Children today face unprecedented stress and anxiety, negatively impacting learning, memory, behavior, and physical and mental health.

School shootings, attempted suicides, eating disorders, depression, and social isolation are all radical examples.

Meeting academic and social expectations – and developing a sense of self and belonging – can be challenging.

The pressures in today’s educational environment are far-reaching including unrealistic expectations the system places on our youth with homework, grades, attendance, and performance.

Our world is moving and changing faster than ever.  We need a response that addresses the overall health and sustainability of learning environments.

How can we better support the well-being of educators, students, and members of our learning communities?

Enter mindfulness.

The Benefits of mindfulness in education include:

Increased focus, attention, self-control, classroom participation, and compassion

Improved academic performance, ability to resolve conflict, and overall well-being

Decreased levels of stress, depression, anxiety, and disruptive behavior

As leaders, teachers are the vehicle for integrating change into culture. Educators are tasked with guiding the next generation of leaders, yet they lack the necessary support.

The system is flawed and our children will continue to suffer.

Unsustainable conditions manifest through decreased creativity and life satisfaction.

This escalates to serious symptoms like dissociation, toxic stress, and burnout.

In response, we need to provide more support and investment in educators’ development and well-being.

By incorporating mindfulness practices in education, students and teachers alike can develop important skills that will benefit them in all areas of their lives, thereby building a support system for future generations.