Exploring Mindfulness to Create Conditions to Help Gifted Students Bloom and Flourish

Abstract

This article explores the art and science of Mindfulness from the perspective of a Buddhist Monk, Thich Nhat
Hanh, author of five books in the Mindfulness Essentials series, and an American medical doctor, Jon Kabat
Zinn founder of the Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction clinic (MBSR) at the University of Massachusetts. In
addition, we will explore mindfulness and its connection to compassion; the importance of being, belonging and becoming focusing on the present moment; exploring self-affirmations and sense of identity; helping students find purpose, make connections and model caring; self- regulation; developing caring school cultures; strategies for implementing mindfulness in the classroom; peace building and peace education. Mindfulness practices have the capacity for transformation in students, their teachers, and parents.