Mindfulness Blog for Educators: Finding Mindfulness in Moments of Playfulness

Focusing On Playful Moments Are Serious Acts of Mindfulness

So many people believe that a mindful act has to be solemn, The reality is that taking a break from your running thoughts to allow a smile, even the most subtle, is the most joyous act you can give yourself in a day.

It Starts with a Smile

Or maybe it starts with a breath. I have found great relief in the fact that there is no right way to pull attention from the thoughts that toggle from present to future and back. The goal is getting to the present and -gasp- loving it. Okay, loving the present moment might be too big of an ask when I am hearing a difficult story from a student or disagreeing with a colleague. During those parts of my day, I have to choose to take a moment to get out of my head. Maybe, that's in between classes or on my plan period or even in my car at the end of the day.

When I am able to enjoy a moment it starts with focusing on a sensation, usually the feeling of breath filling my lungs, but it can also be the exhale that pulls me in. I'm "there" when I can tap into the sensation of my shoulders relaxing down my back as I slowly release my breath. My mind follows as the air is released and I relish the fact that I gave myself this opportunity That is exactly when a smile starts to form. A kind of "Yeah, you did that" secret smile. No need to brag about how I am killing this mindful moment.

Using My Sense(s)

When the focus I need is hard to come by I have found it helpful to ground in my senses. This is a great tool when I am sitting in a 2-hour meeting and begin to have a hard time following the seemingly endless conversation. Without anyone noticing, I move my attention to how I have landed in my seat and the point of contact with the chair. This can also help me straighten my spine, which has the added effect of making it seem as if I am deeply interested in the conversation before I can actually get there- fake it till you make it. From here I follow the sensations to my feet planted on the floor. Maybe I will gently push down into my shoes trying to make all of my toes flat or wiggle them around a bit.

In my car, I can find focus and happiness in a song I am listening to. I often catch my racing thoughts by choosing an instrument or a beat and following it through to the end. I also challenge myself to hold back from changing a song while I am driving, which is often a symptom of my monkey mind.

Relax and Breathe

I've given you a couple of ideas that have allowed me to work mindfulness into my day, but your path will likely be different based on when you catch your toggling thoughts and where you are when you do. The number one goal that Greg and I had when we created Serve with Wisdom was to share the message that mindfulness can be accessible and should not be intimidating. Play with it and find a way to practice that works for you.

You’ve got this, and we’ve got you!

Sending you love and appreciation for all you do while serving others.

-Amy and Greg

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