Mindfulness

We are excited to work with your family! Below are some frequently asked questions about mindfulness. If you have any questions or concerns that are not already listed here, please email Kim, the Mindfulness Coordinator, directly at ali.study.mit@gmail.com

What is mindfulness?

> Many of us suffer from distraction, chronic worrying, or other unhealthy mental habits. Mindfulness is one powerful and scientifically tested solution. Mindfulness is the practice of paying attention to the present moment. Mindfulness means learning to slow down the chattering mind and notice our senses, thoughts and emotions without judging them as right or wrong. As we learn to do this, we become more aware of the beauty within us and around us.

> Mindfulness practice consists of focusing our attention on ourselves and our environment. A main focus of practice is the body. Paying close attention to our breathing as well as to the way we feel, helps us find calmness and clarity. Another related focus of practice is the world of the senses. This means noting carefully the sounds and sights around us. Lastly, mindfulness practices often focus on our relationships with other people, bringing gratitude, compassion, empathy, and joy.

Why is mindfulness good for children and families?

> Some stress in life is normal, but too much stress can negatively affect behavior, emotional balance, and learning outcomes for young children and people of all ages. Mindfulness techniques can be used anytime, anywhere, to help us engage more fully in the present and manage difficult feelings and thoughts in a healthy way.

> Mindfulness is a fun way to connect as a family! Most exercises can be practiced together at home.

Is mindfulness scientifically proven?

> Yes! There are over 6,000 studies demonstrating the benefits of mindfulness implemented in a large variety of settings and fields including the military, hospitals, education and sports. A meta-analysis of 20 research articles on mindfulness-based interventions found improvements in measures of psychological symptoms (e.g., anxiety, depression), social skills, quality of life, and mindfulness and attention in children, aged 6-21 years old. Zoogman et al. 2014

What will your child do in our mindfulness program?

> Your child will be required to practice 10 minutes per day, 5 days a week (for 8 total weeks) using the Inner Explorer app on a computer/phone/iPad.

> Parents are encouraged, but not required, to listen along

What is Inner Explorer?

> Inner Explorer is a mindfulness app for families, with daily 5-10 minute audio-guided practices

> Programs for all age-groups (PreK-12) help kids with the following themes:
– Discovering Breathing and Relaxation Exercises
– Learning Awareness of Senses
– Developing Compassion and Connection
– Promoting Social Emotional Learning

> Inner Explorer is scientifically proven. Several controlled and randomized controlled trials were conducted on Inner Explorer programming with the following results:
– 28% higher grades in reading, math, and science
– 60% decrease in behavioral issues
– 15% increase in GPA
– 43% decrease in teacher stress

Meet the Mindfulness Team

Isaac Treves is excited to be the scientific director of the Mindfulness Group. Isaac Treves is starting his second year as a PhD student at MIT, working with Professors John Gabrieli and Pawan Sinha. Highlights of his mindfulness experience include working at the Center for Healthy Minds, as well as spending a year in Mexico teaching mindfulness in public schools with AtentaMente consultores. Isaac loves tennis and spicy food.

Cindy Li is thrilled to be working with the Mindfulness Group. She is a staff member supporting research at MIT’s Department of Brain and Cognitive Sciences, primarily in the Gabrieli and Sinha Labs. Cindy became interested in mindfulness in her prior practice as a clinical psychologist, working with children, families, and adults. She found it helpful to integrate mindfulness tools and practices into her work with her clients and has also found mindfulness to be beneficial in her personal life. Cindy enjoys cooking, gardening, and going on walks with
her family.

Kimberly Wang is excited to coordinate the Mindfulness intervention. She is a technical associate in the MIT Department of Brain & Cognitive Sciences, with research in the labs of John Gabrieli and Rebecca Saxe. She is passionate about mental health, music, and arts, and is curious about how mindfulness and creative practices can be integrated into novel wellness applications. She hopes to pursue a PhD in cognitive neuroscience. Kim loves being outdoors, drawing, browsing bookstores, and playing piano and guitar.