“Time isn’t precious at all, because it is an illusion. What you perceive as precious is not time but the one point that is out of time: the “Now”. That is precious indeed. The more you are focused on time — past and future — the more you miss the Now, the most precious thing there is.” - Eckhart Tolle
Mindfulness is a buzzword in today’s world! In this article, let us deconstruct the concept of mindfulness.
A simple and easy way to understand definition of mindfulness is just --“TO BE !!!”
In today’s fast-paced world, people are often found to be juggling numerous responsibilities—academics/career, extracurricular activities, family and social life. But how often are people found to be immersed in what they are doing?
Let us take a scene from tea break at college or office. Zoom in and you will see students/employees sipping their tea/coffee. Are they really enjoying the flavor, the aroma, the colour and the taste of tea/coffee? When a person is fully immersed, then this person will be fully engaged in drinking tea without distraction or judgement, paying full attention to the thoughts, feelings, bodily sensations and the environment. The person is just being there drinking tea! This is mindfulness!!! To just be in the moment! The quotation by Eckhart Tolle truly resonates with the concept of mindfulness as it draws our attention to the NOW, than to the past or the future.
So, we get the actual definition of mindfulness as the practice of being fully present and engaged in the current moment without judgment. It involves paying attention to your thoughts, feelings, bodily sensations, and the surrounding environment. Though this seemingly looks simple and easy to practice, people find it difficult to be in the moment. This is because we are living in a highly complex and competitive world with varied distractions to swerve our attention from the NOW. Mindfulness as a concept has originated from ancient Buddhist teachings, though many cultures have this as a practice in different ways. It has gained popularity in modern psychology as a tool for improving mental well-being. Understanding and practicing mindfulness could be useful for many in leading a better quality life.
Key Components of Mindfulness
1. Awareness: Mindfulness trains the brain to become aware of what is happening in the present both internally and externally.
2. Non-Judgment: Practicing mindfulness involves accepting experiences without labeling them as good or bad. This can help reduce feelings of anxiety and stress.
3. Focus on the Present: Mindfulness emphasizes living in the moment. This means letting go of regrets about the past and worries about the future, allowing you to concentrate on what’s happening now.
Importance of Mindfulness for students
1. Reduced Stress: In order to enhance performance, students need to focus on the present and target deadlines, exams and career goals without feeling stressed. Regular mindfulness practice can lower stress levels and help students improve their performance.
2. Improved Concentration: Concentration is a missing aspect in students’ lives in the present world as there are a multitude of distractions. Mindfulness can enhance attention span and concentration, which are essential for achieving effectiveness in studying and classroom engagement.
3. Emotional Regulation: Mindfulness helps students become more aware of their emotions and responses. This awareness allows students to analyse their own emotions and imbibe emotional regulation. It also paves way to understand others’ emotions and needs which makes them empathetic. Management of feelings like anger, frustration, and sadness becomes easy and manageable.
4. Better Sleep: It is a well known fact that our young people have poor sleep hygiene. Sleep is important as it is essential for resting the brain and recharging in order to enhance performance. Practicing mindfulness can improve sleep quality, helping students to fall asleep faster and experience deeper rest, which is crucial for academic performance.
5. Enhanced Creativity: Thinking requires a calm brain. And creativity kicks in when the brain starts thinking calmly. By fostering a clear mind, mindfulness can stimulate creativity and innovative thinking which is so beneficial for problem-solving and innovative work.
Simple Mindfulness Practices for Students
Incorporating mindfulness into daily life doesn’t have to be complicated. Here are a few simple practices that students can try:
1. Mindful Breathing: Before you begin the day or start off your work, it is a good idea to practice mindful breathing. Spend a few minutes focusing on your breath. Inhale deeply through your nose, hold for a moment, then exhale slowly through your mouth. This helps anchor you in the present.
2. Body Scan: Lie down or sit comfortably, and mentally scan your body from head to toe. Notice any areas of tension and consciously relax them.
3. Mindful Eating: During meals, take time to savor each bite. Notice the flavors, textures, and aromas of your food. This practice not only enhances your eating experience but also promotes healthier eating habits.
4. Meditation Walk: Take a slow, mindful walk. Focus on the sensation of your feet touching the ground, the movement of your legs, and the sounds around you.
5. Gratitude Journaling: Each day, write down atleast three things you are grateful for. This practice encourages a positive mindset and helps shift focus away from stressors.
Conclusion
Mindfulness is a valuable skill that can help students manage the challenges of academic life while promoting overall well-being. By cultivating mindfulness, not only students but everyone can enhance their focus, reduce stress, and improve emotional health. It’s a simple yet powerful practice that can make a significant difference in the quality of your life. So, why not give it a try? Start small, be patient with yourself, and watch how mindfulness transforms your approach to learning and living.
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About the Author
Dr. Nagamani Krishnamurthy is an educator who started her journey as a chemistry teacher 34 years ago. Since then, she moved on to become a teacher, trainer, coach, researcher and early childhood educator but at every stage, she retained the underpinning principle of education as a process of nurturing children's EQ and empowering them to be equipped with skills to deal with challenges at every stage of life. She has designed a unique early years curriculum strategy Balavikasa's L.E.A.D. which weaves human values and 21st century skills into child development.
Her passion for creating bespoke teaching strategies has inspired her to design many courses for children at different stages catering to their individual needs and learning syles. She is the founder of Balavikasa Educational Academy where she conducts training programs for children, young people, parents and teachers. She strongly believes that every child has the potential to excel and every teacher has the power to bring out this excellence in every child.
Currently, she is visiting India to support early years reform at the national level and is on the panel of experts at NIPCCD, NCERT and Govt of India.
Meanwhile, get to know more about me, visit https://linktr.ee/balavikasa
Reach out to me on balavikasa4u@gmail.com