Carolyn Hickey
Educator, Meditation Teacher
Change Leader
I am a teacher, educator and leader called to serve and support the development of young people in this new educational and world climate. I bring to this vision 16 years of experience working in wellbeing and pastoral care development and support.
My natural path drew me to the wellbeing and welfare needs of young people and their families. I have worked closely with students, their parents and teachers in a management capacity for over 10 years as a wellbeing leader.
My inspiration stems from time living and traveling abroad and through my personal and academic study. Having completed a Post Graduate Diploma in Educational Leadership and training in Meditation, Hatha Yoga, and Energy Healing I have discovered the powerful gift of balance.
Wellness is the way forward, wellness builds foundations for engaged learning. Wellness and resilience create a ripple effect that builds confident students who are keen to create, keen to explore and keen to learn.
Looking at learning
'We all learn best when we enjoy the journey and this involves feeling calm, focused and energised'.
The many issues and situations faced by the individuals that I have worked closely with were not unique. The same challenges of varying degrees were experienced by many,
'a pattern of deteriorating mental health, family breakdown', trauma, illness and grief all of which adversely impacts large numbers of students AND their capacity to LEARN to enjoy LIFE!'
A healthy wellbeing and self- regulation tools are necessary for young people and adults alike to enjoy both their learning and their lives. When we enjoy what we do we naturally find our flow.
How can you take a positive step forward in education?
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Help boost the wellbeing needs of all students and staff in schools by educating on breath-centered meditation.
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Breath-centered meditation leads to improved self-regulation and self-care skills = resilience building.
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Meditation is supported by the latest neuroscience data. Calm breathing practices improve both body function, immune system health, mental and emotional health and brain function.
Why Breath- Centred Meditation?
Diaphragmatic Breathing
Takes the body out of the stress response. Resets the body when in the flight and fight response and promotes calm.
Promotes Self- Regulation
Breath focus is a tool assisting self-regulation of emotions and behaviour and aids energy restoration.
Improves Mood and Immunity
Increases the grey matter of the brain. Promotes optimism and positivity. A positive mindset also supports a strengthened immune system.
Generates Brain Synchronicity
The left and right sides of the brain work together to engage imagination and creativity alongside reasoning and analysis.
Supports Memory Recall
Increased grey matter supports greater memory recall which is pivotal for building confidence in learning and developing learning pathways.
The Optimal Learning Zone
Creates calm, alertness and razor-sharp focus. Perfect for learning new concepts or embracing your passion.
Pilot Studies
In 2017, a pilot program implementing breath-centered meditation (BCM) in Year 9 at a Sydney High School lead to quality findings. The process included the training, implementation, and monitoring of BCM for both staff and students. Initially, the concept and vision were pitched to the Staff Body and enthusiastic staff would become part of a team, 'The Breathe Team'.
These staff volunteers took part in 6 weeks of training and practice, which allowed these teachers to implement the learned training in their classrooms. Surveys were completed before, during and after the program to monitor progress and share feedback.
The training program supported both staff and students with the aim of developing and maintaining a healthy sense of wellbeing, improved brain function and capacity. The breathing technique is supported by the latest neuroscience research, whereby the breathing takes us out of the stress response of 'fight or flight', instead of activating the parasympathetic nervous system which calms the body.
In 2018, the meditation program commenced 3 mornings a week as part of the Year 7 morning
Homeroom program. Students commenced surveys after 6 weeks of practice the finds again were supportive of the benefits of meditation for these young people.
Diaphragmatic breathing practices are shown to universally improve health and wellbeing.
WHY DO WE NEED THIS?
EDUCATION IS IN NEED OF CHANGE.
Adults and young people alike are challenged by increasing demands, deadlines, responsibilities, expectations and competition. Many find modern life over stimulating, resulting in a state of dis -ease: physically, mentally and emotionally. This often leads to mental overload, agitation or moodiness throughout the day- this is not conducive to enjoyable and exciting learning.
Education must change. Are we in need of a knockdown rebuild or can we restructure and renovate?
The state of body, mind and yes, spirit, directly impacts the lives and learning of both our staff and students. Taking a break to slow down, stop, reconnect and reset makes us much happier, feel better, learn better and be more efficient, creative and constructive.
WHEN WE ARE WELL BOTH LIFE AND LEARNING FEEL BETTER
Breathe for wellbeing, for learning and for life is one place to start your education renovation.
Mid and Post Practice
Students reflect on the benefits of meditating after only 2 weeks.
Students saw the impact of meditating in their lives.
The more regular the meditation the more benefits enjoyed.
Neuroscience, AI and the Future of Education | Scott Bolland | TEDxSouthBank
Sources
http://eocinstitute.org/meditation/increase-your-intelligence-with-meditation/
https://eric.ed.gov/?id=EJ741875
http://www.huffingtonpost.com.au/entry/breathing-health_n_3696302
http://journals.plos.org/plosone/article?id=10.1371/journal.pone.0002576
https://mindfulnessinschools.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/02/MiSP-Research-Summary-2012.pdf
http://www.naeyc.org/files/yc/file/201107/Self-Regulation_Florez_OnlineJuly2011.pdf
https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s10648-014-9258-2
https://theconversation.com/why-meditation-should-be-taught-in-schools-42755
http://www.yoga4classrooms.com/yoga-4-classrooms-blog/mindfulness-in-schools-what-research-tells-us