BBC: Mindfulness

OK, I want you to close your eyes. Focus...on your brathing. 

Er, Neil? Can we do this later? We've only got six minutes. 

Ok, Catherine. Welcome to a mindful edition of 6Minute English, where we're exploring the rise of mindfulness- particularly in schools. 

And we'll be teaching six items of vocabulary along the way. So I think we should start with mindfulness itself. 

Being mindful, as an adjective, means 'being calmly aware of everything in your body and mind'. You only focus on 'now'.

People practise mindfulness, the noun, by focusing only on their brath, and not allowing themselves to be distracted by passing thoughts. 

Indeed. It's traditionally associated with Buddhism, and has become incredibly popular in the secular world- in workplaces, in private classes and even in schools. 

Secular means 'non-religious' by the way. 

OK. I just mentioned schools: how many teachers in the UK are trained to teach mindfulness? Is it...

a) 500     b) 5.000    or c) 50,000?

Let me focus really hard- I think it's 5,000.

A very mindful answer, Catherine. But I'll reveal the real answer later. Now let's hear from one teacher who's been practising mindfulness with students for many years. Aliuson Mayo, Head of Early Years at Dharma Primary School, thinks it's particulary suited to young children. Why?

That's very natural for children- to be in the present. And we really kind of celebrate that becaue that is a place where they are learning. So, if they feel grounded, then they can really develop their concentration and their focus, and relax. Learning happens so much more easily if you're relaxed and happy.

Alison said it was natural for children to be in the present. 

The present- means 'now'. you'll know it from the 'present tense' in grammar. And people who pracxtise mindfulness use this phrase a lot- to be in the present, or in the present moment. 

It sounds simple, but actually it's very hard to achieve. 

Well, Neil, it might be for an old chap like you, but for young peopl, Miss Mayo, thinks it's very natural.

Fair enough. Being grounded, as she says, helps students concentrate and learn in a relaxed way. 

Grounded is another good adjective there- it means 'rational, sensible, clear thinking'.

So, she's a fan of mindfulness. And there's growing evidence behind its benefits. 

Yes. The UK's national health advisory body has recommended it to help treat condition like depression and anxiety.