Mindfulness and Smiling Mind

What is Mindfulness?

-Mindfulness is paying attention to the present moment with openness, curiosity and without judgement- -Smiling Mind

This is a practice we could bring into any activity throughout the day- eating, driving, talking to someone, spending time in nature, even brushing our teeth.

Meditation is the formal practice of mindfulness.

What is Smiling Mind?

Smiling mind is a not-for-profit organisation who support schools, families and workplaces to make mindfulness accessible, relevant and easy. Information and meditation practices are available through the app, which is free to download or can be accessed via the website.

What are the benefits?

Studies have suggested that mindfulness can help us to:

• Be less anxious

• Be calmer

• Be less reactive

• Improve our ability to learn

• Improve our attention

• Improve our sleep

Among many other benefits.

Why should we use it at home?

Calm kids = calm parents = calm kids

If we can learn to respond to each other and be less reactive at home, then we are teaching kids lifelong skills and improving our relationships. By doing 5 minutes of meditation together each day, it is a great opportunity to connect and improve relationships. Introducing the family to mindful eating could be a great way to get creative at dinner time and explore new foods or appreciate the old favourites.

The Smiling Mind Parent Resource is available at https://www.smilingmind.com.au/parent-resource

I highly recommend reading it and downloading the app yourself and start discussing the use of mindfulness with your child, as they are learning about it as part of the pastoral care program.

If you have any questions, please consult the smiling mind website, or contact me.

Ms Rebecca Petrie

Provisional Psychologist & Smiling Mind Mindful Champion