![]() When I introduced mindfulness at the beginning of the year, the introduction went something like this, "When we are stressed, anxious, or experience something new, we often take shallow breaths into our chests. By breathing deeply into your belly, we can use your breath to calm both your body and mind. To practice mindful breathing, place your right hand on your belly and your left hand on your chest, feeling the gentle rise and fall of your breath. Count to three as you inhale, then count to three again as you exhale. Close your eyes, if you feel comfortable it may make you focus." I was determined to include mindfulness into my art lessons. It is introduced as a practice so students don't try to "get it right", because there is no wrong. Much like life I believe the only wrong move we can make is putting up a mental barrier, fearful it may not be the right answer. In mindfulness it is taking that step to be present, in the moment, and practice focus. This is a list of list of prompts I use in guided mindfulness, often I need reminders. Each practice is different, rarely do I use the whole list. I find that for most younger classes 3-5 minutes is enough to settle young minds and ready themselves for art learning.
Mindfulness is a useful tool to attain focus, practice being present, and noticing our surroundings. Even if only practiced a few minutes the brief pause, reflection, and connection to surroundings is beneficial for teacher and student.
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AuthorI have a passion for the visual arts and love sharing it with others. I have enjoyed teaching all ages and love to incorporate art history and traditional disciplines as well as innovative ideas. Art is vital to who I am as a creator and educator. Archives
April 2021
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