What is the difference between mindfulness, meditation and mindful movement?
Mindfulness is a nonjudgmental, moment-to-moment awareness. Meditation is a way to practice mindfulness and involves focusing on our breathing, how our body is feeling, and the emotions we are experiencing. Mindful movement is any type of movement, like exercise, yoga, or tai chi, which combines movement with mindful awareness.
What is a trauma-informed approach to mindfulness?
Based on the following resource, here are some tips:
- When people practice mindfulness and begin to experience anxiety, stress, or PTSD, encourage them to start with only a few minutes and then slowly work their way up. There is no rush; it is about ensuring they feel comfortable.
- When practicing mindfulness with patients, invite them to look at the ground or close their eyes
- Offer choices for different ways to practice mindfulness
- “I invite you to practice this stretch or engage in another quiet activity throughout the rest of this practice. That’s okay, too.”
- Acknowledge that mindfulness can be challenging, like building a muscle, and can take time. Help patients practice self-compassion.
- “Go slowly and take care of yourself along the way.”
- For more resources on scripts for trauma-informed mindfulness teaching, please visit here.
How often should I practice mindfulness with my kids?
- For preschool children, start with a few minutes per day.
- For elementary school children, start with three to ten minutes twice daily.
- Teens and adults start with five minutes and then gradually go to the daily dozen (12 minutes a day), but can go longer if they would like.
