few teachers here in Connecticut who are taking steps to change and reverse the cycle of stress for them- selves and for their students. These teachers are making changes in their classrooms, so the next generation will not be forced to stay in the detrimental cycle of being stressed out and sick. Many Con- necticut teachers and soon-to-be teachers are choosing to release tension by engaging in grounding strategies, meditation, mindful- ness and yoga. These professionals are working to better their lives. Moreover, when integrating such strategies into their classrooms, educators are beginning to see their students transform out of the


24 ELM Maine ~ September/October 2017


ducators and parents alike are taking notice of the stress that surrounds our children on a daily basis. The stressors and demands of modern American society leaves students at a


stress culture into people who are focused on creating self-aware- ness and balance.


Mindful Moments Alisa Wright, teacher of wellness at Regional School District


6 in Morris, Warren, and Goshen elementary schools, felt that she had personally reached the point in her life where she wanted her attitude and self-awareness to be more focused, so she could create the environment that helped her thrive.


When Ms. Wright was a student herself pursuing an Integrative Health and Healing Masters of Art degree at The Graduate Institute, in Bethany Connecticut, she was encouraged to explore Mindful Moments, as she calls them. Mindfulness is the practice of being and staying aware of objects, nature and the people around you. Repetitive actions and schedules take us away from being keenly aware of our surroundings, while mindfulness tries to connect with the normal everyday moments. These were moments of reflection on uniqueness, tapping into potential, and opening up to the realm of possibility that surrounds us.


As Ms. Wright reached the point where the practice of mind-


fulness was creating profound differences in her own life, she felt drawn to implement mindfulness techniques in her classroom, so her students could experience this ‘shift in feeling and thinking,’ too. She started promoting mindfulness through the use of a community garden at her school. Students get to engage with nature and learn patience and focus and reflection as they work and reflect in the garden. She has seen that when students are being taught how to make observations on a holistic level, this allows them to explore details overlooked in the past and they more fully understand the importance of becoming part of the garden experience. Students notice the beauty of nature and their relationship to it.


Stress Diffusing Randy Colin teaches at Oxford High School in Oxford Con- necticut, and is a current student enrolled in the Integrative Health and Healing Master of Art's Degree Program at The Graduate Insti- tute. She stated that she was experiencing personal changes since she began to regularly practice the stress management techniques that she was introduced to by faculty. Randy has been implement- ing a lifestyle of striving for a ‘healthy balance’ in and out of the classroom.


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