Sessions with special needs students
Mindfulness lessons with the pupils of the Seventh Grade Special Ed class were super-challenging. Some of the kids looked to me like they were off to a good start, but then came the bout of Hybrid learning, during which time, some of the Junior High were learning from home via Zoom, while others were at … Continue reading Special Sewing Projects
It's always a delight to see A walk into the meditation room. He's smiling and gazing at me ready for what's to come. Does he check out to see if I have interesting accessories? No doubt. Does he look to see and feel my welcome? Fairly safe to say, Yes! His grandmother takes her seat … Continue reading Tactile playfulness
This week, I wanted to introduce more of the idea of non-verbal representations of concepts. This time, friendship. The material: playdough. I happily began the lesson with body awareness and breathing. Then we went into stretches to unknot A's legs from his permanent position of one knee back. I brought up the concept of vibration … Continue reading Friendship, the playdough version
In working with A, I'm open to all forms of non-verbal communication. I'm testing the waters - to see how he responds to various accessories. In planning each session, I stand facing all the tools I've collected over the years and I meditate on what seems right for that day. Hence, one day, it's musical … Continue reading Ribbon Art
There are a few interesting points of departure in my sessions with A and grandmother H. The first is the expression of the body in 'repose' and in movement. The second is the nature of communication in offering and in receiving. Today's session offered further exploration in these avenues. We began with simple listening to … Continue reading Language and listening
I wasn't sure about how to focus on listening /responding skills with A. I saw that he enjoyed mindful walking, enjoyed walking on the wooden skewers. His spatial sense was well-tuned and he liked the Tibetan Singing Bowl. So, I thought I'd bring in my Chinese Drum toys. We began in our usual way, getting … Continue reading Success in listening
Mindfulness practice begins with focus on the body. A entered the space, took his seat and sat in his unique posture, one leg flung at an angle backwards, the other slightly closer to the other side of his body. I welcomed him and explained that we would be working with sensations. First with the help … Continue reading Sensation
coordination of breath, body and focus using a lavender-rice filled cushion.
A is a charming boy with large sparkly eyes and a charming smile. He can be found in a favorite cap that covers his forehead and down the nape of his neck. He is diagnosed with ASD, which makes working with him of special interest to me.
Mindfulness work with a student with ASD Creativity flows when curiosity is stoked.— Neil Blumenthal Continuing my exploration in using the arts and mindfulness with students to enhance focus, I have begun working with a student with Austistic Spectrum Disorder . In this space, I will chronicle our sessions. I hope to deepen my understanding … Continue reading Working with an ASD student
Explorations in Mindfulness 