Teaching, at its core, is not just about imparting knowledge but about shaping the way one thinks, feels, and approaches challenges. One invaluable lesson that often slips through the cracks of traditional teaching is mindfulness practice. A recent episode with a young student of mine reaffirmed the importance of incorporating mindfulness into our teaching methodologies.
It was a regular day when this student walked into the lesson room. From the very instant he entered, I could discern a palpable anxiety in the way he approached the door. He began to apologize for forgetting which piece I had assigned him. Now, as educators, it’s moments like these that define our teaching philosophy. Do we focus on the error, or do we address the underlying cause?
Before my mind could jump to conclusions or reactions, I remembered the wise words of Zen Master Shunryu Suzuki: “Nothing outside yourself can cause any trouble. You yourself make the waves in your mind. If you leave your mind as it is, it will become calm. This mind is called big mind.”
Instead of arguing with him about the missed practice or the unpracticed piece, I saw an opportunity. An opportunity to teach him something far more profound than just music – the power of mindfulness. “I think your dad has a phone,” I casually mentioned. “Maybe next time, if you’re unsure, you could ask him to send me a message.”
But the key takeaway was not about utilizing resources or better planning; it was about addressing the anxiety that consumed him probably for the entire day before his lesson over a missed assignment. Anxiety that, in all likelihood, disrupted his peace of mind and might have even overshadowed the joy of learning.
So, our lesson took a slightly different route that day. Instead of notes and rhythms, we talked about the mind. We discussed the importance of being present, of letting go of worries, and of being forgiving towards oneself. We dedicated the initial moments of our lesson to “connecting the mind to the body” – through some focused breathing exercises and a brief meditation.
The episode was a stark reminder of the importance of mindfulness, not just in life but in our approach to teaching. As educators, we need to remember that our role is not just to teach a subject, but to mentor a human being. And often, the lessons outside the syllabus are the ones that truly matter. They help shape resilient, mindful individuals ready to face the challenges of the world.
Incorporating mindfulness into teaching doesn’t mean turning every class into a meditation session. It means being present, being receptive, and understanding that every student’s journey is unique. It means recognizing that, sometimes, the best way to move forward is to take a moment, breathe, and simply be.