Defining Mindfulness for Children
Mindfulness is the ability of the mind to calm and focus in extraordinary ways. It is the ability to focus on the present moment. The intention of teaching mindfulness to children is to foster a space for mental well-being and brain health.
How Mindfulness Changes the Brain
There is thickening in brain volume in the following parts of the brain:
• The left hippocampus, which assists in learning, cognition, memory and emotional regulation
•The temporo parietal junction, or TPJ, which is associated with perspective taking, empathy and compassion.
• amygdala, the fight or flight part of the brain which is important for anxiety, fear and stress
An area of the brain stem called the Pons, where a lot of regulatory neurotransmitters are produced
*According to Sara Lazar of Harvard University
• The left hippocampus, which assists in learning, cognition, memory and emotional regulation
•The temporo parietal junction, or TPJ, which is associated with perspective taking, empathy and compassion.
• amygdala, the fight or flight part of the brain which is important for anxiety, fear and stress
An area of the brain stem called the Pons, where a lot of regulatory neurotransmitters are produced
*According to Sara Lazar of Harvard University
*Below is an in-depth presentation on the power of teaching mindfulness:
| powermindfulness_hansenpdf.pdf |