Mindfulness : A platform for the Human Curriculum

Transcription

1 Mindfulness : A platform for the Human Curriculum Allan Donsky MD Lisa Thomson FRCPC Psychiatry FRCPC Pediatrics Clinical Associate Professor, Department of Psychiatry, University of Calgary Adjunct Professor, Department of Child and Youth Studies, Mount Royal University. B.A Psychology B. Ed. Mental Health and Wellness Specialist Palliser District Teachers Convention February

2 HMHC NOT FOR DISTRIBUTION

3 Stuff to Look at Today What can we be aware of with Self Awareness? The Dichotomous Brain : Modes of being and how we experience, understand and relate to ourselves and others Where are you? Autopilot and Pop ups Life is simple, not easy What Mindfulness is and isn t Does the research support Mindfulness What does this have to do with my work as an educator? Group ( Stories, quotes ) Where to start, resources, trainings

4 Stuff to Look at Today What can we be aware of with Self Awareness? The Dichotomous Brain : Modes of being and how we experience, understand and relate to ourselves and others Where are you? Autopilot and Pop ups Life is simple, not easy What Mindfulness is and isn t Does the research support Mindfulness What does this have to do with my work as an educator? Group ( Stories, quotes ) Where to start, resources, trainings

5 What can we be aware of with Self-Awareness? Alerting Thinking Orienting Attention Flexibility Inhibition Creativity Planning Organizing Problem solving Working memory Memory Processing Friend or Foe Fight, Flight, Freeze,Faint

6 Flip your lid Regulate Relate and Reason Dr. Dan Siegel

7 Q : What gets Regulated? A: Much more than Behavior MORAL SOCIAL COGNITIVE Reason EMOTIONAL Relate BIOLOGY Regulate

8 Stuff to Look at Today What can we be aware of with Self Awareness? The Dichotomous Brain : Modes of being and how we experience, understand and relate to ourselves and others Where are you? Autopilot and Pop ups Life is simple, not easy What Mindfulness is and isn t Does the research support Mindfulness What does this have to do with my work as an educator? Group ( Stories, quotes ) Where to start, resources, trainings

9 The Dichotomous Brain : Left and Right Left Brain Ideas, Language, Abstract Narrow focus Explicit Manipulates, Demanding Parts, Particular, rules Static, Consistent Fixed, Finite, Right Brain Perception, Embodiment Experience Broad view Implicit Acceptance of what is, Awareness of subtlety Whole, Context Flexible, Changing, Evolving

10 The Dichotomous Brain : Left and Right Left Brain Focus on known Consistency, Familiarity, Predictable Closed system, Fact Truth, Evidence Urge for consistency Isolation, Independence Fragmentation Right Brain Open to the New and Novel Contradiction, Novelty, Surprise Open system, Metaphor, Ambiguity, Story, Partly hidden, Ineffable Completeness, Wholeness Connection, Cohesion, Context Relationship

11 What does this have to do with current Pedagogical practice? Left Brain Filling the bucket with curriculum, compliance Focus on writing and math Getting along better in life Fixing what is wrong (LD) Diagnosis and pathology Funding based on coding in education and psychiatry Measureable outcomes Right Brain Lighting a fire of enthusiasm for learning and individual expression Emotional, Social and Behavioral adaptability, and flexibility My label is not me Humans cannot be categorized This is limiting and pathologizing Not everything that counts..

12 Fair is not equal but the Left Brain does not understand that

13 Stuff to Look at Today What can we be aware of with Self Awareness? The Dichotomous Brain : Modes of being and how we experience, understand and relate to ourselves and others Where are you? Autopilot and Pop ups Life is simple, not easy What Mindfulness is and isn t Does the research support Mindfulness What does this have to do with my work as an educator? Group ( Stories, quotes ) Where to start, resources, trainings

14 Where are you? Past (Not here) Future (Not here)

15 Stuff to Look at Today What can we be aware of with Self Awareness? The Dichotomous Brain : Modes of being and how we experience, understand and relate to ourselves and others Where are you? Autopilot and Pop ups Life is simple, not easy What Mindfulness is and isn t Does the research support Mindfulness What does this have to do with my work as an educator? Group ( Stories, quotes ) Where to start, resources, trainings

16 John was on his way to school.

17 John was on his way to school. He was worried about the math lesson.

18 John was on his way to school. He was worried about the math lesson. He was not sure he could control the class again today.

19 John was on his way to school. He was worried about the math lesson. He was not sure he could control the class again today. It was not part of a janitor s duty.

20 I didn t say she stole my money

21 Stuff to Look at Today What can we be aware of with Self Awareness? The Dichotomous Brain : Modes of being and how we experience, understand and relate to ourselves and others Where are you? Autopilot and Pop ups Life is simple, not easy What Mindfulness is and isn t Does the research support Mindfulness What does this have to do with my work as an educator? Group ( Stories, quotes ) Where to start, resources, trainings

22 Life is simple not easy Moments Autopilot Pop ups Thoughts Feelings Sad Angry Anxiety Mindfulness embraces it all Actions Helpful Neutral Unhelpful

23 Stuff to Look at Today What can we be aware of with Self Awareness? The Dichotomous Brain : Modes of being and how we experience, understand and relate to ourselves and others Where are you? Autopilot and Pop ups Life is simple, not easy What Mindfulness is and isn t Does the research support Mindfulness What does this have to do with my work as an educator? Group ( Stories, quotes ) Where to start, resources, trainings

24 Attention

25 William James. ( ) The faculty of voluntarily bringing back a wandering attention, over and over again, is the very root of judgment, character, and will. No one is compos sui if he have it not. An education which should improve this faculty would be the education par excellence. (compos sui = master of oneself )

26 Mindfulness : A platform for the Human Curriculum Attention Awareness Choice Intention Wiser state of Mind Wiser Action Better Outcome = The Human Curriculum

27 Jon Kabat-Zinn Moment to Moment, On purpose, Nonjudgmental Awareness by paying Attention Formal, Informal and Intensive practice An awareness of one s conduct and the quality of one s relationships, both inwardly and outwardly, in terms of their potential to cause harm, are intrinsic elements of the culture of mindfulness Jon Kabat-Zinn 2011

28 Mindfulness is not. Strategy Therapy Religious Focusing Relaxation Meditation Philosophy Emptying your mind Behavior modification Thinking about thinking

29 What is Mindfulness Foundation of our human competence Inherent human capacity Observe our own experiences End in itself and means to an end Process and Content How we are being while we are doing what we are doing?

30 Spirituality is a constellation of practices that awaken the heart and mind. Essential Spirituality Roger Walsh

31 Stuff to Look at Today What can we be aware of with Self Awareness? The Dichotomous Brain : Modes of being and how we experience, understand and relate to ourselves and others Where are you? Autopilot and Pop ups Life is simple, not easy What Mindfulness is and isn t Does the research support Mindfulness What does this have to do with my work as an educator? Group ( Stories, quotes ) Where to start, resources, trainings

32 Center for Investigating Healthy Minds

33 Academic Journal TIME Mindful Awareness Research Center Quarterly Journal America Mindfulness Research Association

34 Evidence for Mindfulness: Impacts on the Wellbeing and Performance of Students: Mindup results Emotion ñ 58% Increased Compassion 58% tried to help one another more often. 81% Improved Self-Concept 81% learned to make themselves happy. 82% Improved Optimism Executive Function ñ 75% Improved Planning and Organization 30 % Increased Emotional Control 54% Increased inhibitory response Well Being ñ 2/3 Increased Happiness 78% more relaxed. Academics ñ Improved Math Achievements Social Behavior ñ 90% Felt they get along better. 64% Increased Empathy 56% Increased Social Acceptance 56% Peer acceptance.

35 Evidence for Mindfulness: Impacts on the Wellbeing and Performance of School Staff Stress Anxiety Coping Hostility Patience Empathy Pressure Wellbeing Awareness Demotivation Self compassion Days of sick leave

36 Stuff to Look at Today What can we be aware of with Self Awareness? The Dichotomous Brain : Modes of being and how we experience, understand and relate to ourselves and others Where are you? Autopilot and Pop ups Life is simple, not easy What Mindfulness is and isn t Does the research support Mindfulness What does this have to do with my work as an educator? Group ( Stories, quotes ) Where to start, resources, trainings

37 What has this got to do with my work? Self Students Mindful practice informs Context & Curriculum

38 Mindfulness : A platform for the Human Curriculum Attention Awareness Choice Intention Wiser state of Mind Wiser Action Better Outcome = The Human Curriculum

39 The Human Curriculum Acceptance, Accountability, Appreciation, Assertiveness, Beauty, Caring, Cheerfulness, Commitment, Compassion, Cooperation, Courtesy, Decisiveness, Detachment, Determination, Diligence, Discernment, Empathy, Endurance, Excellence, Fairness, Faithfulness, Fidelity, Flexibility, Forbearance, Forgiveness,, Fortitude, Friendliness, Generosity, Gentleness, Grace, Gratitude, Helpfulness, Honesty, Honor, Hope, Humanity, Humility, Idealism, Independence, Initiative, Integrity, Joyfulness, Justice, Kindness, Love, Loyalty, Mercy, Mindfulness, Moderation, Modesty, Nobility, Openness, Optimism, Orderliness, Patience, Peacefulness, Perceptiveness, Perseverance, Purposefulness, Reliability, Resilience, Respect, Responsibility, Righteousness, Sacrifice, Self-Discipline, Serenity, Service, Simplicity, Sincerity, Steadfastness, Strength, Tact, Thoughtfulness, Tolerance, Trust, Trustworthiness, Understanding, Unity, Wisdom, Wonder, Zeal

40 What does this have to do with my work? Navigating: Power, Dominance & Control Trauma and Trust Anxiety, Fear, Anger Unique learning needs of students Curriculum Mental Health, Legal, Educational, Human Services

41 Adjectives used to describe students Sneaky, Lazy, Rude, Selfish, Avoidant, Stubborn, Annoying, Defiant, Demanding, Manipulative, Oppositional, Attention seeking diagnosed with.. What effect do these words have on you? 41

42 Awareness of Students Domains of functioning Academic Behavioral Cognitive Developmental Emotional Family Physical Social Spiritual

43 What does this have to do with my work? The Other 3 R s Reflection Relationship Mindfulness is the First step Resilience Dr. Dan Siegel

44 Perceptual shift lead to Resiliency Teacher sees self differently Teacher sees student differently Student sees self differently Increases Resiliency

45 Mindfulness invites a healthier Relationship: Connect before you direct Thou What is going on for this this child now? What does this child need now? What is most called for now? I What am I doing? How is my ego getting in the way? What will they learn from my reaction? What are the results of what I am doing? The value of I don t know 45

46 Ways of being Mindfully present People don t care how much you know till they know how much you care. Self development and personal practice Establish Trust before doing anything Is my classroom a sacred place? ( metaphor for the heart ) Am I creating an environment in which children learn? Be real and humble Let them see your weaknesses, uncertainties and imperfections Stay calm.even if you do not know what to do Act as a coach and partner not a solver or fixer Recognize patterns so they can be: Explored, Expanded and Explained Have proactive conversations

47 Stuff to Look at Today What can we be aware of with Self Awareness? The Dichotomous Brain : Modes of being and how we experience, understand and relate to ourselves and others Where are you? Autopilot and Pop ups Life is simple, not easy What Mindfulness is and isn t Does the research support Mindfulness What does this have to do with my work as an educator? Group ( Stories, quotes ) Where to start, resources, trainings

48 The Group Elementary School Grade 4, 5, 6 Half day Friday mornings. Social Group Targeted (or Universal ) Informal Formal Intensive Original Goals Engagement in school community Externalizers and Internalizers Increase Social Emotional competence Self regulation

49 It is in the moment Not a once off lesson plan Soon realized Mindfulness is tool but is not a script The learning is for everyone

50 A typical morning might include Agreements Dropping in Life is simple not easy and Mindfulness flow chart Sharing circle Themes School, teacher, student Often relationship to self or others Books, own life stories Minecraft or movie metaphor Short video clips ( Kid President ) Journaling, art

51 Trust Patience Curiosity Attention Presence Vigilance Observing Letting Go Awareness Acceptance Non Striving Not Knowing Engagement Non Judgment Beginner s Mind Non Attachment Elements of Mindfulness Stories I am going to fail my Math test You hurt your friend s feelings But he makes me mad and I can t control my feelings I don t know the answer and I feel stupid I would rather have a bad reputation than my friends know I don t know how to read

52 How many sounds can you hear?

53 Unhelpful and helpful Pop ups about Mindfulness Unhelpful Pop ups about Mindfulness Too weird Too subjective so I cant do anything with it I don t have time for this It is confusing and I don t get it No evidence this helps Cannot see the relevance This is religious so I am not allowed to talk about it I don t like Meditation Helpful responses This is a capacity I already have My feelings are there so I might as well have a wise relationship with them You don t have time not to do this It is both end in itself and means to end Plenty of evidence This module has helped It is practicing attention and awareness It is not Meditation

54 The Power to choose Between stimulus and response there is a space. In that space is our power to choose our response. In our response lies our growth and our freedom Viktor Frankl ( )

55 I just knew I had to do it It is ok to be different I learned that listening is important Student Quotes You should not try if it is not possible I learned that some things are not meant to be and that is ok I would like to learn how to get and keep good friends I have the power to choose how I feel. Now I think I will have better days at school My feelings are real but they don t always tell me the truth Imagine every pop up in your head floating away like a cloud Cure for boredom is participation The past is behind us, our choices made. Now we make the choices that choose our own path, what we choose to do and what we decide We all have a monkey and it gets out of control, you cant stop it, but when you notice that, bring it back. Every kind act you do will be repaid by others. Either sooner or later, you will not regret your decision.

56 Student Quotes There is nothing stopping you from doing what you want, it is your time, not theirs to decide what you can and cannot do. For nobody can change who you are and what you do is a mystery. Mindfulness has opened up a door for me to find out what I know and help me learn to use it. The time is now. It reminds me that we must live in the present and not drift off to the future. Now I officially recognize that making noises is not helpful to fit into my class I was mindful when I caught myself from blurting out and raised my hand because I noticed I was going to blurt out Mindfulness saves energy by not freaking out, staying confident and happy, you have more free time, you feel better and life is easier!

57 Stuff to Look at Today What can we be aware of with Self Awareness? The Dichotomous Brain : Modes of being and how we experience, understand and relate to ourselves and others Where are you? Autopilot and Pop ups Life is simple, not easy What Mindfulness is and isn t Does the research support Mindfulness What does this have to do with my work as an educator? Group ( Stories, quotes ) Where to start, resources, trainings

58 What can I do today? Stop. Take a breath. Observe. Proceed When? Anytime Where?..Anywhere Daily practice Many seconds 2 x 5 minute

59 And sometimes the questions are simple and the answers are complicated

60 Where to start for anyone. Anything by Jon Kabat Zinn (books, Cds audio downloads, YouTube videos) The Mindfulness Solution: Everyday practices for Everyday Problems. Ronald Siegel

61 Where to start for anyone. Phil Bluestein (free Pdf download )

62 Where to start for anyone. 10 Mindful Minutes Goldie Hawn

63 Mindfulnessforteens.com

64 casel.org mindfulnessinschools.org mindfulschools.org ñ thehawnfoundation.org/mindup/

65 Mindfulness training for teachers Mindful Schools. Cultivating Awareness and Resilience in Education (CARE) Garrison Institute Mindfulness in schools.b (UK Based program) Mindup. (Hawn Foundation) CASEL ( Collaborative for Academic, Social and Emotional Learning )