Mindfulness In Classroom

     INTRODUCTION

• Mindfulness in the classroom, sometimes called “contemplative pedagogy,” involves teaching methods designed to cultivate deepened awareness, concentration, and insight.
• Mindfulness involves paying attention “on purpose”. Mindfulness involves a conscious direction of our awareness. Mindfulness is an emotionally non-reactive state. We don’t judge that this experience is good and that one is bad. Or if we do make those judgements we simply notice them and let go of them.

• The workshop under this concept was provided to us by S. Sharma on 21st of October
• Cultivation of mind is the aim of the activity, it is required so that child’s mind should be able to cultivate a capacity for awareness and concentration. Such methods include meditation, silence, music, art and questions.
• Its purpose is to develop non judgemental attitude and not to get disturbed easily by things which are not as per our planning and concepts.
• It also means to accept ourselves completely, acceptance means acknowledging what you’re feeling, and standing back from it so that although you experience the unpleasant emotion you don’t entirely define yourself by it.

Please find the link below which shows activities for students. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lGob      Brief about Workshop Our institute organised a workshop on “mindfulness in the classroom” on september 24 2015 . Yoga and meditation were taught in our workshop. Three asanas in yoga were taught by Mr.S Sharma they were 1. Kapalbhati 2. Anuloma Viloma 3. Padaamasana Activities during Workshop KAPALBHATI The process of kapalbhati is related to the breathing process, however it is not a type of pranayam. But, certain sadhakas think in this manner and study kapalbhati under the impression that they are studying a type of pranayam. However, process of cleaning the wind pipe is one of the shuddhikriyas. The word kapalbhati is made up of two words, kapal meaning skull ( here skull includes all the organs under the skull too ) and bhati means shining, illuminating. Due to the process, the organs under the skull mainly the brain and the small brain are influenced in a good manner. Hence the word is used in that way. A cycle or rotation of Kapalbhati should be performed as follows :

• Keep breathing gradually while sitting in Padmasana. o Inhale and start performing Kapalbhati as stated before. That means a strong Rechaka, natural Pooraka and again strong Rechaka and natural pooraka. • Keep on doing this rotation swiftly in rhythmic manner. • Perform as many cycles as possible and then keep breathing gradually. All these processes are included under one cycle of Kapalbhati. Please find link for the Kapalbhati asana https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1d3erUbB3uw

2.Anuloma viloma

Anulom Vilom Pranayama or alternate nostril breathing exercise is one of the main practices of Pranayama. Anulom Vilom Pranayama is mentioned in the yogic texts Hatha Yoga Pradeepika, Gheranda Samhita, Tirumandiram, Siva Samhita, Puranas and in the Upanishads.

1. Anulom Vilom Pranayama cleans the pranic channels and makes the prana flow freely in the entire body. The nadis or the pranic energy channels are purified. Hence this pranayama is also called Nadi Shodhana Pranayama. 2. Purification of the energy channels ensures proper supply of pranic energy to all the organs enhancing the overall health of the body. 3. Anulom Vilom Pranyama balances the two main energy channels –Ida and Pingala. It balances the two hemispheres of the brain, bringing about peace and tranquility. 4. When the Ida and Pingala nadis are balanced, it awakens the central channel called Sushumna Nadi. 5. It removes toxins from the body. 6. Prolonged practice of Anulom Vilom Pranayama leads to next stage of yoga, which is Pratyahara or withdrawal of the senses. This enables the practitioner to progress towards higher practices ofDharana, Dhyana and Samadhi. 7. It can reduce weight in some practitioners depending on their body constitution and is a good practice for obesity.

Please find link for the anulom vilom asana https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x2L4KP7xpfY

3.Padamasana

Padmasana or the Lotus Pose is an important meditative asana and is mentioned in most yogic texts. In Sanskrit, ‘Padma’ means lotus and ‘Asana’ means pose. Padmasana is mentioned in the yogic text Hatha Yoga Pradeepika, as one of the main asanas for meditation that can destroy all diseases. If you see the drawings and sculptors of ancient yogis, you will notice that they are seated in Padmasana. Ancient statues of Shiva, Buddha and Mahavira are all depicted as sitting in Padmasana. The hand mudras may vary, but the legs are always shown seated in the lotus pose. Padmasana is not easy for beginners. In the eastern traditions, people are used to sitting on the floor in the simple cross legged position, especially for meals. But in the western tradition, most people use the chair for sitting and for meals. In such cases, a little practice will be required to bring flexibility into the legs. One can do any exercise that stretches the lower legs, thigh and waist muscles to get this flexibility. Also the joints (ankles, knee and waist) should be made supple by doing Pawanmuktasana series of exercises. Those suffering from sciatica and sacral pain, weak knee joints, etc. should avoid this asana. Please find link for the Padamasana https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JUHOedjFHCg Importance of Yoga and meditation in student’s life

• De stress: One of yoga’s primary benefits for adults is the alleviation of stress. Students may be young, but they aren’t immune to stress. Family pressure, financial fears, academic performance standards and peer groups can all take a toll on a student’s psyche and success in school.
• Enhanced Body Image: Students often struggle with poor body image and awkwardness of movement. A study published in “Explore” in the summer of 2013 found that high-school students who practiced yoga instead of regular physical education for a semester, reported better kinesthetic awareness — the sense of how your body moves through space — and more respect for their own bodies.
• Improve Concentration: Yoga offers time for the body and mind to relax from the rigors of learning. This may help students be better at applying themselves when studying or learning in a classroom. Medical students who practiced yoga for just one month reported better sleep and improved concentration during their studies outcome.

From this workshop my perspective on yoga has totally changed now i am able to realise that how yoga is important in an individual life, to lead a better and healthy life , as in todays life everybody is stressed even for small things and lives in a restless environment . Hence from my opinion along with traditional education yoga should be included in the curriculum so our next generation will be aware about the advantages of yoga.