Page 15 - FIS World November 2016

On 21 September , the FISW community was welcomed with a sign on the front door
that said “Breathe.” It was an invitation and a reminder to begin the day with a breath. So many times, we forget to
breathe and the day was an opportunity for the whole community to do so in a mindful way.
Globally it was International Peace Day, a day inspired by the United Nations “to strengthen the ideals of peace both within and among all nations and peoples.” Across the school, wonderful work in each classroom did just that, bringing peace to individuals, class groups and the entire school community.
Our peaceful leader and FISW Principal, Andrea Rosinger, had already initiated mindfulness at the beginning of sta meetings and assemblies through a “Peaceful Minute” with the ultimate goal of moving the school through a mindful transition to “restorative discipline,” a model of teaching responsibility and creating caring environments.
The Peaceful Parent session gave a group of parents a chance to stop, breath, connect and share. “I felt very relaxed, peaceful and calm,” said one participant. “I was able to leave everything else at the door and bring the feelings with me throughout the day. I really liked it I would certainly come again.”
Throughout the day, we joined classes to lead our children through a guided garden meditation with breath, art and yoga. What resonated with us was how the children allowed themselves to enter into a calm space, journeying into a magical world and returning with some wonderful strategies that they will be able to use at any time and anywhere. “I used the key (you gave us) to go into the garden again last night,” said one Primary student. “It was fun. I was happy and calm.”
“Before we can approach developing empathy and solving problems with our friends, we need to start learning how to be more peaceful within ourselves,” said Ms. Rosinger. It is also an initiative linked to the school strategic plan of health and wellness in the community.
As parents, we chose to participate in this day because we believe in what the school is doing to create a more present and thoughtful child, and we both have experience in the areas of yoga and meditation. We created a day of peaceful moments with parents and students, which began by inviting parents to join us for a guided meditation.
Mindfulness is a present, focused, open and non-judgemental state of attention. Bene ts include emotional, mental and physical wellness. When listening with full and present attention, relationships prosper and non-judgemental acceptance and compassion of self and child can follow.
In relation to parenting, there is now strong evidence to show that when parents bring a present-moment awareness of their emotions and pause before they react with anger, stress or frustration that children’s stress levels reduce.
We need to start
learning how to
be more peaceful
within ourselves.
Andrea Rosinger
FISW teacher, George Walton, said. ”Naturally, Grade 3 students have a lot of energy. I love their excitement but a sense of calmness was needed. I was using a Sounds from Nature CD and reminding them to be mindful with mixed results. Transitions, from recess in particular, were hard. After the session with Ms. Van Eldik Thieme and Ms. Karpeles , I had yet another tool
– and it’s making a di erence.”
Another parent let us know afterwards about how her son enjoyed the meditation. “He was so excited and able to repeat the entire story to us,” she said. “He actually took us on a wonderful walk by narrating the story. Thank you so much!”
This day and the little moments within proved something so big to us – that through our hearts and breath – peace does start with us.
Allyson van Eldik Thieme, Angela Karpeles
FISW Parents
November 2016 FIS World 13