the 22nd annual midwest institute for students and ... · the 22nd annual midwest institute for...
TRANSCRIPT
The 22nd Annual Midwest Institute for Students and Teachers of Psychology
Concurrent Sessions Saturday, February 21, 2015 9 to 10 a.m. SRC 2000 A
“The Mindfulness Revolution: Meditation Meets
Psychological Science”
Hillary Rosenthal and Pete Masciopinto Glenbrook South High School
Friday, February 20 and Saturday, February 21, 2015 Hosted by The College of DuPage Psychology Faculty and Psi Beta Chapter
Meditation Meets Psychological Science
What is Mindfulness? � Being present in the moment � Awareness � Focus
“Mindfulness is paying attention to the present moment with intention, while letting go of judgment, as if your life depends on it.”
~Jon Kabat-Zinn
Interview
“Mindfulness is the science of finding focus in a stressed-out, multi-tasking culture.”
~Mark Williams & Danny Penman
[21st Century British Authors & Educators]
What is the Opposite of Mindfulness?
� Mindlessness? � Empty Mind?
������������ NO!
� The opposite (and enemy) of mindfulness is…
THINKING JUDGMENT MULTI-TASKING
Physiology of Mindfulness
http://www.studyblue.com/notes/note/n/neuro-‐anatomy/deck/135382
“Scientific research using fMRI has shown that the insula becomes energized through meditation. This is usually significant because this part of brain is integral to our sense of human connectedness as it helps to mediate empathy in a very real and visceral way.”
~MINDFULNESS Williams & Penman 2011
“Mirror Neurons: Monkey See, Monkey Do”
Increased mindfulness activates the Mirror Neurons in the brain. Current scientific research supports that mindfulness training and practice correlates to increased empathy and compassion in human attitudes and actions.
We Can Change Our Brains When We Change Our Minds
NEUROPLASTICTY
The brain’s structure can be altered and changed through neuroplasticity or the brain’s ability to reorganize itself by forming new neural connections when we change our thinking and behavior. http://patientadvocates.com/teaching-your-brain-new-tricks-keep-your-cognitive-a b i l i t y - a l i v e - a n d - w e l l - w h a t - i s -neuroplasticity
v Current research referenced by
Dr. Richard Davidson suggests that Mindfulness training and practice can induce specific molecular changes to our genes that could have evolutionary impact on our development.
v This means that our physical
engineering will adjust to our mind’s attitudes and beliefs.
http://www.investigatinghealthym
“Like grandmother’s vintage dress, you could wear it or have it altered. The genome has long been known as the blueprint of life, but the epigenome is life’s Etch A Sketch: Shake it hard enough, and you can wipe clean the family curse.” http://discovermagazine.com/2013/may/13-grandmas-experiences-leave-epigenetic-mark-on-your-genes
2 Ways to Practice Mindfulness
� Eliminate distractions � Focus on here and now experience
“When we explore and examine our emotions and feelings, we can change our brain and our mind. Our lives are about molecules, enzymes, and Biochemistry; moreover, we need to connect how these physical factors are linked to our emotions, feelings, and inner life. Mindfulness helps us with integration between the physical and emotional.”
~Dan Siegel “Mindfulness & Neuralintegration”
APPLICATION OF MINDFULNESS
“Mindfulness is now being examined scientifically and has been found to be a key element to happiness.”
~HARVARD HEALTH Publications
Major Uses ���of Mindfulness Training � Stress management
� Especially breathing and body scan exercises
http://crossfitbethany.com/2014/02/developing-‐mindfulness-‐by-‐dr-‐jess/
HOW TO PRACTICE MINDFULNESS
BREATHE
Pay Attention: It’s a Skill DISCIPLINE
Tune Up: Think about what we are doing NOW
Improve Metacognition THINK
Let’s Try It � Body Scan
Major Uses ���of Mindfulness Training � Psychotherapy
� Anxiety disorders � Cognitive behavioral approach
Major Uses ���of Mindfulness Training � Cardiovascular benefits
� Not all forms equally effective � Body scan, breathing exercises, and
compassion training supported by research
Major Uses of Mindfulness Training � Building Resiliency � Especially seen in compassion training
The Mindful Classroom � Promotion of social and emotional well-
being for the whole student
� Direct training of techniques to employ
The Mindful Classroom � Reduction of test anxiety
The Mindful Classroom � Improved focus, especially important for
high cognitive load � “Clear the decks” for creativity � Non-judgment replaces negative cognitive
bias
The Mindful Classroom � Promoting attention to detail
Let’s Try It � Focused Experience
The Mindful Classroom � Building resiliency
� Students persist in difficult tasks � Tolerate frustration without acting out
APPLYING MINDFULNESS IN SCHOOLS
Being in the Zone
Brain
Body
Mind “Schools can teach reflection, relationships, and resilience not just reading, writing, and Arithmetic.”
~Dan Siegel
How do we make school MORE MINDFUL?
GUIDANCE, INSTRUCTION, PRACTICE calls for the passion of the teacher to ignite the student
Strive for and recognize Zen Moments:
I Get It!
Practice Collective Respect & Connectivity
Take Mindful Attendance: “Be Present!” (Maybe the body is present, but where is the mind?)
TEACHER: Have something worthy and valuable to Offer
CARE for teachers who CARE for Students If Teachers are stressed, exhausted, and burned out,
how can we care for the kids?
Care for self so that you can give to others.
CURRENT CONCERNS & TRENDS IN EDUCATION
Increased stressed, pressure, suicides,
addictive behavior, and cheating.
How can Mindfulness Training & Practice help teachers, students, schools, and communities?
“Researchers find that those children who participated in the mindfulness program reported fewer depressive symptoms, lower stress and greater well-being than the young people in the control group.”
~ http://mindfulnessinschools.org
STARTING POINT: Teacher Education, Workshops, & Training
MINDFULNESS A PRACTICE EXERCISE AWARE, AWAKE, ALERT, ATTENTION IN THE MOMENT NOW
v Take a few moments to “Drop In” and pay attention to now…
v STAND: Focus on self awareness “I am standing.” v Feel the connection of your body
to the floor. v Become aware of sensations:
feet, pelvis, torso, spine, neck, arms, head
v Be aware of breath and
awareness of arms v Focus on self-standing…
completely
Standing, Breathing, Resting
Add music, poem, silence
APPLYING MINDFULNESS IN ATHLETICS
“ “ The Application of Mindfulness Practice in Sport”
“One area athletes tend to struggle with during competition is staying in the
present moment.”
“Mindfulness teaches us to manipulate our own mind instead of letting it manipulate us.” v Research suggest that practicing mindful exercises in
addition to physical training results in improved mental and physical performance.
v The Flow State is defined as the state of consciousness
where the mind and body are one. v In flow, a person is completely absorbed in his or her
actions and experiences
(Csikszentmihalyi ,1990) http://www.thesportinmind.com/articles/the-application-of-mindfulness-practice-to-sport/
MIND & BODY UNITED IN PURPOSE:
“The State of Flow”
“Mindfulness helps train the prefrontal cortex, the part of the brain that creates a calm and alert state of mind, which helps us stay focused, avoid distraction and perform at our best.”
~ Dr. Kristen Race, Ph.D.
RELATED ARTICLES “Mindfulness in Education” Research Highlights pages “Why Teaching Mindfulness Benefits Students’ Learning” “The Education of Character” “A Classroom in the Now” “The Application of Mindfulness Practice in Sports” “Is Mindfulness Good Medicine?” “The Mindful Revolution” “Mind of the Meditator”
“Science and mindfulness complement each other in helping people to eat well and maintain their health
and well-being.”
~Thich Nhat Hanh
“The Mindfulness Revolution” Thank you for attending. College of Du Page Psychology Conference 2015