2017 School Magazine

MINDFULNESS

Mindfulness is paying attention to where we are, how we are, what we are feeling and what we are thinking, in the present moment. It is about being aware of our experience as it unfolds. Its practice helps us learn to explore our own life, such as our thoughts and emotions, as well as life in the world around us (Thompson: 2017). For the past three years, a culture of mindfulness has been growing at Brisbane Girls Grammar School. Led by Head of Visual Art, Mr Donald Pincott, who is also the School Mindfulness Facilitator, Year 8 students undertake a formal course in mindfulness called . b. The Mindfulness in Schools Project, of which .b is a part, is backed by evidence-based university research in the UK. This testimony from a Year 8 student reveals the power of mindfulness for some students. “ I just wanted to say that I really enjoy .b, and I have used mindfulness exercises outside of school. After my weekly tennis lesson, I do this activity to help calm and cool me down.”

All Year level assemblies undertake mindfulness activities and House Group Classes regularly begin their day with practices led by Dr Tarapore and Mr Pincott. Before the annual QCS Test, Year 12 students sat in silence in order to find focus and calm. A mindfulness highlight for 2017 was a whole school mindfulness practice that took place at one of the School assemblies. Mindfulness, although recognised as a means of dealing with discomfort and anxiety, also provides tools to celebrate the goodness of life and the wonder of the present moment. Gratitude practices regularly feature in school mindfulness sessions and enable students to appreciate the good things in their lives at Girls Grammar. Through the various activities offered at school, it is hoped that all girls will develop skills to deal with both the positive as well as the more challenging aspects of contemporary life, to carry with them for the rest of their lives. MR DONALD PINCOTT

References Thompson, C. 2017. http://mindfulness-of-nature.com/what-is-mindfulness/

BRISBANE GIRLS GRAMMAR SCHOOL 2017 | COMMUNITY | 051