Developing the Ability to Mindfully Listen and be Empathetic to Others

    

      Mindfulness – 

                  “the ability to attend to thoughts, emotions, body sensations, and our surrounding environment;

                   to be fully present with ourselves and others.”

     Our reptilian limbic system (Lizard Brain), which lies deep within our brains, takes in all the information our senses experience and automatically produces a quick, emotional, defensive reaction.  By practicing being mindful with our senses, slowing down and building neural pathways to our pre-frontal cortex or Wizard Brain, our responses can become more measured and thoughtful.  Our decisions are then based on empathy and compassion instead of an intense, knee-jerk reaction focusing only on self-interest and survival. 

    To build strong neural pathways and robust neurons within our child’s pre-frontal cortex, BrainWise lessons  this month at NES have included experiential activities which help students become mindful see-ers, listeners, tasters, touchers, and smellers.  Primary students practiced mindfully tasting a raisin over the course of 10 minutes.  (What an exercise in patience and impulse control!) They took time to notice the texture, uniqueness, size and shape, and finally the sweetness of a single raisin.  We then noted a huge list of people who worked to bring the raisins from the field to our classroom.  This mindful eating exercise develops a sense of others who contribute to our well being.  Students also practiced guessing various aromas and discussing what memories were elicited by each smell.  They learned that we can self-regulate our emotions to some degree by utilizing aromas that trigger happy memories in our hippocampus of our favorite people and places. 

     Second and third graders are practicing mindfully seeing their world – paying closer attention to subtle changes in the mood of their classmates as they observe changing facial expressions and body language.  Mindful listening exercises helped them practice taking turns talking with a friend, staying on topic, and summarizing all that they heard.

    Fourth graders worked to convey a message using only their sense of touch.  They realized how easy it is to misunderstand nonverbal communication which composes 90% of what is communicated.  Students practiced using their senses and Wizard Brain to develop mindful listening skills.  They listened attentively with their whole bodies to be able to accurately decipher a classmate’s emotions and the events that caused it.  Giggles and excitement filled the classroom as students became better aware of the social skills they will need to understand another’s point of view and be able to empathize with others.

    Parents can further these lessons by encouraging children to slow down and really observe the subtle complexities of nature, notice and interpret nonverbal messages, or identify one's own emotions, thoughts, and bodily sensations.  The more we are aware and attentive, the better able we are to regulate our emotions and work well with others.  Try asking your child “How would others feel in this instance?” as they meander through their day.