For those of us who teach mindfulness in educational settings, building an evidence base for our work is critical. Mindfulness programs in educational settings are growing in popularity, but if this trend is to continue, and not become a passing fad, it needs research. I am often approached by people… Read More 
It’s no secret that scientists condition lab mice to act certain ways by offering them a big incentive—food. When the mice reach it, they get to eat, and are satisfied. In human terms, we’re also conditioned to act a certain way throughout our lives in order to obtain the “cheese” being… Read More
Mindfulness for youth is growing in leaps and bounds in educational, clinical and community settings throughout the world. Why is this? The simple answer—mindfulness works! There is evidence-based research supporting this (click here for articles). I recently had the honor of interviewing Rick Hanson,… Read More
As more and more people find value in the approach to life that mindfulness practice and its values offer us, will we start to see mindful Halloween costumes? Read More
Social and emotional learning (SEL) involves the development of the fundamental skills required to understand and manage oneself, and one’s relationships. Supported by research and theory in a variety of fields including education, positive and developmental psychology, cognitive behavioral theory, systems theory, and neuroscience, the SEL framework can be viewed… Read More
1. The Greek Chorus of Classroom Demands As a novice kindergarten teacher, I felt besieged by an endless stream of requests—“I can’t find my pencil”—that felt like a Greek chorus interrupting every lesson. Without tools to manage my rising frustration, I’d silently seethe behind a forced smile, leaving… Read More
Whatever your plans for Father's Day, appreciation, memories, forgiveness, reflection, and simple kindness can all play a part. Read More
Parents of children with special needs will be able to take part in free services for the entire month of June at The Mindfulness Center in Bethesda, Maryland. Read More
In honor of Mother’s Day, here is a selection of stories that reveal the fierce, complicated, beautiful heart of motherhood in all its forms—and how mothering is so closely linked to mindfulness. Read More
Students from kindergarten to grade 12 are being given the opportunity to explore the meaning of compassion—through art. “Though you can use a lot of words to describe compassion, by putting it into art, art adds value to words and art goes deeper than words,” says James Heiks, the district’s… Read More
