Mindfulness means paying attention to what’s happening in the present moment in the mind, body and external environment, with curiosity and kindness.

It’s typically cultivated by a range of simple meditation practices which bring a greater awareness of thinking, feeling and behaviour patterns and develop our capacity to manage these will greater skill and compassion. 

This has been found to expand our choice and capacity in how to respond to life’s challenges and live with greater wellbeing, mental clarity and compassion for ourselves and others.

The evidence base for mindfulness is very encouraging. Brain-imaging studies show that regular mindfulness practice reliably alters the function and structure of the brain to improve executive function, mental health and relationships. 

In education mindfulness has been shown to improve staff wellbeing and effectiveness, emotional regulation, self care and compassion and reduce stress, burnout and depression.

For young people, mindfulness has been shown to support mental health, learning and attention, social and emotional skills, behaviour and physical health.

See the Mindfulness in Schools Project website for more information.