Michelle Carpenter has been a school teacher & a leader for over 25 years. She is now teaching the HeadRest Mindfulness for Teachers course. She's written a few words on what draws her to mindfulness in her personal and working life.
I was drawn to meditation many years ago through an interest in Tibetan Buddhism, long before mindfulness hit the mainstream. I loved the teachings about how we could train our mind to become kinder, wiser and more emotionally balanced. Over the years I have continued to study, meditate and try to apply what I have learned from numerous wonderful teachers; sometimes successfully and sometimes not. If nothing else I am more accepting of my own humanity.
I was drawn to meditation many years ago through an interest in Tibetan Buddhism, long before mindfulness hit the mainstream. I loved the teachings about how we could train our mind to become kinder, wiser and more emotionally balanced. Over the years I have continued to study, meditate and try to apply what I have learned from numerous wonderful teachers; sometimes successfully and sometimes not. If nothing else I am more accepting of my own humanity.
Mindfulness has benefitted me in all aspects of my life and this inspires me to keep learning and practicing every day. Knowing how helpful this practice has been for myself- the teacher in me became very interested in wanting to gain the skills to help others. I eventually decided to further my study in this area and have been inspired by the training courses I have completed. They were intense, but well researched and very practical. I thoroughly enjoyed them.
Mindfulness training has helped me become more attuned to what arises in my mind throughout the day. I am more able to observe thoughts and feelings without being too caught up in them. When there is a difficult moment with my students, I'm less likely to get caught up in a stream of negative thoughts. I have become become less judgemental and less harsh on myself and others.
Mindfulness training has also helped me be more in the moment and less on autopilot. This means I'm more aware of the nuances of what is happening moment to moment in the classroom and more able to make better teaching choices along the way. Being a teacher is challenging so there are no lack of opportunities to practice patience, mindful listening and letting go. When I am mindful, I am more present to my students and attuned to their needs. Many of our students have difficulty regulating their emotions so bringing a calm, balanced and caring presence into their day can benefit them greatly. When I'm more mindful they too are more likely to calm down.
Mindfulness training has helped me become more attuned to what arises in my mind throughout the day. I am more able to observe thoughts and feelings without being too caught up in them. When there is a difficult moment with my students, I'm less likely to get caught up in a stream of negative thoughts. I have become become less judgemental and less harsh on myself and others.
Mindfulness training has also helped me be more in the moment and less on autopilot. This means I'm more aware of the nuances of what is happening moment to moment in the classroom and more able to make better teaching choices along the way. Being a teacher is challenging so there are no lack of opportunities to practice patience, mindful listening and letting go. When I am mindful, I am more present to my students and attuned to their needs. Many of our students have difficulty regulating their emotions so bringing a calm, balanced and caring presence into their day can benefit them greatly. When I'm more mindful they too are more likely to calm down.
When I get home tired & knowing I have more planning, cooking, washing & so on to do my beautiful rescue dog, Trix, reminds me to come back to the moment and just enjoy her excitement at seeing me. It would be such a shame to be stuck in my thoughts about the day (the past), or what is yet to come (the future) and miss the present -this moment of joy.
A regular mindfulness practice helps me be more present in the moment and more alive.
A regular mindfulness practice helps me be more present in the moment and more alive.
Mindfulness for Teachers is a 6 week x 1.5 hour NESA accredited course. We can bring this to your school at the end of the school day or you can attend an open class with teachers from many schools in Marrickville. Our 2019 Marrickville open course will take place in Term 2, Thursdays May 2 - June 6, 6.00pm-7.30pm. Book Here
Completing this 6 week in-school course to build resilience and reduce stress,will contribute 9 hours of NSW Educational Standards Authority (NESA) Registered PD addressing standard 6.2.2 from the Australian Professional Standards for Teachers towards maintaining Proficient Teacher Accreditation in NSW.
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