Extending Tobin’s mindfulness in education

Cogenerating insights into the dialectics of contemplative practices in educational and lifeworld settings

“…We were struck by the current "contemplative revolution" (Zajonc, 2013) based on quieting the mind to increase individual capacity for self-awareness, attentiveness, openness, and connection. We considered Richard Cleveland's (2019) conceptualization of mindfulness as being "more than a mere state of mind, but conscious moment-by-moment awareness of emotional, cognitive, and physical experiences" (p. 1116). Noticing or observing each moment with openness and acceptance enables an unbounded sense of awareness (Higgins and Eden, 2018).…”

“…Extending beyond thoughts, Tobin et al's study (2016) used polyvagal theory to investigate how meditative breathing can highlight physiological states associated with different types of emotional energy. In the spirit of non-judgmental scholarship (Cleveland, 2019), we seek to disturb the waters and create a "ripple effect" (Noble and Powietrzyńska, 2021, this issue) through our work by suggesting that for classrooms, it is also important to explore various forms of mindfulness from Buddhist traditions such as Theravada and Mahayana where, as Kwah (2020) pointed out, values of compassion and care are foundational.…”

Aware I Am Alone: Intersections of Solitude and Mindfulness

“…In summary, the review of the literature addressing the Western tradition of mindfulness suggests a definition of mindfulness as purposeful, non-judgmental, present-moment awareness that incorporates novelty-production (Cleveland, 2018a;Gehart & McCollum, 2007;Langer, 2009). The use of mindfulness practices extends beyond the mental health/wellness setting; they are also applied within K-12 educational settings, among others (Cleveland, 2016; Tadlock-Marlo, 2011; Tobin, 2018).…”

“…Mindfulness practitioners are called to be authentic in their guiding and instruction of MBIs (McCown, Reibel & Micozzi, 2011), and a similar call has been made for mindfulness scholarship (Cleveland, 2018a;Tobin, 2018). At times, such congruence may lead to disparate voices even within the community of scholars; however, it is hoped that 'mindful scholars' investigating mindfulness live out core elements, such as open awareness and a non-judgmental stance.…”