“Mindfulness” is defined by the Greater Good Science Center as a moment-by-moment awareness of our thoughts, feelings, bodily sensations, and surrounding environment. It involves acceptance, meaning that we pay attention to our thoughts and feelings without judging them—without believing, for instance, that there’s a “right” or “wrong” way to think or feel in a given moment. When we practice mindfulness, our thoughts tune into what we’re sensing in the present moment rather than rehashing the past or imagining the future.
Mindfulness practices are designed to develop and strengthen the mind through increasing the ability to focus, recognize and manage emotions, make better decisions, and empathize in relationships.
Select each category below to learn more.
In This Section You Will Find:
- Why Mindfulness is needed in education
- Effects of Mindfulness on the brain
- Benefits of Mindfulness for Teachers & Students
- How to integrate and practice Mindfulness in schools
- Sample Programs and Supports
PDFS
Websites
General Websites
- The Greater Good Science Center
- Mindful
- Tools for Peace
- Center for Mindful Self-Compassion
- UCLA Mindful Awareness Research Center
Sample Mindfulness Programs and Supports
Apps
- Calm.com – Guided meditation and relaxation exercises
- HeadSpace – Meditation and mindfulness made simple
- Insight Timer – 2,714 free guided meditations
Books
- The Mindful Teen: Powerful Skills to Help You Handle Stress One Moment at a Time by Dzung X. Vo MD FAAP
- The Stress Reduction Workbook for Teens: Mindfulness Skills to Help You Deal with Stress by Gina Biegel
- How to Meditate by Pema Chodron
- Creative Visualization with Children by Jennifer Day
- Breathe Yoga for Teens by Mary Kaye Chryssicas
- Brainstorm: The Power and Purpose of the Teenage Brain by Daniel Siegel
- A Life Worth Breathing by Max Strom
- Mindfulness for Teen Anxiety by Christopher Willard