According to cognitive neuroscience, mindfulness practice in adults have shown significant physiological
decrease in anxiety, depression and overall stress. Findings also suggest, significant increases in
immune function, cognition and metacognition. This includes efficiency in planning, working memory,
problem solving, verbal reasoning, mental flexiblilty and task switching.
Therefore, doesn't it make COMMON sense to teach this to our children?
MINDFULNESS AND EDUCATION
Researchers on mindfulness have investigated a Pre-K school-based mindfulness program that simply
included a series of mindfulness lessons for a half an hour, two times a week, for eight weeks. The
results indicated a significant increase in working memory, organization, planning and problem solving.
All related to the executive functioning control in the brain, which is found in the prefrontal cortex.
MindfulNEST Center invests significantly more hours and lessons in relation to this researched
studied program. The emphasis is on teaching children to frequently use the prefrontal cortex, the part
of the brain that uses higher level reasoning. Mindful practice naturally strengthens this part of the brain.
We have incorporated the Mind Up and Mindful Life Schools Methods . These curriculums are among
the best mindfulness programs for children. It teaches children an understanding of how the brain works
at a very young age. As well as, teaching practical methods of developing attention skills, controlling
impulses, sensory awareness, emotional regulation, and empathy.
MINDFULNESS AND THE BRAIN
Findings in a research study of participants engaging in an 8 week mindfulness mediation program show significant change
in brain structure. Investigators indicate that the results of the study reveal that mediation produced over time changes the
brain's grey matter.
"Although the practice of meditation is associated with a sense of relaxation, practitioners have long claimed that mediation also provides cognitive and psychological benefits that persist throughout the day. This study demonstrates that changes in the brain structure may underlie some of these reported improvements and that people are not just feeling better because they are spending time relaxing".
-Sara Lazar Ph.D.
MGH Neuroimaging Research Program
The MRI analysis found an increase in grey matter density specifically found in the hippocampus, the
part of the brain responsible for learning and memory. As well as, changes in brain structures related to
self-awareness, compassion and introspection. The amygdala, known to play an important role in stress
and anxiety: fight, flight or freeze reactions, showed a decrease in grey-mattter density. This means that
mindful meditation relates to changes in the brain's plasticity which indicates that we can play an active
role in our mental health, well-being and quality of life.
Amishi Jha, PhD, neuroscientist, who investigates mindfulness-training on individuals in high stress
situations says, "These results shed light on the mechanisms of action of mindfulness-based training.
They can not only be reduced with an 8-week mindfulness training program but that this experiential
change corresponds to changes in the amygdala, a finding that opens the doors to many possibilities for
further research on MSBR's potential to protect against stress-related disorders, such as post traumatic
stress disorder".
Clearly, mindful life practice has many benefits. But most of all, it is a tool that can be used to help
children learn to grow and develop into happy adults.
Please see videos for more references related to the science of Mindfulness:
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MINDFULNESS
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MindfulNEST Center
a mindful approach to childcare
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