Kalinda Wellbeing
Why we do Mindfulness at Kalinda
In recent years, the exploration of mindfulness and meditation has surged, showing a multitude of potential benefits. At Kalinda, we've embraced this journey, integrating regular mindfulness sessions into our curriculum and the results have been amazing!
Through consistent engagement in mindfulness practices, Kalinda students have experienced a significant enhancement in their health, well-being, self-awareness, and cognitive abilities. These sessions have empowered students to recognise and understand their thoughts and emotions, fostering a deeper comprehension of how these internal processes shape their actions.
The impact of mindfulness practices being part of a regular curriculum goes beyond the individual level. School-wide mindfulness programs have shown promising outcomes, not only in supporting student mental health but also in increasing academic performance. Think of it like emptying a load of washing from the machine before putting more in. The machine works a whole lot better with more space to fill, and the clothes wash better too!
Mindfulness at Kalinda will look different across our classrooms, adapting to the unique dynamics of each day. From mindfulness colouring to guided meditations, and breathing exercises to mindful walks, and environmental activities, our approach is diverse and inclusive. Students are guided by their teachers to observe their emotions during mindfulness sessions and work on redirecting their focus to things like their breath. While mindfulness may not come naturally to all children, it is a skill that can be learned over time. Through structured practice, students learn to anchor themselves in the present moment, gradually honing their ability to maintain focus and exercise self-control.
Although practising mindfulness is often associated with calm and controlled environments, we develop our student's awareness of how they can adapt these skills to life at home, in the playground with friends, on the sporting field, and in everyday situations.
Recently, Mrs. Drummond and Mr. Anderson had the pleasure of running a workshop with some of our amazing student leaders who were able to experience the physical benefits of breathing and grounding themselves. Here’s what some of them had to say about the day:
“I can’t believe how much stronger I was when I wasn’t holding my breath” Maiya
“I didn’t even realise I was holding my breath so much when I was trying to concentrate” Charlotte
“I liked that I could make myself strong like a tree when I was thinking about my breathing” Xavier
“I didn’t know that I could be that strong just from being centred and thinking about my breathing” Bentley
We encourage you to talk about mindfulness with your children and discuss the benefits of taking (and focussing on) a deep breath, bringing themselves back to the present moment and being mindful of how powerful something as simple as breathing can be.
Kylie Drummond & Lochie Anderson
