Sivasubramoney K1, Joseph M. Mony2, Lekshmy K3
BACKGROUND
Mindfulness, a concept with origin in the eastern meditation traditions, is finding increased ways of application in medical, educational and management settings. Research has shown that mindful individuals are not distracted by external or internal stimuli and are better able to pay attention to tasks. Mindfulness has been shown to have effects on enhancing focus and emotional control.
Aims and Objectives- The aim of the study was to explore the perceptions of teachers from 4 different districts in the state of Kerala about the perceptions of teachers on usefulness of a structured program of Mindful Life Management (MLM) among school children. The intervention was the brief structured module of Mindful Life Management.
MATERIALS AND METHODS
This descriptive cross-sectional study done on teachers in the four districts of Kannoor, Kozhikode, Kottayam and Thrissur. All the teachers who attended a one day workshop on MLM conducted at Kannoor, Kozhikode, Kottayam and Thrissur, were selected as sample. None of the teachers had any previous experiences with mindfulness. 94% of the teachers were hearing the word mindfulness for the first time during this workshop.
RESULTS
Significant proportion of Teachers reported that MLM could be useful for both adults and children. Significant number of teachers who participated in the study harbour negative emotions. Many teachers opined that MLM program is practical and could be delivered to students, teachers and parents through a one-day workshop. Teachers also opined that mindfulness intervention delivered through MLM program could be useful in improving attention and emotional regulation in children. Problem of time restraint and doubts relating to applying the program for teachers who faced differently abled children were left for further discussions and improvement. Teachers expressed that MLM program enhanced their enthusiasm for teaching. Overall, the teachers had positive attitudes and perceptions regarding implementation of MLM in their regular school curriculum.
CONCLUSION
The perception study of teachers shows that MLM could be used as a tool for enhancing focus and attention and also for enabling better emotional regulation among teachers, parents and students.
