Yesterday on The Next Idea, experts joined Cynthia Canty to talk about implementing mindfulness practice in schools. Mindfulness has been known to helpboth students and teachers deal with stress in the classroom.

In case you missed the show or need a refresher, “mindfulness is a quality of awareness that involves paying attention in the present moment to what’s happening, with a sense of kindness to yourself and acceptance,” explains Rita Benn, co-founder of the Michigan Collaborative for Mindfulness in Education.

When people think about mindfulness, the first thing that usually comes to mind is meditation. But you don't need to cross your legs and hum "om" to be mindful. You can practice mindfulness while walking, eating, breathing – almost anything, really. 

It just involves slowing down and being aware of what's going on around you. 

The use of mindfulness in the classroom has improved test scores, cut down on school suspensions, and led to a better learning atmosphere for kids. 

For more on this article by Brittany Bartkowiak from State of Opportunity, Please see this link: http://stateofopportunity.mich...-kids-escape-poverty