ABSTRACT
Mindfulness instruction – with its grace, simplicity, and ease – creates the vehicle through which students can cultivate comfort in quiet so that they are empowered to step into Self-Awareness and Self-Regulation. Mindfulness practices give learners the tools to be present – be in the moment, without fear, shame, or judgment of self or others. As the Mindful Practices model illustrates (SEL + Mindfulness + Yoga), sometimes it is movement which is the most accessible and calming practice for students – especially if those students have experienced trauma or live in a community where trauma is prevalent. This variance in student need is why the Mindful Practices model also includes yoga and movement, instead of the standard seated or scripted approach to SEL and mindfulness. When educators understand the neurobiology of trauma and know that it might show up in the classroom, they can better create environments where students and teachers have the necessary tools for Self-Awareness and Self-Regulation.
