The Hindu Roots of Mindfulness: What the Advaita Tradition Offers Educators and Students
The article introduces Advaita Vedanta’s self‑inquiry as a complementary approach to school‑based mindfulness, which traditionally relies on Buddhist‑derived techniques like breath awareness and thought labeling. While programs such as MBSR and the Oxford .b curriculum improve attention and anxiety, they stop short of addressing the deeper question of identity that children naturally ask. Advaita teaches students to turn attention toward the “noticer” of thoughts, offering a practical way to explore who they are beyond transient emotions. The author shares age‑specific classroom activities that translate this nondual insight without religious jargon.
Simple Breathing Techniques to Help Kids Manage Anxiety and Big Emotions
Niraj Naik’s article outlines seven simple breathing exercises that help children manage anxiety, frustration, and overstimulation. By shifting from shallow, rapid breaths to slow, rhythmic patterns, kids can activate their parasympathetic nervous system and lower cortisol levels. The piece provides...
Using Anger as Fuel for Change
Catharine Hannay’s MindfulTeachers.org essay argues that anger, when suppressed or misdirected, fuels health problems and relational damage, but can also be a catalyst for personal and societal transformation. She cites research linking unexpressed anger to substance abuse, depression, and hypertension,...
Trying to Be Helpful? Here Are 3 Things You Shouldn’t Say
The article by Catharine Hannay outlines three common phrases that, despite good intentions, often undermine support. It explains why “Why don’t you just…?”, “You should take care of yourself,” and “I know exactly how you feel” can feel dismissive or...
Reflections on My Mindful Teaching Journey
Roberta Schnorr reflects on integrating her personal mindfulness practice with the unpredictable demands of classroom teaching. She describes how daily meditation, targeted breath and body‑awareness exercises, and intentional self‑inquiry help mitigate reactivity, anxiety, and over‑attachment to outcomes. By tuning into...