With the demands of our time, attention and focus increasing, we are challenged to stay in the present moment. We are asked to respond more quickly, more efficiently and to develop new and innovative ways of being in this new global world. With stress and anxiety disorders on the rise, a symptom of overworked minds and ineffective ways of responding to challenges; learning how to respond to the present moment can offer a tremendous value while also build resiliency.
This phenomenon is not only impacting adults, but also our children. With most schools depending on test scores for performance evaluation, less time being offered on the playground and the negative effects of social media. Our children are facing the highest rates of anxiety and depression we’ve ever experienced. Some children are simply ill-equipped for the demands they face both socially and academically.
This phenomenon is not only impacting adults, but also our children. With most schools depending on test scores for performance evaluation, less time being offered on the playground and the negative effects of social media. Our children are facing the highest rates of anxiety and depression we’ve ever experienced. Some children are simply ill-equipped for the demands they face both socially and academically.
The more we learn and study about the benefits of mindfulness and particularly Mindful Self Compassion, we are beginning to understand how to best support our own and our children’s wellbeing. Here is a summary of some of the research findings:
- Mindfulness helps with focus and improving attention (1)
- Mindfulness can improve emotional regulation (2) and less reactivity (3)
- Mindfulness training changes the structure of the brain and can improve ones ability to respond to stress more effectively. (4)
“Unlike self-criticism, which asks if you're good enough, Mindful Self Compassion asks what’s good for you?” - Kristin Neff
Dr. Kristin Neff, researcher and a recognized leading expert on self compassion, has been studying the powerful effects of mindful self compassion.
Here are just a few of her findings.
- In many ways, mindful self compassion is more beneficial than having high self esteem.
- Self compassion is associated with greater emotional resilience, less narcissism and reactive anger.
- Practicing mindful self compassion can help reduce anxiety and help us to become more proactive.
Research finds that self compassion is associated with optimism, wisdom, curiosity, exploration and conscientious.
To learn more about mindfulness and mindful self compassion practice, one-on-one, classes for your school or organization, contact Shauna.
- Jha, A. P., Krompinger, J., & Baime, M. J. (2007). Mindfulness training modifies subsystems of attention. Cognitive, Affective, & Behavioral Neuroscience, 7(2), 109–119.
- Goldin, P. R., & Gross, J. J. (2010). Effects of mindfulness-based stress reduction (MBSR) on emotion regulation in social anxiety disorder. Emotion, 10(1), 83.
- Roemer, L., Williston, S. K., & Rollins, L. G. (2015). Mindfulness and emotion regulation. Current Opinion in Psychology, 3, 52–57.
- Desbordes, G., Negi, L. T., Pace, T. W., Wallace, B. A., Raison, C. L., & Schwartz, E. L. (2012). Effects of mindful-attention and compassion meditation training on amygdala response to emotional stimuli in an ordinary, non-meditative state. Frontiers in Human Neuroscience, 6.
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