Mindfulness, Meditation and Yoga in Public Schools - Part 1

As I look around me at a classroom of over 20are sprouting in many elementary, middle, and
eager and curious 6th graders sitting on pillows inhigh schools all over the country. Yoga and
a carpeted room with colorful paintings, famousMindfulness are also being taken into jails, juvenile
quotes, and a picture of social change leadershalls, and hospitals. With so much research to
such as Martin Luther King Jr, I can't help but thinkback up the claims that Mindfulness meditation and
how far we have come.yoga improve concentration, memory, attention,
At this West Oakland School, every youth isreduce stress, and improve overall health, its no
taught mindfulness meditation, yoga, and mindfulwonder that these ancient practices are finally
listening. This under-funded inner city school ismaking their way to public schools.
taking a radical step towards preventing furtherIn addition to the benefits already mentioned, in a
violence in it's community by teaching students toschool setting students experience a radical boost
seek more peaceful and harmonious ways to live.to their self esteem and improved self image and
Growing Up Mindful, is a program designed toconfidence. By practicing yoga students are able
teach students mindfulness, open and honestto gain confidence in their own abilities to
communication, yoga, and other consciousnessovercome physically and mentally challenging
raising activities. Knowing that this class is nowposes with a peaceful mind. The curriculum also
integrated into the school curriculum with thefocuses on establish mutual respect, kindness, and
approval and encouragement of the staff andunderstanding- crucial to students facing inner city
principal is a dream come true.violence and oppression in their own communities.
This program is no singularity, similar programs