Mornings with Hine

  Curiosity Practicing mindfulness is, like almost anything, something that gets easier with time. One key aspect of mindfulness that helps bring about this shift is to be curious about our experience, both internally and externally. The lesson asked us to check in with our breathing, feel our breath in and give it as much time as feels natural. A check-in to see how our breathing is and feels.  Next, drop your attention to your feet, and press down gently with your left foot to connect with what is under it. Pause, then try it with your right foot.  When ready, pause and feel your breathing again. Finish by doing this regularly.  This activity encourages us to slow down, and connect our bodies to our minds allowing our minds to calm. 

School for boys starting at five, we are taking time from boys when we school them and take away their play time.  This webinar shares the way that boys see the world.  Children are experiencing early ADHD and ODD diagnosis, boys are more behaviour challenges, interests in gaming. Four key concerns on entry to school: - poorer gross and fine motor skills - weaker verbal vocabulary - inability to initiate and sustain play with other children - poorer self-regulation skills Instead of getting them ready for school, we need to let them be children. Boys want to know what's in it for me? boys may not want to bother if they don't think it will make them feel good. Girls compare the whole time, boys compare at the end.  We need to change the stereotype of how we see boys as strong and tough. We need to speak to boys with tenderness, whoever they are we ask they same question. If a boy falls over, say are you ok? Do you need an adults help?  How do we build those things?...

  Practicing and working my way through the Pause, Breathe, Smile course provided by Southern Cross. So far it is not dissimilar to other mindfulness courses I have experienced. I will need to go back and listen to the audio each day for this week's task.  A good definition of mindfulness includes: Intentional focus on the immediate experience, and Taking that focus with an attitude of curiosity, openness, acceptance, and love. Going through your senses to ground you in the room. Focus on something you can see, touch, hear, smell, taste.