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Mindfulness:

The following information is from the Smiling Mind Webpage.  https://www.smilingmind.com.au/mindfulness

Mindfulness is paying attention to the present moment with openness, curiosity and without judgement.

There are two parts to mindfulness

The first is learning to focus attention on

one thing, and being able to bring the attention back when the mind gets

distracted.

The second part is about the attitude you bring to paying attention

– being open, non-judging, and curious about what you are focusing on.

Mindlessness is the opposite of mindfulness

Have you ever:

Eaten lunch at your desk, without tasting a single bite? Or been driving from work to home and then all of a sudden realised you don’t actually remember seeing what colour the traffic lights were? These are examples of a state of automatic pilot, where we're going through the motions in our mind and we're disconnected from our body.

What's the difference between mindfulness and meditation?

Mindfulness and meditation can be practised in a number of ways. But there's a difference:

Meditation is the formal practice of mindfulness which we sometimes refer to as exercise for the mind. We meditate to strengthen our mindfulness skills. Informal mindfulness is bringing that attitude of paying attention into your daily life.

Benefits of using mindfulness meditation

Over 3 million people are now experiencing the many health benefits of Smiling Mind. Mindfulness is a tool that can help you to:

Reduce worries, anxiety and distress

Enjoy more energy

Create a sense of calm

Learn how to relax and regulate emotions

Enhance awareness and creativity

Improve concentration and increase productivity

Develop a sense of empathy and connectedness

Enjoy better health and sleep

There is a fantastic App called the Smiling Mind App that enables people of all ages to practise mindfulness.

Here is a video where Associate Professor Dr Craig Hassed from Monash University talk through the scientific benefits behind mindfulness:

https://www.smilingmind.com.au/mindfulness

Would be interested to hear from families who have used this app in the past, and who have practised mindfulness with their children.

Have a great week.   Peter Whyte ( Deputy Principal )

Please click here to view our new Wellbeing Manual and Policy and also our new Positive Behaviour Manual and Policy

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