3. According to neuroscientist, Dr Shanida Nataraja
westerners use the left hemisphere of their brain
too much.
The left hemisphere is associated with
analytical, rational and logical processing, where
as the right hemisphere is associated with
abstract thought, non verbal awareness, visual
and spatial perception and the expression and
modulation of emotions.
In the western world, most individuals navigate
through their everyday life in a fashion
dominated by left brain thinking. Missing out on
right brain activity results in too much thinking
going on: too much frantic doing, not enough
time being.
4. By engaging our right brain we activate the
parasympathetic nervous system (as opposed
to the adrenaline releasing sympathetic
system).
More parasympathetic activity means less
stress and therefore better health.
Less Better
stress!!!!
Health!!
!!!
7. As humans we are often "not present" in our
own lives. We often fail to notice the good
things about our lives, fail to hear what our
bodies are telling us.
Becoming more aware of our thoughts,
feelings and sensations may not sound like an
obviously helpful thing to do, however
learning to do this in a way that suspends
judgement and self-criticism can have an
incredibly positive impact on our lives.
8.
9. Mindfulness is a way of paying attention to,
and seeing clearly whatever is happening in
our lives.
It will not eliminate life's pressures, but it
can help us respond to them in a calmer
manner that benefits our heart, mind, and
body.
It helps us recognise and step away from
habitual, often unconscious emotional and
physiological reactions to everyday events.
It provides us with a scientifically researched
approach to cultivating clarity, insight, and
understanding.
12. When practicing mindfulness, everyone, however
much they practice, will experience thoughts
creeping in to their heads uninvited. This is fine
- its just what brains do, but how we respond to
these thoughts is important.
If we start to think about the thought, or get
annoyed with ourselves for not being able to
retain our focus, it stops us paying attention and
takes us away from the present moment. If we
just acknowledge the thought and let it go
without judgement, we retain our focus on being
in the present moment.
As with all new skills, the more we practice it,
the easier it becomes.
13. The practice of
mindfulness helps us
to recognise and
observe our thought
patterns.
Practitioners develop
the ability to
recognise when
thoughts arise, and
14. Recognise, slow down or
stop automatic and habitual
reactions.
Respond more effectively
to complex or difficult
situations.
See situations more clearly
Become more creative
Achieve balance and resilience
15. The pressures on classroom teachers have
become so great that few teachers are able
to find time for sustained reflection and
modification of one's teaching in the
company of one's peers.
Mindfulness is a term that is used in a variety
of forms in different philosophical and
religious traditions. We use the term to
denote heightened awareness of the choices
that teachers make and their consequences
for pupil learning.
