The Benefits of Mindfulness in Education
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As I mentioned in a previous newsletter, I recently took a spectacular trip to the Buddhist Nation of Bhutan. One of the areas of keen interest and focus for my trip was to explore, and see first-hand, the way that this country implements its policy of cultivating "gross national happiness" (GNH) as a way to enhance the well-being of its citizens.
One of the cornerstones of their strategy is the integration of mindfulness into their educational system. The idea of bringing Mindfulness into the learning process seems like a very natural match to me. I have a background in Montessori teaching. I learned from the Montessori approach that learning is a natural process and if we create an optimal and supportive environment, learning will occur naturally.
As a physician who integrates mindfulness and a contemplative approach into the healing process, I have learned that the same principle applies in mind-body integrative medicine. Healing too, is a natural process. If we create an optimal and supportive environment for the body, mind and heart, healing will happen naturally.
Mindfulness makes sense as a key component in both learning and healing. The practices of mindfulness are a powerful resource in creating optimal and supportive environments for both learning and healing.
In Bhutan, they work to bring mindfulness and the teachings of Buddhism into the schools, as part of their effort to cultivate the benefits of these practices throughout their society. We visited several schools implementing this policy through daily morning meditation practice, morning prayers and efforts to train their teachers in mindfulness.
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According to research conducted on the effects of the Bhutanese curriculum programs, "Our results indicate that the GNH Curriculum, designed to enhance student well-being, not only increased well-being, but it also substantially and significantly increased students' performance on standardized. Well-being and academic achievement seem not to be antagonistic, as some have suggested; on the contrary, increased well-being raised academic achievement."
If you'd like to read more about Bhutan's innovative and transformative Mindfulness Programs, I refer you to the two articles below:
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Bhutan has become a leader in what is now a worldwide, growing movement to bring mindfulness into education. I am thrilled to be an advocate of this movement and am actively working to promote the integration of mindfulness into our school systems in the US.
One of my current projects is with the Stamford Public Schools. I will be presenting two sessions at the Stamford Public Schools Parent University Event on May 10, 2018. I will be discussing the topic of Mindfulness in education and parenting and the benefits it brings to students, parents and teachers.
I am very excited to see Mindfulness make its way into the US educational system! |
Make sure and check my
event calendar
regularly for details on all my upcoming classes, lectures, workshops and Webinars.
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Paul Epstein, ND
Mindful Healing: Mind-Body Integrative Medicine
(203) 226-3923
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Patient Appointments Available via Skype
In addition to my local, private practice in Westport, CT, I also see patients from all over the world via Skype.
Distance and time zone differences don't need to be a barrier to getting the help you need to facilitate your healing journey!
Take the first step towards your optimum health and healing: Call today to set up a Skype appointment!
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Mentoring Sessions Available via Skype
An important part of my work is to Mentor health care practitioners, students and physicians to become more fully Integrative in their approach to caring for their patients and clients.
Skype is a wonderful way to hold these sessions - convenient and easy!
If you are interested in learning life changing Mind-Body Therapies to add to your practice, call today to discuss a mentoring session, or mentoring program!
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Serenity is not freedom from the storm,
but peace amidst the storm...
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About Dr. Paul Epstein
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Paul Epstein, ND is a graduate of the National College of Natural Medicine (NCNM), specializing in Mindful Healing and Mind-Body Integrative Medicine.
He has more than 30 years experience in private practice successfully treating patients with powerful, life changing therapies.
Dr. Epstein is currently accepting new patients into his practice. He also works with healing professionals as a Professional Mentor to teach practitioners how to work in a truly integrative fashion in their own practice.
He is a pioneer and leading voice in Mind-Body Integrative Medicine lecturing internationally to both general and professional audiences.
Dr. Epstein is an extraordinary teacher who presents compelling topics that inform, educate, motivate and inspire. His work is helping create a much needed paradigm shift in the practice of medicine and the healing arts.
Don't ever miss the opportunity to experience Dr. Epstein!
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42 Richmondville Ave
Westport, CT 06880
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"Connecting the cell and the self"
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