How can meditation play a positive role in schools?

2019-05-07

With World Meditation Day on the horizon, it’s worth considering what role meditation has to play in the school environment.


Celebrated on 15th May, World Meditation Day 2019 encourages people to take part in meditation sessions to help clear the mind and promote good mental health.


But can relaxing and taking some time out of the day really benefit pupils and teachers alike?


The role of meditation?

Numerous studies have looked into meditation and the role it can play, and even a few minutes of meditation each day could boost an individual’s physical and emotional health.


The sense of calm and peace of mind can help teachers and pupils to focus in lessons, whilst also encouraging them to think about and explore topics further when discussed in the classroom.


One form of meditation, referred to as mindfulness, focuses on what is happening at any given time, not on past events or on what may happen in future.


This can help an individual to recognise their thoughts, feelings and emotions, which can in turn aid the learning process by ensuring they keep a clear head while in class.


Another method places an emphasis on compassion, which can help to develop better school cohesion and a sense of community.


Such an approach can also help youngsters to put the stresses and strains of everyday school life to one side, providing them with a chance to unwind.


An opportunity?

There are plenty of opportunities for meditation to help drive improvements in attainment and staff fatigue, but its use needs to be implemented correctly.


Other factors will also influence the outcomes that are possible, which is why World Meditation Day can be useful for placing an emphasis on meditation and ways of thinking.