Final Thoughts

I have so many thoughts about mindfulness, I find it difficult to begin and I don’t think I will be able to cover all of my thoughts.

Over all, I really enjoyed this Mindful Journey. I found that I was able to try something new and I felt the benefits right away. I can only imagine how the benefits will grow over time. My favorite take away from all of this is the Belly Breathing. I think everyone is capable and willing to try belly breathing. No matter the situation, taking the time to focus on your breathing can rejuvenate you, can spark ideas, can focus you and can calm you. I can only see benefits with a focused breathing and belly breathing.  

I noticed that many of these formal activities were not as big as a stretch as I was expecting. I was expecting to not understand, feel comfortable and especially how to weave it into my every day.  But I could and I think I partake in informal mindful activities nearly every day.

When I get stuck in the rain I always stop and feel the rain on my face before I continue you. Most days I take the long way home to take stock of my day and reflect. However, if I am doing this informally, I can only imagine the benefits that will come when I take more time to consciously decide to carve time out of my day to be mindful.

I was surprised by how the comfort levels were quite varied around the classroom. This is cause for some concern for bringing it into my class next year.  I am still undecided about how much I am willing to dive into the practice in my classroom. However, guided sensory intake, guided self-appreciations and group, deep belly breathing I think will be effective for the student’s wellbeing. If I establish right adapt and pass this may ease some student’s discomfort.

 Mindfulness is not a one size fits all concept. If I bring it into my school, I need to what is best for my students. One thing I know for sure, my personal mindfulness journey will continue.