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Start for freeThe Power of Mindfulness in Education
In an era where education often feels rigid and disconnected, one professor from Baltimore, Maryland, has been pioneering a transformative approach in the English department of a community college for the past 15 years. This approach, centered around contemplative pedagogy or mindfulness, has reshaped the way students engage with their education, each other, and their communities.
What is Mindfulness?
Mindfulness, as defined by Jon Kabat-Zinn, involves "paying attention in a certain way, on purpose, without judgment." In the classroom, this takes form through various activities including silence, art, music, dance, photography, and even what the professor refers to as "the holding practice." These practices aim to cultivate an environment where students can truly be present, a foundational step towards building empathy.
Integrating Empathy into the Curriculum
Empathy, understood as being present with oneself or another without seeking to change their beliefs, emerged as a new frontier in this educational journey. The professor's challenge was to weave this concept into the fabric of the class, making empathy not just a topic of discussion, but a lived experience. To achieve this, students were encouraged to step into the shoes of their community members through various innovative assignments.
The First Day and the "I See You" Practice
From the outset, students were invited into an unconventional learning experience. The first class began with an exercise called the ICU practice, where students made eye contact with a peer, acknowledged their existence, and audibly said, "I see you." This simple yet profound activity set the tone for a semester of deep connection and understanding.
Exploring Community Through Photography
One of the first assignments tasked students with capturing their community through photography, guided by four poignant questions:
- What is beautiful in my community?
- What is difficult in my community?
- What needs to change in my community?
- What has shaped me in my community?
This exercise not only encouraged students to engage with their surroundings in a mindful way but also to reflect on their place within it.
Overcoming Challenges with Mindfulness
When the idea of making tangible changes in their community was met with resistance and anxiety, the professor introduced a one-minute mindfulness practice. This simple breathing exercise provided students with a tool to calm their minds and approach challenges with a clearer perspective.
The Power of Saying "I See You"
The impact of the ICU practice extended beyond the classroom. One student applied it at her workplace, discovering the profound effect of acknowledging others in such a simple yet meaningful way. This act of seeing and being seen fostered a sense of belonging and connection, underscoring the transformative potential of empathy.
Empathy and Research
As the semester progressed, students delved into research on marginalized groups, employing empathy as a lens through which to view their subjects. This culminated in presentations that not only highlighted the issues faced by these groups but also the students' personal growth in understanding and compassion.
Conclusion
The journey from skepticism to belief in the power of mindfulness and empathy illustrates a profound shift in educational paradigms. By creating a space where students can explore, reflect, and connect, education transcends traditional boundaries, fostering a community of mindful, empathetic individuals.
This approach not only enriches students' academic experience but also equips them with the emotional intelligence necessary for navigating the complexities of the modern world. As the professor and her students have shown, integrating mindfulness and empathy into education is not just possible; it's transformative.
In the spirit of the class's core message, we leave you with this: I see you.
